Imhae Natural Recreation Forest offers breathtaking coastal scenery along the East Sea. Backed by Mt. Gwaebangsan, it is a unique forest retreat where visitors can experience both the beauty of Korea’s sea and mountains in one place. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing forest bathing experience along the “Anbo Hiking Trail,” which is designed for easy and comfortable walking.

Imhae Natural Recreation Forest is located on Yulgok-ro in Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung. Accommodation is available in three buildings: “Haneul-dong (Sky Building),” “Gureum-dong (Cloud Building),” and “Bada-dong (Sea Building).” There is also an observatory on-site, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil and serene atmosphere of the forest while enjoying a restful retreat in harmony with nature.

Gangneung Imhae Natural Recreation Forest is the only forest retreat in Korea where visitors can simultaneously enjoy the scenery of the blue sea and the mountains, attracting numerous travelers from across the country. From the forest, visitors can take in panoramic views of the vast blue East Sea, while Mt. Gwaebangsan, which surrounds the forest like a folding screen, harmonizes beautifully with the sea to provide healing relaxation for both body and mind.

Visitors can also enjoy scenic driving routes around the area. Behind the forest, an Anbo experiential hiking trail connects to Section 8 of the Bau-gil Trail, where visitors can enjoy forest bathing through trekking and witness stunning sunrise views.

There are three hiking courses available at Gangneung Imhae Natural Recreation Forest. The first course is an 8.3 km route starting from Aninjin 2-ri Plaza and passing through Samubong Peak, Mt. Gwaebangsan, Dangjip, Hill 183, and ending at Jeongdongjin, taking approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. The second course is a 7.7 km route from Aninjin 2-ri Plaza through Samubong Peak, Mt. Gwaebangsan, Dangjin, Cheonghaksan Mountain, and Imgok-ri, taking about 3 hours and 20 minutes. The final course is a short route from the forest to Samubong Peak, which takes approximately 35 minutes.

The accommodation facilities are clean and compact condo-style units equipped with cooking facilities. There are a total of 18 rooms: 8 in Haneul-dong, 7 in Gureum-dong, and 3 in Bada-dong.

Nearby attractions within a 10 km radius include major tourist sites in Gangneung such as Unification Park, Hourglass Park, Jeongdongjin, Deungmyeongnakgasa Temple, and Haslla Art World Museum. In particular, Haslla Art World Museum offers a stunning backdrop overlooking the vast East Sea, making visitors feel as if they are viewing artworks above the ocean, with diverse exhibitions and artistic themes that leave a lasting impression.