Opening of Gangdong-gu Children's Forest Experience Center

Learning the Value of Nature Through Forest Ecology Experiences: Over 26,800 Participants Last Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) will operate the Early Childhood Forest Experience Center program, where children can freely run and play in nature, starting from March, the beginning of spring.

The Early Childhood Forest Experience Centers named Jongdalse, Ellis, and Bamsongi, located respectively in Iljasan, Myeongil Park, and Dongmyeong Park in Gangdong-gu, are forest playgrounds equipped with log crossing, rope climbing, and wooden playhouses that stimulate young children's imagination and creativity.

In particular, it provides urban children with opportunities to connect with the forest and become familiar with natural materials. Here, children can learn and understand the importance of the environment and the cycle of nature by observing leaves and touching soil with the help of early childhood forest instructors.

Last year, the district operated a total of 756 programs including playing with fallen leaves, forest tug-of-war, log riding, and making frames with leaves, attracting the largest number of participants since the opening of the Early Childhood Forest Experience Centers, with about 26,800 children participating, receiving enthusiastic responses.

This year, the centers will open from March and operate until mid-December, and anyone can participate. Institutions regularly using the Early Childhood Forest Experience Centers selected by the district can use the centers once a week on a regular basis.

Regular user institutions of the Early Childhood Forest Experience Centers refer to kindergartens and daycare centers located in Gangdong-gu and nearby autonomous districts.

A district official said, "We sincerely thank everyone for showing great interest in the Gangdong-gu Early Childhood Forest Experience Centers last year," adding, "This year, we have prepared more diverse and abundant programs, so we ask for your continued interest."

Gangdong-gu Office Green City Division (☎3425-6456)