The forest is officially designated as Daegu Natural Monument No. 1, highlighting its high ecological and historical importance.
It features a rare natural cluster of Oriental Arbor-vitae (Thuja orientalis), a conifer species native to East Asia.
The rocky, limestone-rich soil of Palgongsan Mountain provides the unique alkaline microclimate necessary for these trees to flourish.
The site represents one of the northernmost naturally occurring populations of this thuja species on the Korean Peninsula.
Several of the individual trees within the forest are estimated to be hundreds of years old, possessing gnarled trunks and weathered bark.
The Dodong Thuja Forest is a protected natural habitat located on the slopes of Palgongsan Mountain in Dong-gu, Daegu, South Korea. It is officially designated as Natural Monument No. 1 in Daegu for its dense concentration of native oriental arbor-vitae trees. The forest covers a steep hillside, featuring towering evergreen Thuja orientalis trees that thrive in the rocky limestone terrain. It serves as an ecological relic, representing the northern limit of spontaneous thuja growth in the region. A designated walking path allows visitors to observe the ancient trees up close without damaging the fragile root systems. The site carries high academic value regarding the distribution of Korean evergreen forests. It offers a tranquil escape from urban Daegu, set against the backdrop of the surrounding mountain landscape.
From the wooden observation deck looking upward into the dense canopy of ancient evergreen trunks.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good traction, as the paths on the mountain slope can be steep and uneven.
Combine your visit to the forest with a wider trip to explore the scenic trails of Palgongsan Provincial Park.
Respect all barriers and stay on the designated boardwalks to protect the shallow root systems of the protected trees.
Do not step off the walking paths or attempt to climb the trees, as the area is strictly protected by heritage laws.
Stay on marked trails, refrain from touching or carving into the protected tree trunks, and maintain a quiet volume to preserve the peaceful atmosphere.
