[Interview] Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, "Nation's First Urban Forest Recreation Area to Present a New Model for Public Leisure Life"

Nowon-gu Suraksan Recreation Forest Spanning 354,513㎡ Developed Along Suraksan Valley into 'Family Garden' and 'Forest Garden'... A Popular Destination Not Only for Nowon Residents but for All Citizens

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] “The Korea Forest Service reports that due to changes in travel trends caused by COVID-19, demand for forest recreation has increased, with about 15 million people visiting natural recreation forests last year alone.”

Reflecting this trend, Nowon-gu has been promoting a project since 2018 to create facilities where residents can enjoy natural recreation forests within Seoul. After feasibility reviews and approval by Seoul City in 2019 and designation of the recreation forest by the Korea Forest Service in 2020, full-scale construction recently began. Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, stated, “Creating a natural recreation forest within Seoul is a new attempt. As it holds the symbolic significance of being the nation’s first urban-type recreation forest, we will prepare meticulously to present a new model of leisure life not only for residents but also for the entire nation.”

The area where the recreation forest will be established, San 155-1, Sanggye-dong, Nowon-gu, is known as Dongmakgol of Suraksan. Suraksan is a place with excellent natural scenery, featuring dense forests of pine and Mongolian oak trees and flowing valley streams. Its gentle slopes make it safe from various disasters such as landslides, and it is beloved by many hikers. Additionally, it is conveniently located near Dangogae Station on Subway Line 4, offering excellent accessibility.

The 354,513㎡ recreation forest will be divided into the ‘Family Garden’ and the ‘Forest Garden’ along the Suraksan valley. The two gardens will be connected by a small bridge crossing the valley. Planned main facilities include a visitor center, forest houses, treehouses, and walking trails, totaling 18 buildings with 25 rooms. The ‘Family Garden,’ covering 6,800㎡, will serve as the central area of the recreation forest. The management building will house the management office, cafeteria, community space, and double rooms. Additionally, there will be 10 lodging buildings with 4-person and 6-person rooms, along with shared yards and gardens in front to create relaxation spaces. The ‘Forest Garden,’ about 3,000㎡, will feature eight buildings including various-sized rooms from doubles to six-person rooms and treehouses. The treehouses are designed to preserve the shape of the trees as much as possible, with rooms built on top, offering a cozy attic-like atmosphere. At the center, there will be a shared lawn, themed gardens, and rest facilities accessible to all rooms. Mayor Oh explained, “Even if visitors experience slight inconveniences, we aim to create an eco-friendly recreation forest where they can feel nature as it is during their time at Suraksan Recreation Forest.”

Suraksan Natural Recreation Forest will operate with restrictions such as no TVs installed in rooms and prohibition of indoor cooking, allowing visitors to fully enjoy nature as it is during their stay.

Nowon-gu emphasized that as the first urban-type recreation forest attempt, Suraksan Natural Recreation Forest will be thoroughly managed to become a new model for national leisure life in harmony with nature. Mayor Oh added, “Nowon-gu, blessed with exceptional natural environments, has created healing spaces centered around local rivers and mountains. These have received great responses from residents who cannot travel far due to the COVID-19 situation.”

In the 8th term of local government, Nowon-gu is preparing a healing town project in Choansan, Wolgye-dong, following Bulamsan, Yeongchuksan, and Suraksan, to complete the healing city concept. Similar to the azalea hill symbolizing Bulamsan Healing Town, the Choansan Healing Town plans to create a hydrangea hill and build deck paths for easy access by people with mobility challenges.

The district is preparing related projects so that residents can experience various cultural arts at healing spots throughout the area, gaining vitality and inspiration in life. Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “Suraksan Recreation Forest will become a popular destination not only for Nowon residents but for people nationwide. We will strive to lead a new leisure culture in Nowon-gu.”