Creation of spaces where play and learning coexist, such as insect observation exhibition halls, natural material learning facilities, and nature-themed playgrounds... Two additional forest experience facilities for young children to be established by next year, totaling 10 locations planned
[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) has established and completed the Inheon-dong Early Childhood Forest Experience Center (San 29-4, Inheon-dong) and the Guksabong Early Childhood Nature Learning Center (San 103-86, Euncheon-dong).
The early childhood forest experience facilities provide outdoor activity spaces where children, restricted from indoor activities due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, can maintain social distancing. These natural playgrounds use the forest as a learning environment, allowing children to connect with nature while developing creativity and concentration.
The forest experience facilities at Guksabong and Inheon-dong, completed this year, include insect observation exhibition halls, natural material learning facilities, and nature-themed playgrounds, creating spaces where play and learning coexist while minimizing damage to the natural landscape.
The Inheon-dong Early Childhood Forest Experience Center will be registered with the Korea Forest Service and is scheduled to operate free of charge from the first half of next year through regular use by daycare centers and kindergartens. The Guksabong Early Childhood Nature Learning Center is open for free visits by any families accompanied by young children.
The district expects that children will be able to run freely and learn in nature with their families, which will aid the mental and physical development of urban children who have limited access to nature, as well as enhance creativity and concentration through natural experiences.
Meanwhile, since the launch of the 7th local government administration, the district has been implementing the ‘Expansion Project of Early Childhood Nature Learning Centers.’ Starting with the Sunwoo Park Early Childhood Forest Experience Center in 2018, approximately 1.2 billion KRW has been invested to establish a total of eight early childhood forest experience facilities. By 2021, two additional Early Childhood Nature Learning Centers will be created, operating a total of ten such facilities.
Mayor Park Junhee said, “I hope that children, exhausted from the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, will have time to freely play and learn coexistence, consideration, and sharing on their own at the newly established early childhood forest experience facilities.” He added, “We will continue to carry out various projects to make Gwanak-gu a happy place for children.”
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