Created in Opaesan, Odong Neighborhood Park, Bukhansan Urban Nature Park, etc... Open for free use by anyone on weekends and public holidays
[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gangbuk-gu (Mayor Park Kyum-soo) is resuming the operation of the forest interpretation program at the ‘Yua Forest Experience Center’.
The ‘Yua Forest Experience Center’ is a natural playground that helps children’s physical and emotional development.
There are four locations: Odong Neighborhood Park (Beondong San 17-14), Bukhansan Neighborhood Park (Mia-dong San 108-19), Suyu English Village (Suyu-dong San 84-1), and Opaesan (Beondong San 20-6).
In particular, the Opaesan ‘Yua Forest Experience Center’ newly opened in June last year. Covering about 10,000㎡, it was designed as a space for learning and play that maximally reflects the characteristics of Opaesan. Children can engage in physical activities that foster adventurous spirit and creativity by climbing nets, playing with ropes, and using stump and log chairs.
The Opaesan experience site is located in a pine forest full of phytoncides. It is also connected to the ‘Opaesan Nadeulgil’ and the ‘Barrier-Free Jarakgil,’ which are easy walking trails for anyone. Along the Nadeulgil, there is a Flower Saem-gil where various flowers such as roses and sunflowers bloom throughout the four seasons.
Gangbuk-gu has assigned forest guide teachers to each experience center. The guide teachers conduct forest interpretation programs tailored to children’s perspectives. They ensure that children can safely and enjoyably participate in the experience activities.
Previously, the district recruited regular user institutions targeting local daycare centers and kindergartens, selecting 58 places. On weekdays, regular user institutions use the forest experience programs, while on weekends and holidays, anyone can freely use the facilities. However, the number of users is limited to fewer than 20 according to social distancing quarantine guidelines (levels 1.5 to 2.5). During the daily quarantine stage, there is no limit on the number of users, and from level 3, alternative projects such as plant encyclopedia production are implemented.
Park Kyum-soo, Mayor of Gangbuk-gu, said, “I believe that as children roam every corner of the forest at the ‘Yua Forest Experience Center,’ they will naturally be able to express their imagination and creativity,” and added, “We will strive to expand facilities so that many children have the opportunity to run freely in the forest.”
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