Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)
Namhae in Gyeongsangnam-do, with coastal lines stretching over 302km, is surrounded by 70 beautiful islands. Mulgeon Windbreak Forest (Mulgeon Bangjo Eoburim in Korean) in Mulgeon-ri has protected Namhae from gusty winds and ferocious waves and provided abundant fish for 300 years.
Resembling the crescent moon, the spacious forest (23,438m2) along the seashore is owned by the community of Mulgeon-ri. It stretches over 1.5km with a x_width of 30m in x_width; there are approximately 2,000 overwood trees with x_heights varying from 10 to 15m. The forest boasts over 100 difference species of trees—from hackberries to oaks, zelkovas, Fringe trees, Muku trees, and silver magnolias. All in all, 10,000 trees create the feeling of being in an ancient forest, deep in the mountains.
The forest was built by people in nearby villages 300 years ago in order to control winds and waves. From above, elegant curvilinear coastal lines are enveloped by lush trees of the forest, as if the latter protects Namhae. Mulgeon-ri is divided into two areas: the port with a lighthouse, and farmlands, with the forest in between the two. From German Village (Neuschwanstein) in Namhae, scenic overlooks provide sweeping views of Mulgeon-ri, the forest, and the port.
The forest is called a variety of names; it is called Bangpungrim (Windbreak Forest) because it protects villages from gusty winds; Eoburim (Fish shelter Forest) because its lush trees attract schools of fish; and Bangjorim (Waterbreak Forest) because it lessens the severity of waves and tides.
Home to German Village, Mulgeon-ri faces eastward. Naturally, it is a great spot to see the sunrise and sunset. While Jeongdongjin is renowned for its splendid sunrise on the East Coast, Mulgeon-ri shares the acclaim on the South Coast, attracting thousands of visitors at the dawn of New Year every year.
