For the first time in nearly six decades, citizens can walk through the gates of the Seoul National University Arboretum in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, which officially opened to the public on Nov. 5. Once closed off for academic research, the forested site has been transformed into a shared green space where visitors can experience nature up close.
Founded in 1967 as Korea’s first arboretum, the site has long served as a center for forest ecology research and plant conservation. For 58 years, it remained off-limits to protect its ecosystem and support studies in botany and climate science.
The decision to open the arboretum followed a significant change in September, when SNU gained ownership of the land from the government with approval from the Ministry of Education. The university renamed the forest “Anyang Arboretum” and designated 20 hectares for public access.
Visitors may enter from Tuesday through Sunday, with seasonal hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter. Collecting or damaging plants remains strictly prohibited to preserve the site’s scientific purpose.
Arboretum Director Im Sang-jun said the opening marks a new chapter for the university and the local community, adding that SNU plans to expand educational programs and ecological learning opportunities in the years ahead.