VISIT JEJU

The word “Gotjawal” describes a forest unique to Jeju that serves as the green lungs of the island.

Gotjawal forests can be found in Jungsangan, or the mid-mountain region, about 200 to 400 meters above sea level. It is divided into four gotjawal forests according to their geological characteristics.

They are Hangyeong-Andeok, Aewol, Jocheon-Hamdeok, and Gujwa-Seongsan.

Songdang Gotjawal is a part of Gujwa-Seongsan Gotjawal, created with Songdang Reservoir nearby.

It is relatively smaller than others of its kind on the island, but it has all the characteristics of one.

Songdang Gotjawal does not show up in many navigation apps.

Instead, you can pin to Maze Museum and then park when you find the sign to Songdang Gotjawal.

The trail is 2.3km long, and there are three gates.

Songdang Gotjawal is very quiet, so much so that you’ll feel like you are in a remote jungle.

Stepping into the forest is like opening a secret door.

Songdang Gotjawal is largely populated by camellia trees, evergreen shrubs that have formed a huge forest over the past centuries.

Although the walking trail system here is quite robust, the forest is under the radar of most visitors, so the nature here is well preserved.

Gate 1 to Songdang Gotjawal is located opposite the Maze Museum. Note that there are no parking lots nearby.

There is a space for about two cars right next to the gate.

Gate 1 is the most accessible.

Unlike Gate 1, Gate 2 has a great view of the nature.

Gate 2 is located just behind Songdang Reservoir.

With palm mats and chairs, the path near Gate 2 is more walkable than the others.

Gate 3 is somewhat overgrown with grass, as the gate itself doesn’t see many visitors compared to others.

Following the trail at Gate 3 leads to the Dunji Oreum Volcanic Cone.

The trail system at Songdang Gotjawal consists of wooden decks, palm mats, and stone paths. It is lined with ropes to prevent the visitors from wandering outside the trail system.

A unique feature of Songdang Gotjawal is that the trails run along a hilly area with a great view of the dense forests below.

This is also the reason why you can see a lot of mollusks like snails and worms.

In fact, at Songdang Gotjawal you can see snails that are much bigger than you ever imagined.

The view of trees, vines, and stones intermingled is characteristic of Jeju’s Gotjawal forests. 

Mosses and ferns grow between the cracks in the stone.

You can’t see the sky because of the heavy foliage, a scenery that can only be found in Jeju’s Gotajawal.