Beneath the Seoul sky, an escape unfolds before you: Dream Forest. It is more than just a park. Dream Forest is a sprawling sanctuary. Covering 660,000 square meters, Dream Forest ranks as Seoul’s fourth largest park. Only World Cup Park, Olympic Park and Seoul Forest are bigger.
Originally, this land housed Dreamland. Dreamland was an amusement park with a petting zoo. Before 2007, it offered thrills and laughter. Today, Dream Forest offers a different kind of magic.
Surrounding Dream Forest are mountains. Mt. Byeogosan and Mt. Opaesan create a lush backdrop. The air feels fresher here. The city’s chaos fades away.
Dream Forest officially opened in October 2009. It quickly became a beloved green space. Locals and tourists alike seek refuge here. It is a place to reconnect with nature.
Popular attractions dot Dream Forest. The Changnyeongwigung Ancestral Shrine stands as a cultural treasure. Aewoljeong Pavilion offers a peaceful resting spot. Artificial waterfalls cascade. Grass Square invites picnics and play. Wild Grass Garden displays nature’s beauty.
Walking paths wind through Dream Forest. Wooden paths hug Wolyeongji Pond. This Moon Reflecting Pond creates spectacular views. Autumn brings vibrant foliage. The scenery is breathtaking.
Families flock to Dream Forest. A Deer Garden delights children. Playgrounds offer space to run. A water park provides summer fun. Dream Forest is a perfect family destination.
Venture to the sloped foothills. Here you will find an art center. There is also a cafe and an observatory. The observatory’s futuristic design is striking. Mei Lin restaurant serves Chinese noodles.
The three-story observatory offers panoramic views. Mt. Bukhansan, Mt. Dobongsan, and Mt. Suraksan dominate the north. To the south, N Seoul Tower pierces the skyline. The observatory stands 49 meters high.
Notably, the KBS Drama “IRIS” filmed here. The observatory gained fame through the show. Many recognize it from the series.
Let’s delve into the Changnyeongwigung Ancestral Shrine. It honors Princess Bokon and her husband. Princess Bokon was King Sunjo’s daughter. Kim Seokjin, Kim Byeongju’s grandson, tragically died here. He was grieving Korea’s annexation by Japan.
The residence includes inner and outer quarters. A building marks the main entrance. Princess Deokon, Bokon’s sister, lived in a southeastern residence. A memorial hall resides inside the inner quarters. This is an unusual arrangement.
The Korean War damaged the inner and outer quarters. Reconstruction occurred in 1955. The shrine stands as a testament to resilience.
Dream Forest is open 24 hours. Certain facilities close on Mondays. Admission is free. Some facilities require an entrance fee.
To reach Dream Forest, consider the subway. Line 4 to Miasamgeori Station is one option. Then take a local bus. Line 6 to Dolgoji Station is another route. Then take a city bus.
Dream Forest offers a dreamlike escape. It is a blend of nature, culture, and history. It offers a retreat from Seoul’s fast pace. Take a moment to breathe and enjoy. Dream Forest awaits.