National Natural Recreation Forest Fee Discounts: From Eligibility Check to Reservation

Here's how to enjoy the National Natural Recreation Forests, where you can savor the autumn atmosphere, at a more affordable price. If you meet certain eligibility requirements, you can receive discounts on admission fees, parking fees, and even facility usage fees. We'll explain the entire process in detail, from pre-registering your eligibility to receiving discount benefits through the 'Forest-Nadeul-e' reservation platform.

Discount Eligibility and Rates

The National Natural Recreation Forests offer fee discounts to various socially-vulnerable groups, including multi-child families, persons with disabilities, and persons of national merit. The main discount targets and rates as of 2026 are as follows. It is best to check the 'Forest-Nadeul-e' website for the most accurate and up-to-date information and a complete list of eligible groups.

How to Pre-register for Discount Eligibility on 'Forest-Nadeul-e'

Discounts are not automatically applied at the time of reservation. You must register your eligibility information on the 'Forest-Nadeul-e' system in advance and get it approved. It is important to prepare ahead of time, as applying close to your visit date may delay approval, preventing you from receiving the benefits.

1. Sign up and log in to Forest-Nadeul-e (foresttrip.go.kr): You must sign up in your own name.
2. Go to My Page: After logging in, navigate to 'My Page' in the upper right corner.
3. Register Eligibility Information: Select 'Register Eligibility Information' from the 'Member Information Management' menu.
4. Upload Supporting Documents: Select the eligibility type that applies to you (e.g., multi-child, disability) and upload scanned or photographed copies of supporting documents (e.g., Certificate of Family Relations, copy of welfare card) as instructed.
5. Wait for Administrator Approval: After submission, the staff at the National Natural Recreation Forest Management Office will review and approve your documents. This usually takes 1-3 business days.
6. Confirm Approval: Once approved, your registered eligibility information will be displayed on My Page, and fee discounts will be automatically calculated when you book facilities thereafter.

Strategy for Successful Reservations During the Autumn Peak Season

Competition for reservations is fierce on weekends during the autumn season when the foliage is at its peak. The National Natural Recreation Forest's reservation system operates differently for weekdays (first-come, first-served) and weekends (lottery), so you need to understand and utilize each system well.

• Weekends and the day before public holidays: Lottery System

  • Application Period: From 9:00 AM on the 4th to 6:00 PM on the 9th of the month preceding your intended visit.
  • Target: Stays on Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before public holidays of the following month.
  • Announcement: 4:00 PM on the 10th of every month.
  • Payment Deadline: From the time of announcement until 6:00 PM on the 14th.
  • Tip: You can apply for multiple recreation forests and multiple dates simultaneously, so it's advantageous to apply for as many as possible to increase your chances of winning.

• Weekdays: First-come, First-served Reservation

  • Booking Opens: Every Wednesday at 9:00 AM, reservations for weekday (Sun-Thu) rooms 6 weeks ahead become available.
  • Tip: For popular recreation forests, reservations can be fully booked immediately after opening, so it's crucial to log in at the exact time.

Required Items for Your Visit and On-site Verification Process

Even if you successfully made a reservation with a discount, you may not be able to check in if you do not pass the on-site verification process. You must bring the following items.

• Required Documents

  • Original ID of the person who made the reservation
  • Original supporting documents for discount eligibility (e.g., Certificate of Family Relations to verify multi-child status, Certificate of Disability Registration, etc.)

• On-site Verification Process

  1. Upon arrival at the recreation forest, visit the Management Office (Visitor Information Center).
  2. Present your ID and supporting documents to verify that your reservation details match your discount eligibility.
  3. After verification is complete, receive your room key and check in.

Important: Reservations made with a discount cannot be transferred to others, in accordance with the 「Enforcement Decree of the Act on Forest Culture and Recreation」. The person who made the reservation must visit in person. If there is a discrepancy, check-in will be denied and a penalty may be charged.

Background: Expansion of Multi-child Benefits

The multi-child benefit, previously available only to families with three or more children, has been expanded as part of measures to address low birth rates. As of June 11, 2024, families with two or more children under the age of 19 are now eligible for multi-child benefits, including discounts on facility usage fees at National Natural Recreation Forests. This allows more families to enjoy a relaxing time in the forest at an affordable cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can a family with two children also receive the multi-child discount? A. Yes, you can. As of June 11, 2024, families with two or more children under the age of 19 are included in the multi-child family benefit category. You must pre-register your eligibility on 'Forest-Nadeul-e' by submitting documents such as a Certificate of Family Relations.

Q. The person who made the reservation cannot go due to personal reasons. Can a family member use the facility instead? A. No, that is not possible. For reservations with a fee discount, the eligible person who made the reservation must be present for an on-site identity check to use the facility. It cannot be transferred to anyone else, including family members. If the person who made the reservation does not show up, check-in will be denied.

Q. I didn't win the weekend lottery. Is there another way to use a recreation forest in the fall? A. Yes, there is a way. Reservations for lottery winners who do not complete payment by the deadline (6:00 PM on the 14th of each month) are automatically canceled. These canceled spots become available for real-time booking after the deadline, so you might get a surprise opportunity by frequently checking the Forest-Nadeul-e website. Also, beautiful autumn foliage spots are well worth enjoying on weekdays, when reservations are relatively easier to get.