Jangtaesan Recreational Forest in Daejeon is a Spectacular Metasequoia Dream | 7 Things to See & Do

In a country packed with truly spectacular fall foliage sights, Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is unique. I can safely say I’ve never encountered any other place quite like it – not just in Korea, but in the world.

There’s no other place quite like Jangtaesan in Korea.

Located in Daejeon, about 3 hours south of Seoul by car or KTX, Jangtaesan Forest is the unforgettable autumn day tour in Korea you won’t regret taking. I, for one, cannot wait to go back to bask in all that burnt orange glory once again.

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest | 장태산자연휴양림

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is home to Korea’s largest metasequoia forest. It’s a really special experience to be in the midst of over 6,300 densely packed metasequoia trees, majestically towering 38-metres high around you, Whether you see it from below, within, or high above, Jangtaesan is beyond stunning.

Jangtaesan is stunning from every angle.

And while all those tightly bunched metasequoia trees are truly unforgettable, you’ll also see forests full of golden ginkgo and bald cypress, lush valleys, a botanical garden, reflexology foot paths, and an ecological pond.

Jangtaesan is a huge natural forest, with many wonderful things to see and do inside.

Jangtaesan spans nearly 816,000 square metres, and there’s a ton to do inside the forest, including a sky tower and suspension bridge, hiking, educational programs, and much, much more. You can even stay overnight inside the park if you wish!

Best Time to Visit Jangtaesan Recreational Forest

With the right mindset and gear, a visit to Jangtaesan will never disappoint. While true that winter in Korea can be devastatingly cold, it can also be a wonderland of fluffy snowflakes and sparkling ice crystals dangling from branches.

Winter in Korea can be a wonderland of snow and ice © Yu Yeong-bok, Korea Tourism Organization

In springtime, new buds colour the trees with the freshest, most optimistic green. And by summer in Korea, Jangtaesan Mountain is awash in nature, and the welcome shade of a canopy of trees.

Gorgeous greens at Jangtaesan © IR Studio, Korea Tourism Organization

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is particularly magnificent during autumn in Korea, when a breathtaking kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows paint the entire park in a wondrous celebration of colour.

Autumn at Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is glorious © Woo Jae-yong, Korea Tourism Organization

Time your visit for late autumn (that means early to mid November), if you’ve got your heart set on seeing that incredible forest of burnt orange metasequoia trees. You might even get caught in a thrilling metasequoia needle shower. I did!

How to Go to Jangtaesan from Seoul

Address: 461, Jangan-ro, Seo-gu, Daejeon | 대전광역시 서구 장안로 461

Jangtaesan Forest is located on the outskirts of Daejeon – a small city a few hours south of Seoul.

Using public transit

There are both intercity buses and KTX high speed trains that travel between Seoul and Daejeon, but it’s best to take the train. The cost is pretty much the same, but it’s a whole lot faster than the bus. Once in Daejeon, take a local bus or taxi to Jangtaesan Recreational Forest.

Jangtaesan is on the outskirts of Daejeon © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

Driving independently

If you’ve rented a car, or have your own vehicle, there are several different ways to reach Daejeon from Seoul, with or without toll fees. These take between 3 to 4 hours, in perfect traffic conditions. Search on Naver Maps to get driving directions, and choose from all the different routes available to you.

On a day tour

Jangtaesan’s explosion in popularity led to the creation of new day tours from Seoul to the metasequoia field of dreams.

Jeonju Hanok Village is full of traditional Korean homes and experiences.

If you want to avoid all the hassle of DIY, and maximize your time in Korea by also seeing Jeonju Hanok Village at the same time, joining a day tour is an option to consider – especially since it doesn’t cost much more than if you were to travel to both places yourself.

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Things to See and Do at Jangtaesan

Though it’s certainly enough to simply stroll through the breathtaking beauty of the forest, there’s a few other worthy things to do inside Jangtaesan Recreational Forest.

The beauty of the forest will probably be enough for you © Min Ok-seon, Korea Tourism Organization

READ NEXT: Visiting Korea in November | Weather, Best Festivals + What to Wear and Pack

Get a Feed-worthy Photo

A few years back, Jangtaesan Recreational Forest exploded onto Instagram feeds with a fear of heights defying image of vivid cone-shaped trees, and a levitating boulder.

