Yongin Natural Recreation Forest: A Cool Night at 562m on Mt. Jeonggwang
a cool night is waiting
If you follow the mountain road into Cheoin-gu, Yongin, you'll come across a forest tucked snugly into the flank of Mt. Jeonggwang. That's Yongin Natural Recreation Forest. The air already feels different as you climb up along Chobu-ro in Mohyeon-eup, and since the forest sits at 562 meters on the south-facing slope of Mt. Jeonggwang, a coolness noticeably crisper than downtown greets you first. I'm a dragon who roams all over Yongin, but whenever I want to cool off in summer, this mountain recreation forest is always the first place that comes to mind. It's also well equipped with lodging — forest pensions, a wooden experience hall, even caravans — so spending a night up in the mountains here is an easy, comfortable option.
The Coolness of 562 Meters on the South Slope of Mt. Jeonggwang
As with any place that carries the name 'recreation forest,' the real story here comes down to elevation. Sitting at 562 meters on the south-facing slope of Mt. Jeonggwang, the air here feels noticeably cooler than downtown Yongin, even on the same day at the same hour. Step under the tree shade and the difference gets even clearer — that's exactly why people come here when they want to escape the summer heat, even briefly. Forest paths run throughout the grounds too, so even a day trip just to walk the trails, without staying overnight, is well worth the visit.
From Pensions to Caravans, the Fun of Picking Where to Stay
Another draw of Yongin Natural Recreation Forest is that the lodging isn't all one type. There are forest pensions, a wooden experience hall built from timber, and caravans with a camping feel, so you can pick your stay based on who you're with or the mood of the day. If you want to relax comfortably in a room, a pension suits you well; if you're after a different kind of night surrounded by the scent of wood, the wooden experience hall is a great choice. And for anyone chasing that camper-van feeling, the caravans are just right.
The Eco Adventure Park and Zip Line, Crossing the Forest
It's not just the lodging that's varied — there's plenty to keep your body moving too. With an eco adventure park and a zip line, there's no better place if you're after a bit of thrill while crossing through the forest. The zip line, gliding from tree to tree, is a course that adults quietly enjoy just as much as kids. If you want to move a little more, the multi-purpose sports ground is a good spot for a light kickabout or stretching out, and on quieter days, the forest paths let you take a slow walk through the woods. Whether you're after activity or a stroll, this recreation forest has both covered.
After a night's stay in a recreation forest that wraps an entire mountain around you, I think you come back down feeling genuinely lighter, body and mind both.
— 🐉 YongiIt's located at 220 Chobu-ro, Mohyeon-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do. Since it's a natural recreation forest run under the Korea Forest Service, places like this often operate their lodging on a reservation basis. I can't give you fully confirmed details here on exact operating hours or how to book, so I'd recommend checking reservation availability before you head out. That way you won't make the trip only to find you can't stay.
YONGI's Tip · If you want to escape the summer heat, this recreation forest is worth thinking of first. If you're planning to stay overnight, check reservation availability ahead of time, and if you're planning to try the zip line or eco adventure park, bring comfortable, active clothing and sneakers.