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In a picturesque district of Daegu lies the Hwawon Natural Forest Park — a true oasis of tranquility and freshness. This public forest resort, covering an impressive area of 720,000 m², has become a favorite getaway for both locals and travelers seeking to swap city noise for the rustle of leaves. South Korea is famous for its well-maintained natural areas, and this park is a perfect testament to that.

Hwawon Natural Recreation Forest. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Officially opened in 2010, the park offers a harmonious blend of wild nature and modern infrastructure. Here, you will find dense forests, crystal-clear mountain streams with small waterfalls, and well-equipped zones for family leisure. Thanks to its convenient location — just 30 minutes from the city center — it is ideal for a short escape to nature.

The main feature of Hwawon Park is its atmosphere: even on the hottest summer days, it remains pleasantly cool. Travelers appreciate this place for the opportunity to organize a picnic by the water, walk along ecological trails, or simply enjoy the silence in the shade of ancient trees at the foot of the Biseolsan mountain range.

To plan your visit to Hwawon Natural Forest Park and book vacation cabins, you can use the official contact details of the park administration.

In Hwawon Natural Forest Park, everyone will find something to their liking, whether it's an active hike or relaxed contemplation. The main magnet for visitors during the warm season is the mountain stream with small waterfalls. Along the water, special areas are equipped with free tables, benches, and canopies, where you can host the perfect family picnic while enjoying the sounds of flowing water.

For those who enjoy moving, numerous forest trails are laid out in the park. You can go for a light walk or choose a more challenging route leading to the peaks of the Biseolsan ridge. Along the way, it is worth stopping by the ancient Yongmunsa temple to feel the spirit of traditional Korea. For those who prefer team games, the grounds feature a jokgu (foot volleyball) court and an open-air amphitheater for various events.

Families with children will certainly appreciate the children's forest playground (Yua-sup), where safe conditions for outdoor play have been created. It is important to remember the park's strict rules: pitching tents outside designated areas, lighting fires, and bringing pets are prohibited. Guests are required to take all trash with them, which keeps the area impeccably clean. If you want to stay longer, you can book one of the cozy wooden cabins to spend a night in the heart of the forest.

Getting to this natural corner from the center of Daegu is quite simple. By car, the trip takes about 30 minutes: head towards the Hwawon-eup district via the Daegu Arboretum, then turn at the Hwacheongyo Bridge towards the Mun family settlement and follow the signs to the resort itself. Free parking is provided on-site, divided into zones for those staying in cabins and day visitors.

For those who prefer public transport, the metro is a convenient option. You need to reach Daegok station (Line 1, Exit 1), walk about 100 meters to the bus stop, and transfer to bus Dalseong 2 (달성2). Get off at the Mabijeonggyo stop, from where you can walk to the park entrance in 15 minutes, following the signs to Yongmunsa Temple.

You can also always use a taxi directly from the metro station or the city center to save time. Active lifestyle enthusiasts often include the park in their cycling routes, as the surrounding roads are scenic and comfortable for riding.

The history of Hwawon Natural Forest Park as an official state facility began on July 15, 2010. It was opened by the Dalseong-gun district administration with the goal of creating an accessible recreational zone where modern amenities would harmoniously blend with the region's pristine flora and fauna.

However, this area was popular among residents of Daegu long before its official opening. The Yongmungyeok valley has long been considered a "secret" spot where city dwellers came seeking cool relief during the exhausting summer heat. Clear mountain streams and the thick shade of centuries-old trees made it an ideal place for informal relaxation by the water.

During the park's creation, great attention was paid to preserving the cultural landscape. The park territory borders the ancient Buddhist temple Yongmunsa and traditional Korean attractions, such as the historic Nampyeong Mun family settlement. This emphasizes the continuity of traditions, where nature and Korea's spiritual heritage exist in inseparable unity.

Since its opening, the park's infrastructure has been constantly improving. Today, it is not just a forest but a high-tech resort with a well-thought-out safety system, ecological trails, and modern forest cabins, allowing it to become one of the most sought-after spots for ecotourism in the southern part of the country.

For a typical introductory visit and a leisurely walk along the main trails of Hwawon Natural Forest Park, you will need about 3–4 hours. This is quite enough time to reach the stream, have a small picnic, and enjoy the forest air.

If you are planning a full-scale family vacation with visits to children's playgrounds, outdoor dining, and a hike up the trails towards the Biseolsan ridge, it is better to set aside half a day or even a full day. Many visitors prefer to stay here for the weekend, booking cabins to witness the quiet forest dawn.

Access to the walking trails and picnic areas in Hwawon Natural Forest Park is open to visitors daily during daylight hours. However, for those planning to stay in the forest cabins (Suksok-ui-jip), there are strict check-in and check-out rules, which are recommended to be clarified at the time of booking.

Since the operating hours of some infrastructure facilities may change depending on the season, it is recommended to check for up-to-date information on the official forest recreation portal (foresttrip.go.kr) or call the park's inquiry service. Accommodation booking usually opens on Wednesdays for several weeks in advance.

A visit to Hwawon Park can be perfectly combined with exploring other interesting places in the region. Its location in the southern part of the city provides access to both active entertainment and cultural sites.

Exploring the surroundings of Daegu will allow you to see the city from different perspectives: from modern water parks and amusement zones to charming themed villages. Below is a list of interesting locations situated nearby: