Yulgok Arboretum

A green place to rest and connect with nature with your kids, Yulgok Arboretum in Paju

Location and basic information

• Address: 392 Jangseungbaegi-ro, Papyeong-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
• Hours: Open year-round
• Admission: Free
• Parking: Spacious free parking lot available
• Public transportation: Transfer to Bus 92 at Munsan Station on the Gyeongui Line, get off at Yulgok Arboretum Stop, then walk for about 10 minutes

What makes Yulgok Arboretum special

Yulgok Arboretum is a large public arboretum that was fully developed by Paju City in the 2010s. It manages diverse plant resources, including more than 300,000 trees and herbaceous plants across about 1,300 species, making it a wonderful place where you and your kids can see and experience different landscapes and plants in every season.

• Total area: About 34.15 hectares, so it is quite spacious.
• There are 21 themed garden areas and spaces that spark your child's curiosity, including a donated tree garden, glass greenhouse, rock garden, and ecological learning area.

Walks, rest, and hands-on experiences

• The 5 km walking trail surrounding the arboretum is perfect for strolling with your kids and enjoying nature, with spots such as the Imjingang Observatory, Solhyanggi-gil Trail, and Munbawi.
• Depending on the season, you can see peonies, asters, and various wildflowers, making it easy to observe changes in nature throughout the year.
• With its wide lawn plaza, rest areas, and forest experience area for young children, it is a great place for family picnics and relaxation.

Experience programs for children

• Forest experience program for young children: Child-led activities such as forest play and nature observation are offered for preschoolers.
• Forest healing programs: Programs for a wide range of ages, including Family Forest, Healing Forest, and Mom Vitality Forest, are offered seasonally by reservation. Please check the Paju City Hall website in advance.

Facilities and helpful tips

• Basic facilities such as the visitor center, indoor rest area, and restrooms are clean and well maintained.
• Some sections are accessible with strollers and wheelchairs.
• The parking lot is large and free, so even weekend visits feel easy, and admission is also free.
• To help protect nature, damaging or collecting plants, loud disturbances, smoking, and drinking alcohol are strictly prohibited.
• Shade canopies and tents are not allowed, but picnic mats are allowed.
• Bringing a packed lunch and enjoying it on a picnic mat is recommended.
• There are not many places to throw away trash, so be sure to bring trash bags.
• The forest experience area for young children has a space for sand play, so if your child enjoys playing with sand, bring some sand toys.
• Strollers can be used in the lower part of the arboretum, but as you go higher, there are more stairs and uneven ground, which makes pushing a stroller difficult.
• The view from the observatory is truly beautiful, but please note that the path up is quite steep.
• Going up to the Healing Forest is highly recommended. There are lots of wooden decks, and being in the middle of the forest feels deeply relaxing.
• The cafe near the entrance sells drinks, and the Jangdan bean red bean bread is not overly sweet and is worth trying.

Seasonal highlights

• Spring: Azaleas, peonies, and various wildflowers bloom beautifully for a bright and cheerful walk.
• Summer: You can enjoy nature in the cool shade of the trees and take part in various forest experiences.
• Autumn: With asters and autumn foliage, this is one of the best seasons to visit.
• Winter: You can enjoy a quiet walk surrounded by peaceful, snow-covered scenery.

Recommended for these families

• Families with kids who love to run and play in nature
• Kids who want to observe flowers, trees, insects, and other living things up close
• Families looking for healthy outdoor activities such as forest experiences, nature learning, and walks

Things to know before your visit

• If you bring a packed lunch and drinks, you can enjoy a picnic in the spacious rest areas.
• Some areas may be slippery on rainy days, so it is a good idea to bring a spare pair of shoes or rain gear.
• Some experience programs may be limited in winter, so checking in advance is recommended.

"Yulgok Arboretum is a precious place where both kids and adults can enjoy true rest and learning in nature, just a short trip away from the city."