Korea National Arboretum
In its own language: 국립수목원
A major arboretum and UNESCO biosphere reserve in Pocheon, South Korea
Korea National Arboretum, also called Gwangneung Forest, is a large botanical garden in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Home to 900 plant species and the white-bellied woodpecker, it is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and has roots going back to the Joseon dynasty.
- Located in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
- Home to 900 plant species and the white-bellied woodpecker
- Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2010
- Site includes royal tombs from the Joseon Dynasty
- Opened to the public in 1987
What is Korea National Arboretum?
Korea National Arboretum is a large botanical garden and forest reserve in Pocheon, South Korea. Visitors find a wide range of plant collections, forest trails, and a forest museum. The area is also home to the white-bellied woodpecker and hundreds of plant species. The grounds include both cultivated gardens and natural forest, offering a mix of managed and wild landscapes.
The history of Korea National Arboretum
The arboretum’s roots go back to the Joseon period, when King Sejo and Queen Jeonghui chose the area for their tomb, later called Gwangneung. This led to the land being set aside as a royal forest, protected for centuries. Although the forest suffered damage during the Korean War, the government restored and developed it as an arboretum and museum in the 1980s. It opened to the public in 1987 and became the country’s first National Arboretum in 1999.
What there is to see
The arboretum was created through a government project from 1983 to 1987, which included planting and restoring the forest and establishing a museum. The site now features curated plant collections, educational exhibits, and preserved natural areas. It is managed to protect native species and provide a place for research, education, and public enjoyment.
When to go
Open to the public since 1987, the arboretum serves as a place for learning about plants and forests, walking, and observing wildlife. It is also a center for conservation and research. The site’s UNESCO biosphere reserve status highlights its ecological value. Note that as of 2020, it was reported as a 'no kid zone.'
Parts and collections
The arboretum includes a diverse range of 900 plant species and notable wildlife such as the white-bellied woodpecker. It combines cultivated gardens with natural forest, reflecting both historical royal protection and modern conservation.
Why Korea National Arboretum matters
Gwangneung Forest, where the arboretum is located, is tied to the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The arboretum itself is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, underlining its importance for biodiversity and cultural heritage in South Korea.
Questions people ask about Korea National Arboretum
Where is the Korea National Arboretum located?
It is in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, within the area known as Gwangneung Forest.
What makes the Korea National Arboretum significant?
It is South Korea’s first National Arboretum, home to 900 plant species, and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The site also includes royal tombs from the Joseon Dynasty.
What can visitors see at the arboretum?
Visitors can explore botanical gardens, forest trails, a forest museum, and observe wildlife such as the white-bellied woodpecker.
What is the history of the arboretum?
The area was a royal forest from the Joseon period, restored after the Korean War, and developed as an arboretum and museum in the 1980s. It opened to the public in 1987 and became a National Arboretum in 1999.
Is the Korea National Arboretum open to children?
As of 2020, the arboretum was reported to be a 'no kid zone.'
Good reading and sources
- Korea National Arboretum on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Korea National Arboretum", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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