The planting of large forests started during the reign of King Sejo.

He and Queen Jeonghui designated the area for a tomb which later named Gwangneung.

Following the construction of the tomb, it and its surrounding areas were designated as royal forest and kept under strict protection which lasted throughout post-Joseon history.

[3] From 1983 to 1987, the central government went under project to develop the area as an arboretum with a forest museum.

In 1999 its status was elevated to National Arboretum becoming the first of its kind in the country's history.