A Thousand-Year Forest Alive with Nature
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Bijarim
The Nutmeg Tree Forest in Pyungdae-ri, Jeju
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Bijarim, the nutmeg tree forest in Pyungdae-ri, is a flatland forest located at the heart of the Gotjawal area stretching from Jongdal to Handong on the eastern slope of Hallasan Mountain. It has an oval shape extending north to south (1.4 km long, 0.6 km wide) and covers an area of 448,758 m².
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This forest is home to about 2,800 clustered nutmeg trees, along with more than 140 species of herbaceous plants—including rare orchids such as Pungnan and Chageorini—and over 100 woody species such as Magnolia and Machilus. The nutmeg trees here range from 3 to 17 meters in height, with trunk circumferences from 0.3 to 5.7 meters, and crown spreads reaching 1–24 meters east to west and 1–26 meters north to south.
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According to records from the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, nutmeg fruit and timber were presented as tributes to the kings, and nearby villagers were assigned to manage the forest to prevent reckless logging. Nutmeg wood, known for its elasticity and resistance to moisture, was used in high-quality furniture and construction, while the fruit was widely used as a natural anthelmintic.
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Today, Bijarim attracts many visitors seeking to relieve fatigue and restore their body’s rhythm, enjoying the cool and lush greenery of the forest.
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A Morning Stroll in the Forest
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During our trip to Jeju, we had made daily plans, and one morning my wife suggested we take a walk in the forest.
It was truly an excellent choice!
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After a hearty breakfast, we headed to Bijarim.
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It’s perfect for a light stroll. The trails are accessible even with strollers and wheelchairs, making it ideal for anyone wishing to enjoy nature.
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Because the forest is so dense, it doesn’t feel too hot even in midsummer. For us, visiting in the morning was a refreshing and memorable experience.
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According to the trail guide, the forest features highlights such as the Lightning-Struck Nutmeg Tree, the Millennium Nutmeg Tree, and the Love Tree (two intertwined trunks).
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Since there are many tree species here, a slow stroll while taking in the surroundings feels both relaxing and peaceful.
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At the entrance, you’ll encounter the famous Heart Tree.
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Visitors can step inside the heart-shaped opening for photos, making it a favorite stop for families and couples.
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The Lightning-Struck Nutmeg
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This particular nutmeg tree, formed by two trunks growing together, was struck by lightning about 100 years ago in the early 20th century. The right trunk was partly burned, but fortunately, the left trunk survived, allowing the tree to continue living.
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Local villagers considered this surviving pair a sacred and precious symbol of harmony.
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The Nutmeg Tree
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The nutmeg is an evergreen conifer found only in Jeju and some southern parts of Korea.
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The Korean name Bija is said to come from the shape of the leaves, which resemble the Chinese character 非 (bi), combined with 子 (ja), meaning child.
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Male and female trees are separate, and the fruit contains a hard seed shaped like a peanut.
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In the past, the seeds were used to expel parasites and pressed for oil.
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Nutmeg wood is also famous for making high-quality Go (baduk) boards.
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The Scoria Path
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The ground here is covered with scoria, a volcanic byproduct from Jeju’s eruptions. This alkaline natural ceramic is one of Jeju’s representative geological resources.
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Scoria has excellent properties: 92% far-infrared radiation rate, 89% deodorization, 10% water absorption, 99% antibacterial activity, and a natural pH of 7.2. It promotes metabolism, prevents oxidation, eliminates mold, and is effective against sick-house syndrome. It’s also used in plant pots to regulate water supply.
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Benefits of Forest Bathing
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1. Phytoncides and terpenes released by forest plants kill harmful germs, reduce stress, purify mind and body, and help prevent disease.
2. Negative ions near streams in dense forests regulate the nervous system, promote calmness, improve blood circulation, and help alleviate modern lifestyle diseases.
3. Slow walking in the forest restores the body’s rhythm, improves oxygen supply, strengthens reflexes, and enhances overall health.
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Phytoncide
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Plants emit phytoncides—natural antibacterial substances—to protect themselves from microbes.
These phytoncides are the main reason forest bathing has such health benefits, including boosting metabolism and strengthening cardiopulmonary functions.
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As trees constantly release phytoncides to defend against pests, fungi, and bacteria, these same substances also benefit people, protecting health during a forest walk.
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Sumgol (Medulla Oblongata, Breathing Holes)
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The term Sumgol originally refers to the medulla oblongata in animals—the vital brainstem that controls breathing.
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In Jeju, where rivers are scarce, water has always been a precious resource. Sumgol describes the underground holes where rainwater seeps into the earth.
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As rain infiltrates through these holes, it becomes purified while passing through layers of rock, eventually forming Jeju’s famous “Samdasoo” spring water. The air flowing through these passages also maintains a stable temperature, producing cool breezes in summer and warm currents in winter, creating microclimates that foster biodiversity.
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Love Nutmeg
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When two trees grow so closely that their trunks or branches eventually fuse, the phenomenon is called yeonri. If trunks unite, it’s called Yeonri-mok (intertwined trunk), and if branches unite, Yeonri-ji.
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The Love Nutmeg at Bijarim grew this way—two trees that, as they thickened, pressed against each other until they fused into one. Over the years, their bark gave way, their inner layers merged, and eventually, they became one living body.
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Such trees symbolize unity, love, and inseparable bonds, often compared to a couple becoming one.
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The Millennium Nutmeg
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This sacred tree, estimated to be around 813 years old, is the oldest nutmeg tree in Jeju and in Korea.
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It has withstood countless hardships alongside our ancestors and is honored as a guardian of peace and prosperity.
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In recognition of its grandeur and resilience, it was named the Millennium Nutmeg Tree on January 1, 2000, symbolizing the opening of a new millennium filled with hope, blessings, and prosperity.
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Admission Fee (as of May 2025)
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Adults: 3,000 KRW
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Youth & Soldiers: 1,500 KRW
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Children: 1,500 KRW
