Maebongsan Heavenly Forest, a premier forest recreation facility situated in the highland region of Taebaek, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing 10,000 cumulative visitors just six months after its opening. According to the Gangwon State Forest Science Research Institute, the site recorded a total of 10,298 visitors by mid-September, driven by an explosive surge of 5,234 tourists during the peak summer months of July and August alone.

Nestled at an impressive altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level, Maebongsan Heavenly Forest offers a cool and refreshing escape from relentless nationwide heatwaves. During the sweltering month of August, the facility maintained an impressive overall occupancy rate of 78% across its camping and lodging accommodations, while its highly sought-after "Forest Cabins" achieved a staggering 94% reservation rate. This cool alpine climate is further complemented by its proximity to the famous "Hill of the Wind" wind power complex and sweeping views of vibrant high-altitude vegetable fields.

The facility's rapid growth is not merely a result of its natural geography, but also stems from its diverse and enriching wellness offerings. Approximately 5,500 participants engaged in specialized programs since June, including professional forest interpretation guided tours, customized forest healing sessions, and serene forest music concerts. These programs leverage the natural environment to provide stress relief, sensory meditation, and physical restoration for visitors seeking solace in nature.

Looking ahead, the research institute projects that annual visitation will easily surpass 15,000 by the end of the year—more than double the total of 6,355 visitors recorded last year. To sustain this momentum, the facility introduced a new minimalist camping zone in September tailored for campers using lightweight gear. Additionally, management is hosting a visitor review promotion, rewarding selected participants with special regional agricultural products from Gangwon State to foster deeper community engagement.

Director Park Myung-hee of the Gangwon State Forest Science Research Institute emphasized that the facility aims to deliver differentiated forest welfare services utilizing the exceptional highland landscape. By continuously expanding visitor accessibility and high-quality recreational programs, Maebongsan Heavenly Forest is successfully serving as a vital catalyst for revitalizing tourism in regions historically transitioning away from the coal mining industry.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]