▲ Photo by Able Team

[This article is written by a JDC Junior Journalist. The JDC Junior Journalist program is an educational project sponsored by Jeju Free International City Development Corporation (JDC). JDC Junior Journalist articles are only briefly edited by mentors before publishing.]

Saryeoni forest, which located in Jeju-si Jocheon-eup, is one of the best walking courses in Jeju. There are many visitors who come from all over the country, as well as other nations, to walk along the path and spend healing time in nature. Many people we interviewed said they liked the REAL nature and ecosystem.

On September 21st Team Able, and other junior journalist, visited Saryeoni Forest. At first, I was worried that our teammates would be nervous with each other. But that worrying was disappeared like a piece of paper blowing away in the wind. Our mentor, Wanda, helped us get familiar with each other and as we started talking to each other we became closer. Thanks to her, we were able to get started with our interviews. In the beginning, we were nervous when trying to ask trekkers for an interview. During our interviews, many people said the forest was not what they expected. Honestly, I couldn’t agree more. I have visited Saryeoni Forest many times and my opinion has never changed. The entrance of the forest is enormous and very good but when I went inside it was just like any other walking path near my home. To make matters worse, it seems that the parking lot in the entrance of the forest is better than the inside of the forest. Following are some of the comments we heard while conducting our interviews.

So ra, from Seoul, said "On the internet, there were many good comments about this forest. But when I came here, my thoughts definitely changed. There are no toilets, directions or benches to sit on. I was most disappointed with the walking path was so narrow. It feels like just good place to take a short walk in the morning."

Another trekker, Eun Hee Lee from Busan, also expressed complaints about the same things. "I think Saryeoni forest is walking forest. There are so many paved cement roads.. I don't like that part," said Lee.

From the interviews, we need to hear trekkers concerns and find a way to compromise by building facilities without harming nature. It should be done as soon as possible as many people have difficulties with this path. For Saryeoni Fores to be the top forest in the world, we act and change the situation.