While everyone heads for Jeju’s emerald sea, I head for a Jeju forest full of green shade.

When people hear the word “Jeju,” they usually picture a dreamy emerald sea first. Living in Jeju is a blessing—you get to see Jeju’s beautiful, distinctive ocean every day.

But that blessing isn’t found only by the sea. In the middle of Jeju rises Hallasan, the highest mountain in Korea, and along the ridgelines that flow out from Baengnokdam, great nature breathes.

Summer has stepped right up to us. Just as heatwave news sets new records day after day, we head not for Jeju’s sea, but for Jeju’s forest. 

Some might say there are plenty of tall, green mountains on the mainland and list many well-known peaks. True—where in our beautiful country is there a mountain that isn’t lovely? But from the city, both the physical and emotional distance to truly feel that green is simply too far. Used to city life, just leaving the city itself already feels far away—and unsettling.

In Jeju, the boundary between city and nature is blurred. Thanks to that, even though I live in the city called Jeju, I always feel like I’m living in nature too. Wherever you go in Jeju, simply because it’s Jeju, it becomes my own healing space.

Red Oreum Natural Recreation Forest is located right next to Saryeoni Forest Path, one of Jeju’s most famous forest walks. Unlike Saryeoni Forest Path, which is crowded year-round, Red Oreum Natural Recreation Forest is great because you can enjoy it in peace and quiet.

Forest houses are nestled around a wide grassy lawn. Around the lodging, there’s nothing but trees, forest, and greenery. And as a bonus, the big lawn is a kids’ paradise to run freely—and an energy-charging station for adults who need rest.

Step into the dense woods of Red Oreum Natural Recreation Forest. Walking the trail, I feel with my whole body the fresh air that sinks into my chest and the forest’s blue-green hues so vivid they almost sting the eyes. As if I’ve become part of it too, I sense the resilient life force of nature.

The deep scent of trees steeped in long years, birdsong filling the forest, quiet walking paths, and scenic, atmospheric views heal and cleanse a tired body and mind. The calm I feel sitting on a small chair reminds me of the lesson of letting go.

Steps that are slow but true to one’s convictions, 

Life goals that aren’t uniform, 

And the genuine value of myself that I seek on my own. 

That’s why life in Jeju isn’t inconvenient at all.

Early in the morning, while even the trees are still asleep, I set out toward Malchat Oreum.

Last June, Mulchat Oreum on the Saryeoni Forest Path opened. I applied, but wasn’t selected. Since Mulchat Oreum opens only once a year, the competition is fierce. By contrast, Malchat Oreum, right next to Mulchat Oreum, can be climbed anytime.

The forest scent deepened by rain, the sound of raindrops falling on leaves, and the feel of stepping on small branches scattered on the ground awaken my sleeping senses.

Following the Sunrise Forest Path, it’s a long trail with a total length of 6.7km. In the end, the kids got tired and we had to turn back at the Malchat Oreum entrance, but it was such a happy time.