Relatively unknown to travelers before that, it’s now a required stop if you’re visiting Korea in autumn. Understandably.

This is the photo location that started it all…

To get to this photo spot – cross the suspension bridge, then hike up a steep, but not overly long trail to a wooden observation platform.

During peak autumn season, you’ll likely see a line of people waiting to take THAT pic. It can take a couple hours to get to the front of the line (no exaggeration), so prepare with water and maybe a hat. The sun can be very strong, even in November.

I couldn’t stand on that boulder for long. Sitting was much more comfortable.

The boulder is very stable and surprisingly, it wasn’t overly scary standing on top of it (despite my fear of heights), but do exercise EXTREME caution.

An accident could definitely happen if you’re not being careful, and trust me, it’s a long way down, with nothing to stop your fall. Injuries (maybe death) are pretty much guaranteed.

Limited Edition Autumn Tours in Korea

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest isn’t the only gorgeous autumn spot in Korea! Check out these tours to the best autumn hotspots in Korea, which only take place for a few months each year.

Naejangsan is one of the most popular autumn hotspots in Korea ⓒ Ha Nam-gi, Korea Tourism Organization

• Hwadam Botanic Garden + Namhansanseong Fortress (UNESCO)  |  September 3rd – October 19th, 2023
• Nari Park, Pink Muhly Grass + Dumulmeori from Seoul  |  September 25th – October 13th, 2023
• Jangtaesan and Jeonju Hanok Village Day Tour from Seoul | September 25th – November 25th, 2023
• Seoraksan Maple Leaves Tour (optional Cable Car) | October 2nd – 20th, 2023
• Alpaca World + Hongcheon Ginkgo Tree Forest  | October 10th – 24th, 2023
• Seoraksan National Park with Cable Car Day Tour from Seoul | October 16th – November 3rd, 2023
• Seoraksan (Osaek Autumn Foliage) + Nami & Garden of Morning Calm OR Alpaca World  |  October 16th – November 3rd, 2023
• Seoul City Autumn Tour (Gamaksan, Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Haneul Park + Jingwansa)  |  October 16th – November 24th, 2023
• Classic Naejangsan National Park Tour (VIP Bus Available)  |   October 26th – November 15th, 2023
• Naejangsan Autumn Foliage Maples Leaves Tour | October 30th – November 5th, 2023
• Naejangsan National Park + Jeonju Hanok Village from Seoul  |  November 1st – 13th, 2023, Wednesdays and Fridays ONLY

A ginkgo forest dream in Hongcheon © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

READ NEXT: 14 Golden Places to See Ginkgo Trees and Leaves in Korea

Walk Across the Forest Skyway and Suspension Bridge

No visit to Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is complete without a visit to the Forest Skyway and Suspension Bridge.

The Forest Experience Skyway is one of the best ways to be completely immersed in the stunning beauty of all those fantastic metasequoia trees. It’s on a winding elevated pathway, that passes right through the tree line.

Take a stroll atop the Forest Skyway at Jangtaesan.

The Forest Skyway is pretty sturdy, but the same can’t be said of the spectacular suspension bridge. It’s worth the wobbles though. The views from this bridge are awe-inspiring… and well, you’ll have to cross it if you want that levitating boulder picture anyway.

You’ll have to cross this wobbly suspension bridge, if you want THAT pic.

Climb the Sky Tower

The Sky Tower’s design reminds me a lot of Mancheonha Skywalk in Danyang, with its winding pathway, and open sides. The climb is not long or steep, so it’s accessible to pretty much anyone. I’m almost certain strollers could even be pushed up the Sky Tower, without much effort.

The Sky Tower has views from every angle © Song Jaekeun, Korea Tourism Organization

From the peak of the Sky Tower, you’ll have panoramic views over Jangtaesan Recreational Forest. Take a break on the benches at the top, and drink in the view, while breathing in all that oxygen-rich air.

