Gotjawal Forest, Protected forest reserve in Jeju Island, South Korea.
Gotjawal Forest is a protected woodland reserve on Jeju Island where trees grow directly from volcanic rock formations. The trees develop thick roots that grip the stones rather than spreading through soil to draw nutrients.
Communities historically viewed the forest as unsuitable for farming, resulting in extensive logging and land clearing during the 1970s for development projects. The area later gained protection status once its ecological value became understood.
The name Gotjawal comes from the Jeju language, combining 'got' meaning forest with 'jawal' referring to shallow, stony ground. This word reflects how local people have long identified and understood this particular forest ecosystem.
The forest is accessible to visitors during daylight hours, with guided tours available to help visitors understand the site's unique features. The terrain is rocky and uneven, so sturdy footwear is important for walking safely.
The forest maintains steady temperatures year-round because the underlying lava rock structure acts as natural ventilation through small holes. This geological feature makes it one of the few places where temperature remains relatively stable even on extreme days.
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