A Research Forest's Gates, Opened After 33 Years

Hongneung Forest was long open only on a limited weekend basis — until 2026, 33 years later, when it finally opened to weekday visitors with no reservation required.

Key takeaways

Hongneung Forest had allowed free weekend-only visits since 1993, but starting March 28, 2026 — 33 years later — it began allowing weekday visits with no advance reservation needed. Fact Free visiting hours run 9am–6pm from March through October, and 9am–5pm from November through February, with the forest closed on Mondays and some public holidays. Fact Guided forest-interpretation programs still require separate advance booking. Fact

Expanding public access to a forest that prioritized research for over a century is a case study in how the competing values of a working research facility and a public space in the middle of a city can be balanced.

What to look for on site

Signage announcing the expanded access, and newly maintained trails
The boundary between areas still used for active research and the sections now open to the public
Sections where seasonal flowers like royal cherry blossoms and magnolias bloom

Visitor tip

Monday visits are not possible, so double-check the day of the week when planning your trip.