As I entered Namgyeong Arboretum, flower leaves were falling from cherry trees, creating a flowery path. I exited the stroll path to find a tall pile of logs in front of a stage that were for a campfire. Looking at it, I grinned as I reminisced about the olden days when I used to hold hands together with my friends to cheerfully circle around firewood.

Namgyeong Arboretum is a recreational and experience learning site located in the city of Yangju, Gyeonggi-do. The arboretum in April was filled with numerous kinds of flowers and trees that welcome the spring, from cherry trees and royal azalea to Jasanhong, Yeongsanhong, Korean fir trees, chestnut trees, and horse chestnuts. Next to the arboretum, which offers excitement from varied colors from one season to another, a stream and a cherry tree path are established for seeing flowers in spring and water plays during hot summertime.

There is also a playground on the side of the stream for children to run around as well as tables for barbeque. As you come out of the arboretum and turn left, a nature experience site greets you. If you make a reservation in advance by phone or online, you may participate in a program through which you can plant and cultivate plants yourself.

When I was in the final year of my middle school, a physical education teacher was my homeroom teacher. He attempted to train our physical abilities every week through camping or hiking, but I frequently complained because it was challenging for me. Reflecting now after a decade, I think he meant to give us something to talk about and reminisce over a beer. To a person like me who does not feel so comfortable with the word "camping," Namgyeong Arboretum revived the excitement that has become elusive and blurry. It is not just a space that simply provides us recollection; rather, it is a place that sharpens the colors of our feelings and memories.

Written and photos by Ko Yeon-joo

Website http://www.nkgarden.co.kr/

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