READ NEXT: 11 Spectacular Places to Visit in Seoul during Autumn

Take a Forest Bath

Plants and trees release phytoncides, which have antibacterial and antifungal qualities that fight disease. Wandering through a forest, while taking deep breaths has been found to boost immune systems, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress.

Coniferous, needleleaf trees are known to produce phytoncides in the greatest quantities, so Jangtaesan’s huge forest of metasequoia is not only gorgeous, it’s also good for you!

Just look at all those phytoncide-rich needleleaves!

Forest bathing is a super popular activity in Korea, and you’ll come across many parks with specific areas set up for doing just that – so keep a lookout on your walks through nature.

READ NEXT: 15 Surreal Spots to See Pink Muhly Grass in Korea

Go Hiking

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest rightfully gets most of its attention for those magnificent metasequoia trees, but let’s not forget that it’s ACTUALLY a mountain, with many kilometres of hiking trails to conquer.

My daughter hiked up even higher than me, with her oppa, while I waited in line at the boulder.

Pick up a hiking map from the park information centre, or look out for signs pointing you in the right direction. There are a number of different trails of varying difficulties, with some having stairs or safety ropes available. Generally speaking, the higher in elevation you ascend, the more difficult the hiking will become.

Playground and Traditional Games

If you’re visiting Jangtaesan Recreational Forest with kids, you’ll be relieved to know there’s a small playground to entertain them. While it’s more appropriate for younger kids, our gang of littles had no problem having fun there.

Even the playground at Jangtaesan is gorgeous!

There’s food, coffee, and a seating area nearby, so you can relax with your kids in view.

You can also search out a metasequoia nestled area with traditional Korean games to play, like Squid Game.

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Explore the Ecological Pond

Surrounded by magnificent trees, the wooden boardwalk that spans Jangtaesan Recreational Forest’s ecological pond is incredibly picturesque. It’s a gorgeous spot from which to observe the various aquatic plants, fish, and frogs living inside the pond.

Stroll atop the wooden boardwalk © Lee Bumsu, Korea Tourism Organization

Brave the Reflexology Paths

A reflexology path is designed to massage and activate acupressure points in our feet, as you walk atop a series of protruding stones of different shapes and sizes.

It can be a breeze to walk across, or it can be very painful – it all depends on your overall level of health, since each of the acupressure points in your feet corresponds with a different organ in your body.

My dad taking a stroll on a reflexology path in Korea.

If you’d like to see how you measure up, seek out one of the many reflexology paths in Jangtaesan Recreational Forest, and take a walk. Take off your shoes and walk barefoot across the stones for the best result.

Daejeon Hotels | Where to Stay

Jangtaesan Recreational Forest is on the outskirts of Daejeon, so there aren’t a ton of hotels close to the forest. However, it’s easy to get there by local public transportation or taxi from the centre. It’s better to stay centrally in the city anyway, for easier access to a bigger variety of restaurants and other amenities.

The glorious woods of Jangtaesan are accessible by public transit from Daejeon.

Hotel Onoma, Autograph Collection

Hotel Onoma is part of the Autograph Collection, so you can count on a luxurious vibe in an excellent location. It also offers an indoor swimming pool in the sky, on-site restaurants, and world-class service.

Dunsan Graytone Hotel

From single rooms to family suites, the Dunsan Graytone Hotel has an accommodation choice that’s perfect for you. Best of all? It’s affordable, clean, spacious, and steps to public transit. Some rooms even have a kitchen and a washing machine!

Staying at Jangtaesan Recreational Forest

If you’ve headed to Daejeon purely to gawk at the beautfy of the forest, you can actually stay INSIDE Jangtaesan. There are a few different pension style accommodations available, in a few separate areas of the park.

It’s possible to sleep inside the forest © Kim Jiho, Korea Tourism Organization

Reservations can be made on their website (Korean only), with prices ranging from 44,000 to 350,000 won per night, depending on the season, number of people, and size of the room. The largest accommodation can sleep up to 15 people!

We loved our family time at Jangtaesan Recreational Forest!

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What do you think? Are you brave enough to stand on that levitating boulder, high above Jangtaesan’s stunning metasequoia forest?