Opening of Nowongol Children's Forest Experience Center at Suraksan, Nowon-gu

Opening of the Fifth Gu District Children's Forest Experience Center at the Entrance of Suraksan (Sanggye 1-dong San 59-2)... Forest Activities and Amenities Including Deck Slide, Tarzan Playground, Net Climbing, and Rope Climbing

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Nowon-gu has created a ‘Preschool Forest Experience Center’ where children can play healthily in nature at Nowongol, Suraksan (Sanggye 1-dong San 59-2).

The Preschool Forest Experience Center is designed to provide children who grow up in the city with opportunities to encounter nature and support healthy growth. It is an eco-friendly play space created by preserving the forest and natural environment instead of artificial facilities.

The Nowongol Preschool Forest Experience Center is located at the foot of Suraksan and is adjacent to the recently opened Suraksan Circular Trail Section 1 (Nowongol~Sangwon Middle School, 0.77 km). It is connected by a gentle wooden deck path, making it easily accessible for strollers, infants, pregnant women, and other mobility-vulnerable groups.

The total area of the experience center is 2,500㎡. While preserving the natural advantages of the forest, forest experience facilities and convenience facilities such as restrooms were installed to support children’s physical activities.

Fun experience facilities that stimulate children’s interest, such as deck slides, Tarzan playgrounds, net climbing, and rope climbing, help promote physical activity and strengthen arms and legs.

On one side of the experience center, exercise equipment for adults has been installed, creating an open space where families of all ages can exercise together while breathing the fresh forest air.

In addition to Nowongol, the district operates four other Preschool Forest Experience Centers by region: ▲ Suraksan Preschool Forest Experience Center (Sanggye-dong San 155-1, Suraksan Dongmakgol) ▲ Yeongchuksan Preschool Forest Experience Center (Wolgye-dong San 131, Yeongchuksan Neighborhood Park) ▲ Taereung Preschool Forest Experience Center (Gongneung-dong San 223-1) ▲ Bulamsan Preschool Forest Experience Center (Junggye-dong San 95-4, inside Bulamsan Healing Town).

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, experience programs are conducted for daycare centers and kindergartens. A preschool forest instructor is stationed to support teachers and children’s activities. Last year, 1,305 institutions and a total of 37,075 people participated in programs at the four Preschool Forest Experience Centers, showing strong community response.

After 3 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends, families with young children, groups, and any residents can visit and use the facilities freely.

Additionally, the district operates various programs utilizing the forest. The ‘Forest Trail Hiking Program,’ held from March to November, allows participants to enjoy various courses in Bulamsan, Suraksan, Choansan, and Yeongchuksan with a forest trail hiking instructor. In May-June and September-October, a ‘Senior Forest Trail Exploration’ program will also be conducted for senior groups at senior centers and welfare centers.

A district official said, “We hope children can run freely and connect with nature at the newly created Nowongol Preschool Forest Experience Center,” adding, “We will continue to utilize the district’s natural environment to create leisure spaces where residents can relax and enjoy.”