Places of interest

홍천 은행나무숲

3.6 · 967 reviews
A quiet and golden autumn sanctuary.
홍천 은행나무숲, 686-4 Gwang-won-ri, Nae-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Interesting facts
1

The owner began planting the ginkgo trees in 1985 to improve his wife's health through forest bathing.

2

The forest contains approximately 2,000 ginkgo trees planted in a grid-like, symmetrical pattern.

3

The entire site is private property, yet it is opened to the public voluntarily by the owner every October.

4

Ginkgo leaves here typically turn a uniform shade of bright yellow during the peak of mid-October.

Overview

Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest is a private forest spanning approximately 40,000 square meters, exclusively planted with over 2,000 ginkgo trees. It was created by a single individual who spent 30 years planting one tree per day as a gift for their spouse suffering from chronic digestive issues. The forest features a highly symmetrical layout, with rows of trees planted at 5-meter intervals. It is widely recognized as a top autumn foliage destination in Gangwon-do due to the density and synchronized gold color change of the trees. The site remains a private property that is generously opened to the public for a limited period each year. The terrain is flat, making it accessible for casual walkers and photographers.

Photo spot

The main central path where the perfectly aligned rows of golden ginkgo trees converge.

Insider tips

Visit during weekdays to avoid significant crowds that gather during the peak foliage season.

Bring a tripod if you plan to capture the symmetrical tree lines, as the forest floor can be dark under the canopy.

Check local foliage reports for Gangwon-do, as the peak viewing window usually lasts only two to three weeks.

What to avoid

Visiting outside of October, as the forest is typically closed to the public and the trees will be bare or green.

Good to know

Open to the public only during the month of October.

Etiquette

Respect the private nature of the land by staying on marked paths and removing all trash.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-October, early morning for optimal light and fewer crowds.
Address
홍천 은행나무숲, 686-4 Gwang-won-ri, Nae-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
37.831, 128.469
Get directions
Details
Botanical FeaturesOver 2,000 mature ginkgo trees planted in a 5-meter grid.
GroundsFlat terrain with dirt paths suitable for walking.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-October, early morning for optimal light and fewer crowds..

The main central path where the perfectly aligned rows of golden ginkgo trees converge.

Close by you'll find 칡소계곡, 삼봉약수, Sangwonsa.

South Korea

About Pyeongchang-gun