Ahopsan Forest is in Cheolma-myeon, Gijang-gun, according to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO). It is a private forest kept in its natural state for about 400 years, with dense bamboo groves. This guide covers what the sources say, how to get there, the rules, and one point where they disagree.
Every fact comes from a named source. We checked them on 1 October 2026.
What Ahopsan Forest Is
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) says Ahopsan Forest is at the foot of Ahopsan Mountain in Cheolma-myeon, Gijang-gun. It says visitors can see an undamaged natural environment. The forest includes bamboo, cypress, cedar and ginkgo trees, and natural forest with Geumgang pine trees aged 100 to 300 years. KTO says it is a private forest of 520,000 square meters that has existed for about 400 years.
Visit Busan, the city’s official tourism site, calls it a 400-year-old forest preserved in its natural state and says there are two bamboo groves within the nine mountains. It lists dense bamboo groves, red pines, hinoki cypress, oaks and the traditional Gwanmiheon house, and says there are peaceful walking trails.
KTO adds that, unlike amusement parks, viewing is allowed only within limits that do not damage nature. Forest experiences, activity programs for children and forest explanation programs are offered.
From my own visits. I went to Ahopsan Forest early in my relationship with my wife. There are so many bamboo trees that I felt calm and refreshed. One detail I remember: I had hurt my knee and went with a cast on. It was still a lovely day, but if you have a leg or knee problem, take your time and check the path before you go in.
Hours, Tickets and Rules
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 to 18:00, with entry closing at 17:00, according to both KTO and Visit Busan.
- Admission: Visit Busan lists 8,000 won for adults and 5,000 won for ages 5 to 19. We did not find a price for children under 5.
- Parking: KTO lists free parking. Visit Busan lists the Ahopsan Forest Parking Lot.
- Phone and website: +82-51-721-9183, and Visit Busan lists http://ahopsan.com.
Rules (Visit Busan). Strollers, bicycles and hiking equipment such as sticks are not allowed. Collecting plants or insects is prohibited. No pets are allowed. Visit Busan suggests packing water and wearing comfortable walking shoes, and says mosquito spray and fans can be rented free.
A source conflict: do you need a reservation?
KTO says only a limited number of people who have made a reservation in advance can enter, in order to protect nature. Visit Busan says reservations are required for group tourist bus visits, and does not say that individuals must book. We cannot tell which is current. Because the rule may differ for individuals and groups, check the official website or call before you go.
How to Get There
Visit Busan says to take Nopo Station on Busan Metro Line 1, transfer to Village Bus 2-3, and get off at Midong Village. We did not find the walking time from the stop to the entrance, how often the village bus runs, or which Nopo Station exit to use. Use a map app, and check the bus times before you go. See our guide to Busan Metro and transport cards.
The sources give two addresses. Visit Busan lists 520-10, Ungcheon-ri, Cheolma-myeon, Gijang-gun, and KTO’s English listing gives 37-1 Midong-gil. We did not confirm which one is the entrance, so use the name and a map app.
A Simple Plan
This is our suggestion, not a sourced route.
- Check the reservation rule and the village bus time first.
- Take Line 1 to Nopo Station, then the village bus.
- Walk the trails slowly, then continue to the coast. See our Gijang guide.
First-Timer Tips
- Wear closed shoes. Visit Busan recommends comfortable walking shoes.
- Leave the stroller and the hiking sticks at home.
- Visit Busan says it takes 1 to 2 hours to explore all the trails. Allow extra time for the village bus, because we do not know the schedule.
FAQ
How much does it cost? Visit Busan lists 8,000 won for adults and 5,000 won for ages 5 to 19.
Can I bring my dog? No. Visit Busan says pets are not allowed.
Do I need to reserve? Our sources differ, so check the official site.
Is there parking? Yes, KTO and Visit Busan list a parking lot. KTO says it is free.
What We Could Not Confirm
- Whether individual visitors must reserve.
- The village bus timetable and the walk from the stop.
- The price for children under 5.
- Trail lengths.
- Which of the two listed addresses is the entrance.
Related guides
- Haedong Yonggungsa, Jukseong Church and Daebyeon Port
- Beomeosa Temple, Busan
- Best Time to Visit Busan
We post short first-timer guides on Instagram too: @rolo.koreaguide.
Sources
Checked on 1 Oct 2026.
- Korea Tourism Organization, TourAPI (English service): Ahopsan Forest (content ID 2947858). Photographs from this listing (KOGL Type 1), reduced in size only.
- Visit Busan (official Busan tourism site), “Meet the forest preserved for over 400 years in its natural …”: https://www.visitbusan.net/en/index.do?menuCd=DOM_000000301001001000&uc_seq=260&lang_cd=en . Re-read 1 Oct 2026.
