▲ Photo by Jeju Style 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.]

In Jeju, there are some sacred places where visitors can clear their minds and relax. The Saryeoni Forest is the perfect place for just that. In Saryeoni Forest, there are many varieties of trees that line the path. These include: Konara Oak, Kousa, Red-leaved hornbeam, Japanese maple, pecock pine, Styrax japonica, and Hinoki Cypress. Nature thrives in the forest and a large variety of animals call the forest home. A visitor has the chance to see: roe dear, Jeju Mustela sibirica, Eurasian badger, goshawk, fairy pitta, kestrel, and scopsowl. We met woman who was excited to have encountered one the forest’s residents. She met a roe dear! In excitement, she said, “I saw a roe dear while walking here! I had a great experience!”

The name ‘Saryeoni’ means sacred place inside of the forest. When we visited Saryeoni Forest, we saw many people. But In Saryeoni Forest, animals’ lives are connected with the forest and forest’s visitors. There were so many people, however, that I have to worry about the impact we have on the forest’s delicate ecosystem. Visitors can destroy the forest. So, in the Saryeoni Forest, we need to protect nature and also the animals. We must not throw trash away in the forest and we must pick any of the flowers. If we break these rules, the forest’s ecosystem could be destroyed. To protect Saryeoni Forest, there are no trash cans. Visitors must take anything they bring with them back out. I think Saryeoni Forest needs more trash cans on the side of path so people can easily throw away their trash and won’t be tempted to litter inside the forest. Saryeoni Forest gives us a beautiful and clear view of nature, so we must protect Saryeoni Forest’s nature for everyone to enjoy.