Spring has come. There is an endless flow of people going to the mountains. The lush green leaves, colorful flowers, and cool shade of trees are ‘healing.’ Forests serve as both a treasure trove of diverse ecological resources and a rich ground for learning. The arboretum affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences operates the Gwanak Arboretum, Suwon Arboretum, and Plant Specimen Gallery. These arboretums are playing a pivotal role in plant conservation, education, and research in Korea.

I recently visited the Gwanak Arboretum. The arboretum is located near Gwanak Station on Seoul Subway Line 1. One could also get there by walking along the mountain trails near the College of Engineering. University members can explore individually from 10 AM to 5 PM on weekdays after prior reservation. On Fridays, they can participate in forest therapy and woodworking experience programs. From April 15 (Monday) to May 8 (Wednesday), the arboretum is also open for public visits.

Visitor’s pass (left), The main gate of Gwanak Arboretum (right)

Gwanak Arboretum: A Space for Observing and Enjoying Precious Plant Resources

Founded in 1971, the Gwanak Arboretum became the first officially registered university arboretum in Korea. Covering an area of 1,550 hectares, the arboretum focuses more on education and research than on exhibitions. Thus it may be less aesthetically pleasing than conventional arboretums or botanical gardens. The arboretum emphasizes preserving plant species in their natural habitats rather than acquiring them through purchases, prioritizing genetic resources from native habitats. Such an approach allows visitors to observe and study the authentic ecology and plants. It imports plant seeds from overseas through academic exchange networks, enabling diverse research and collaboration. The arboretum currently houses specimens of 1,160 species.

Individual visitors can enter the arboretum through the main gate or the rear gate. Simply strolling along the wide paths and breathing in the fresh air can momentarily relieve stress, refreshing both body and mind. The arboretum is divided into sections based on plant classification, with signs displaying the scientific names of trees, large and small. Observing the unique appearances of each tree species, such as Prunus jamasakura, Prunus salicina, and Acer buergerianum, allows one to experience the diversity in our forests. In addition to flowers blooming in the mild weather, visitors can also encounter freely roaming butterflies, ducks, and mountain birds. Researcher Kim Suk-hyang remarked, "The calendar photos regularly distributed via school email depict scenes from the Gwanak Arboretum. We are looking forward to more student visits." The best time to see spring flowers is until May, while summer and autumn offer opportunities to admire Mugunghwas, autumn leaves, and various fruits.

Aquatic Plant Garden at Gwanak Arboretum (left), Azalea Path (right)

Contributing to Academia and Society by Valuing Forests

External educational institutions can also visit the Gwanak Arboretum by submitting a formal request. When nearby kindergartens make a visit, the arboretum provides pre-visit education for teachers to ensure a safe and meaningful field trip. The arboretum offers explanations of the plants that can be seen each season and offers experiential activities tailored to children's interests. Elementary, middle, and high schools can visit the arboretum for ecological education, while universities primarily conduct field classes, practical training, and research under the guidance of professors specializing in arboriculture or plant taxonomy. Its diverse plant collections are open for conservation and direct observation, stimulating education.

Insect hotels for ecosystem protection (left), Educational materials showcasing plants from textbooks (right)

The Suwon Arboretum welcomes individual visitors as well as institutions for education and research. Unlike the Gwanak Arboretum, it is located on flat terrain, offering a different charm. Meanwhile, the Suwon Plant Specimen Gallery, located at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences on the Gwanak Campus, contributes to the advancement of academia through continuous and professional data management. Internal and external researchers can apply for visits or specimen loans as needed.

Each arboretum is made accessible to public welfare institutions, and local government-run programs cater to the general public. At the Gwanak Arboretum, citizens are provided with experiences that allow them to become more familiar with nature through forest therapy, forest explanations, and woodworking experiences. Meanwhile, the Suwon Arboretum hosts a variety of ecological programs that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With various efforts for cooperation and service, our university arboretums are expected to continue to influence local communities positively.

Forest Therapy Guide at Gwanak Arboretum (left), Woodworking Experience Area (right)

If you want to enjoy the serenity of nature while peeking into a scholarly approach to forests and plants, I recommend taking a light stroll to the arboretum at least once. The experiential programs will give you unique and enjoyable memories. All applications are made through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Arboretum website (arbor.snu.ac.kr).

Student Reporter
Choi Hayoung (Department of Linguistics)
harongeee@snu.ac.kr
Translated by
Chaewon Kim (Department of English Language and Literature)