송도솔밭도시숲

Imagine a dense emerald oasis stretching right along the shores of the East Sea. Songdo Solbat Urban Forest is a unique ecological project in Pohang, serving as a "green shield" and a beloved leisure spot in South Korea. The park is a magnificent pine forest about 2 kilometers long, carefully restored as part of a natural heritage preservation program amidst urban development.

The main treasure of the park is the majestic sea pines. These trees not only create a picturesque landscape but also possess remarkable healing properties: it has been proven that they release 10 times more phytoncides than ordinary conifers. This makes a walk in the park not just pleasant leisure, but a genuine outdoor aromatherapy session.

Songdo Solbat is more than just a forest; it is a thoughtfully designed public space. It harmoniously connects wild nature with modern infrastructure, offering visitors the chance to escape the city noise, enjoy the fresh sea breeze, and recharge with nature's energy without leaving the city limits.

To clarify details before your visit, you can use the following contact information. While the park does not have its own official website, it is managed by the city authorities, and information about it can often be found on city-wide tourism portals.

There is something for everyone in this park. One of the most popular activities is walking along the special barefoot path. This path is recognized as one of the best in the country, and walking on it is considered a great way to boost health and reconnect with nature by feeling the soft soil and pine needles underfoot.

For those who prefer active recreation, various sports grounds are provided. Here you can play badminton or traditional Korean foot volleyball (jokgu), as well as use the area with modern outdoor fitness equipment. During the summer, the park becomes a magnet for families with children thanks to the outdoor children's pool.

Lovers of aesthetics and art should stroll to the "Sol Parant" graffiti wall and the themed street decorated with steel installations that reflect the city's industrial spirit. After a busy walk, you can have a picnic on the specially equipped wooden decks, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the pine grove.

Getting to this green space is easy, as Songdo Solbat Urban Forest is located in the southern part of the city, right next to the popular Songdo Beach. If you are traveling by car, a nice bonus is the free parking right at the park entrance.

For those who prefer public transport, it is convenient to take a taxi from the city center — the trip will take very little time. You can also use city buses heading towards the Songdo waterfront. The park is located just 1.2 km from the ferry terminal, making it easily accessible for those arriving in the city by water.

If your starting point is the nearby city of Daegu, the drive takes about one hour, making the park an excellent destination for a relaxing day trip on the weekend.

The history of this amazing place dates back to the 1910s. Originally, the pine grove was created for a practical purpose: it was intended to serve as a windbreak forest (방풍림), protecting the coastline from strong sea winds and sand. Over time, these trees became an integral part of the landscape, forming a unique microclimate for the area.

After the country's liberation in 1945, large-scale efforts were made for additional greening of the territory. A vast number of new trees were planted, turning the modest tree line into a full-fledged forest massif that became one of the region's main natural prides. In recent years, as part of the "Green Way" program, the forest has undergone a major transformation, becoming a modern urban park.

Recognition of the park's environmental merits was not long in coming. The Korea Forest Service included Songdo Solbat in the list of the 50 most beautiful urban forests in the country. In 2025, it was granted the status of a model park, becoming a benchmark for how nature can harmoniously coexist with the urban environment, providing residents with space for recreation and wellness.

When planning a visit to Songdo Solbat Urban Forest, consider the type of recreation you prefer. If your goal is simply a healthy walk along the famous barefoot path, the approximately 1.37 km route will take you about 20–30 minutes.

However, to truly feel the atmosphere of the pine forest, view the art objects on the steel street, and relax in one of the picnic areas, we recommend setting aside 1.5 to 2 hours. This will be plenty of time for a leisurely exploration of all the park's cozy corners and for taking beautiful photos against the backdrop of ancient pines.

Like most city parks, Songdo Solbat Urban Forest is open to visitors 24/7. This allows guests to visit for early morning jogs as well as quiet evening strolls by the streetlights.

Keep in mind that some infrastructure facilities, such as the children's pool or sports pavilions, have their own seasonal operating schedules, usually limited to the summer months. For the most up-to-date information on special events, it is recommended to check the city's official tourism pages.

A visit to Songdo Solbat Park can easily be combined with exploring other interesting sites in the area. Thanks to its prime coastal location, you can see both modern themed areas and quiet spots for nature contemplation in a single day.

This area will especially appeal to marine life enthusiasts and families with children, as numerous specialized aquariums and themed recreation zones are concentrated within a few kilometers.