Cheongoksan National Recreational Forest

Cheongoksan National Recreational Forest sits on the eastern slopes of the Cheongoksan range in Bonghwa, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and is one of the higher-elevation national recreational forests in Korea (base around 700 m, summit around 1,277 m). The combination of mixed conifer-hardwood canopy and clean stream water makes it a popular spot for serious forest bathing rather than casual day trips. Trails range from a one-hour stream loop to a full summit climb of about five hours. Cabin-style overnight units, a forest spa, and an open-air woodworking pavilion are bookable through the Korea Forest Service portal (foresttrip.go.kr) on a 3-month rolling window. Autumn colors here run a week or two later than the lower forests, extending the leaf-peeping season into early November — the elevated dark-canopy forest turns a distinctive burnt-orange in mid to late October. Pair with the Bonghwa Geographic Hot Spring (30 minutes by car) and the broader Bonghwa mountain-tourism cluster for a longer stay.