Introduction

In this post, we’ll delve into a review of the Wondae-ri Oak Forest in Inje which is Korea’s hidden winter tourist spot in Gangwon Province, . visited during the winter season.

While I had never visited during the winter months, having only been there a few times in the summer, I found myself stopping by on my way to Gangneung during a recent trip.

I recall that during my previous visit, the path to the oak forest was unpaved, which made the journey somewhat inconvenient.

However, this time, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the majority of the route to the oak forest was now smoothly paved with asphalt, making the walk comfortable and, above all, giving a sense of well-maintained satisfaction.

So, what scenic wonders does Inje’s oak forest hold, even in winter?

Information about Wondae-ri Oak Forest in Inje

• Parking Address: 769-7 Wondaeri, Inje-eup, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
• Parking Fee and Admission: Free
• Estimated Tour Duration in the Oak Forest: Approximately 2-3 hours round trip
• Entrance Hours: Summer 09:00 – 15:00, Winter 09:00 – 14:00
• Entry Restrictions: From early March to April 30
• Closed every Monday and Tuesday

A decade ago, when I resided in Gangneung, this was a place I frequently visited.

Back then, the nearby parking and the hiking trail to the oak forest were somewhat underdeveloped.

However, when I visited in 2022, the parking area was immaculately prepared, and the path was well-paved, ensuring a clean, asphalt-covered route even after rain. But amenities such as convenience stores or restaurants in the vicinity are still limited.

Thus, if you plan to visit around lunchtime, it’s advisable to pack some simple sandwiches and water in advance. Due to its susceptibility to wildfires, entry is restricted during dry seasons for fire prevention. It’s best not to plan a visit from March to April.

Parking at Wondae-ri Oak Forest

Parking is free and the spacious parking lot accommodates numerous vehicles. Given the high popularity during summer, it’s recommended to arrive early to avoid congestion. Particularly in the afternoon, as the entire area transitions into a mountainous region, be cautious as the sun sets early.

Navigating to Wondae-ri Oak Forest

Upon exiting the parking area, you’ll notice the path ascending towards the mountain. Note that only vehicles of park management staff are allowed to ascend; regular visitors must hike. Indeed, I observed several visitors attempting to drive up to the oak forest, unaware of this regulation.

Korea’s hidden winter tourist spot: Hiking to the Oak Forest

After passing the line controlled by park staff, you’ll encounter a fork in the path after about 5 minutes of ascent. Here, I chose the slightly inclined path on the right. As the oak forest sits at a considerable altitude, opting for a slightly uphill path from the beginning is advisable.

Korea’s hidden winter tourist spot: Traversing the Path

Typically, visitors can comfortably walk on the asphalt path as vehicles are restricted, but the slope is slightly steeper than anticipated. Therefore, wearing comfortable sneakers or hiking boots is recommended. It’s discouraged to wear formal shoes or boots solely for taking photos in the oak forest.

Reaching Wondae-ri Oak Forest

Although some oak trees are scattered along the way, this isn’t the main oak forest. You’ll need to walk for about 50 minutes along the path to finally reach Wondae-ri Oak Forest.

Exploring the Forest

After about 40 minutes of walking, you’ll reach a fork with a sign indicating the “Entrance Course to Oak Forest.” Here, veering off the asphalt path to the left leads you into the oak forest. Both left and right paths lead to the oak forest, but I recommend the left path.

Further Exploration

Continuing along a small hiking trail, the oak forest gradually reveals itself. While it’s indeed the oak forest we often see online, you’ll need to venture further inward to reach the area where many people gather to admire the scenery. Keep walking along the trail while capturing photos.

Winter Charm of Wondae-ri Oak Forest

Despite the thick green oak leaves, the winter scenery of Wondae-ri Oak Forest is enchanting.

Imagine a light dusting of snow blanketing the ground, reminiscent of the picturesque snowy landscapes of Hokkaido, Japan.

I’m eager to return with proper winter gear after a heavy snowfall to experience the true beauty of this place. While Gangwon Province may not boast numerous tourist spots, Wondae-ri Oak Forest in Inje presents a stunning landscape year-round.

If you haven’t visited yet, I highly recommend exploring the magnificent oak forest at least once.

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