Chungcheongnam-do

Another attractive destination of Yeongi-gun is Bear Tree Park, which is the nation’s largest private arboretum and well taken care of. It is renowned as a prominent arboretum with its diverse trees and plants, the Korean black bear, silk deer, and peacock. Spanning over 330,000㎡ in the woods, the arboretum has such cute tenants as the Korean black bear and silk deer running around it. You don’t want to miss out on the fantastic harmony between the animals and plants including all sorts of trees and flowers, about 1,000 rare bonsai trees, about 400,000 types of trees and grass, and natural landscape.

▲ Bear Tree Park, the connectedness of people and animals from tourism can be felt

A Complex Cultural Space with Both Nature and Culture
You can sit back and relax in the deep shadows of green trees or have a special educational experience at Bear Tree Park, which is known as the “arboretum with animals.” Everyone regardless of age and gender can enjoy a moment of nice rest at the arboretum, which offers diverse and unusual sights and enjoyments including a recital and art exhibition in nature and a first-hand experience of running around along with Korean black bear cubs and silk deer fawns.
Having settled down as a natural resting place with harmony between animals and plants, the arboretum also presents a pond containing about 500 fancy carps right after the main gate. There is a spectacular log fall at “Bear Tree Garden” in addition to “Bear Sculpture Park” showcasing the Korean black bear taking various poses in the tree nest and the many different bears from fairy tales.
The forest lanes that surround the entire arboretum with hundreds of aromatic trees that are green all year round lead to three greenhouses, which are full of all kinds of plants with incredible forms and scents. You will find it extremely difficult to leave “Bonsai Garden,” being lost in appreciating the many different bonsai trees of many years in such peculiar forms.
There are several upscale hotel-level restaurants at Bear Tree Park including Welcome Restaurant that offers a menu of various dishes such as Italian pasta and pizza and stone-grilled steaks on the second floor of Welcome House. You can also choose from a wide collection of delicious dishes including Galbi, Bibimbap, and port cutlet at the food court while enjoying the view of Bear Sculpture Park. Don’t forget to take pictures of the Korean black bear teddy bear, the mascot of Bear Tree Park, and many more teddy bears in various themes at “Bear Tree Museum” after enjoying a meal. There is an edition of The Thinker by Rodin at Bear Tree Garden. The Thinker is Korea’s second and the world’s 15th edition of its 25-piece collection scattered all around the globe.