Hwadam Botanic Garden (화담숲)

Hwadam Botanic Garden is an eco-friendly arboretum located within Konjiam Resort in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. The arboretum features 16 themed gardens, collecting and exhibiting approximately 4,000 species of native and introduced plants. More than being merely a viewing facility, it serves as a field research facility aimed at ecosystem restoration by assisting endangered animals and plants to establish themselves in nature. "Hwadam" can be translated into "friendly communication," a name given to the forest in hopes that the area serves as means for people to communicate with nature. While the forest is designed to offer an environmentally friendly atmosphere to humans, the ecosystem and habitats of the forest are well-preserved, serving as a home to many living species. The entire 5-kilometer forest walking trail features gentle slopes, allowing visitors to comfortably appreciate nature and find healing while using strollers or wheelchairs. This has made the forest highly popular among family visitors.