Bija trees
Up to 600 years old.
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Bijarim is a forest of Japanese nutmeg-yew, known in Korea as bija trees, in Gujwa-eup in eastern Jeju Island, South Korea, about 6 km southwest of the village of Pyeongdae-ri and about 26 km east of Jeju City in a straight line. The forest was designated Natural Monument No. 374 in 1993, as it is one of the largest forests of its kind in the world and of great scientific value. It holds about 2,570 trees, estimated at 300 to 600 years old. It is thought to have grown from bija seeds scattered after village rituals long ago, and it was protected over the centuries because its fruit was used as medicine. Evergreen bija trees with twisted, moss-covered trunks spread their branches overhead into a dense green canopy. Paths of red volcanic soil wind between ferns and plants, and the air smells of the trees. Visitors follow an easy loop trail through the forest, mostly flat and family-friendly, with some boardwalk sections. It is shady and cool in summer, and mornings help you avoid the crowds. Stay on the paths to protect the roots.
Up to 600 years old.
Volcanic soil.
A dense canopy.
Pyeongdae-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju City, South Korea
Yes, mostly flat.
Morning, to avoid crowds.