Hongneung Forest, a century-old research forest, is expanding public access. The forest's signature landmarks, the "Eight Scenic Spots of Hongneung," will be unveiled for the first time.
The National Institute of Forest Science (NIFoS) under the Korea Forest Service announced Thursday that it will hold an opening ceremony at Hongneung Forest in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, on May 28.
Hongneung Forest, the cradle of Korea's forest science research with a 100-year history as a research and experimental forest, is being transformed into a space shared with the public.
NIFoS selected the "Eight Scenic Spots of Hongneung," symbolizing the forest's ecological and academic value, to coincide with the opening. The spots will be unveiled to the public for the first time.
The "Eight Scenic Spots of Hongneung" were selected through a multi-faceted review process including votes by current researchers, consultations with retired researchers, and input from external experts. The selections carry significance beyond mere scenery, as they capture the footprints of Korea's forest research over the past century.
The Eight Scenic Spots are: Spot 1 (King Cherry Trees), Spot 2 (Forest Science Museum), Spot 3 (Millennium Hill), Spot 4 (Three Chestnut Brothers), Spot 5 (Spreading Pine), Spot 6 (Amur Adonis), Spot 7 (Noble Poplar), and Spot 8 (Bald Cypress Forest).
Spot 1 (King Cherry Trees) features three king cherry trees planted in 1972. With their majestic forms and dazzling blossoms in spring, they represent Hongneung Forest's signature landscape. Spot 2 (Forest Science Museum) is a comprehensive exhibition hall offering an overview of Korea's forest history and ecosystem, serving as a space for sharing research achievements with the public. Spot 3 (Millennium Hill) was created to commemorate the year 2000, with a buried time capsule containing forest research achievements that symbolizes the future development of forestry. Spot 4 (Three Chestnut Brothers) is where three native Korean chestnut species stand side by side, making it an ideal site for forest education and biodiversity learning through species comparison.
Spot 5 (Spreading Pine) is the oldest tree in Hongneung Forest. Its branches spread wide from the base in all directions, and its commanding presence testifies to its long history. Spot 6 (Amur Adonis) is the first herald of spring, breaking through frozen ground. The plant holds high academic value, having served as a key indicator in phenological research for decades.
Spot 7 (Noble Poplar) was introduced in 1975 for reforestation and timber production research. It currently boasts the tallest recorded height among trees in Korea. Spot 8 (Bald Cypress Forest) has grown into a dense forest since its establishment in 1968. A shade garden beneath the trees hosts a variety of medicinal plants, making it a treasure trove of biodiversity.
Hongneung Forest is a symbolic space that has witnessed the birth and growth of Korea's forest science research. The expanded opening is expected to provide an opportunity for the public to directly enjoy the benefits of the forest and to appreciate the importance of forest science research in the era of climate crisis.
"Hongneung Forest is more than just scenery — it is a place where the efforts and records of researchers over the past 100 years have accumulated," said Dr. Choi Byung-ki of the Urban Forest Research Center at NIFoS. "We hope this opening allows the public to experience the value of forest science and our forests more closely."
