Gangnam-gu, Specialized Ecological and Forest Programs... Enjoying Yangjaecheon and Daemosan in a Special Way

To Specialize Popular Nature Programs, Integrate and Streamline Previously Separately Operated Programs by Each Team...Operate Customized Programs by Segmenting Education Targets...Operate 10 Yangjaecheon Ecological Education Programs and 7 Year-Round Programs for Early Childhood Forest and Forest Interpretation Education

Children experiencing nature learning at Yangjaecheon

Gangnam-gu (District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong) will hire professional personnel starting this year to integrate and operate the previously separately managed Yangjaecheon ecological program and Daemosan forest program.

Through this, the programs that allow residents to get closer to nature within the city will be operated more substantively.

Yangjaecheon (3.75km) and Daemosan (293m) are natural attractions in Gangnam where many residents enjoy leisure activities and exercise.

The district operated ecological and forest programs utilizing these natural spaces, with a total participation of 36,394 people last year (13,767 for ecology, 22,627 for forest). To further specialize these popular programs among residents, the district plans to integrate operations through professional program planners and discover new programs. Additionally, by utilizing ecological coordinators, early childhood forest instructors, and forest interpreters, the educational targets will be segmented and customized education will be provided.

Ecological education will operate a total of 10 programs. ▲‘Vivid Playground! Yangjaecheon’ and ‘Yangjaecheon Green Exploration Team’ observe and experience the ecology of Yangjaecheon by age group ▲‘Yangjaecheon Environmental Classroom’ focuses on lectures and field trips that highlight the value of restoring natural streams ▲‘Happy Talk Talk! Green Exploration Team’ includes visiting an ecological learning exhibition hall and experiencing insect specimens and wetlands ▲‘Little Farmer School’ teaches the growth process of rice. These five Yangjaecheon ecological programs are all excellent programs certified by the Ministry of Environment.

Additionally, centered around Segokcheon and parks, programs such as ▲Segok Exploration Team ▲Segok Playground ▲Segokcheon Environmental Classroom ▲Let's Play in the Park ▲Village Forest Ecological Exploration are conducted.

Forest education takes place at three locations: Daemosan (436-6 Irwon-dong), Haechansol (San 48-16 Jagok-dong) Early Childhood Forest Experience Center, and the Daemosan area (footpaths, wildflower garden, trails). Depending on the class location, the programs are broadly divided into early childhood forest classes and forest interpretation classes, operating a total of seven programs. The early childhood forest experience center, linked with institutions such as daycare centers and kindergartens, will for the first time this year establish and operate an inclusive class where children with disabilities and general children can interact together. The Daemosan forest interpretation classes have further segmented their target audiences. They have diversified into ▲visiting forest interpretation ▲middle and high school students ▲socially vulnerable groups (elderly, marginalized groups, etc.) ▲and workplace comfort programs for emotional laborers.

Those wishing to participate in the programs must make reservations through the public reservation service website. Reservations open on the 10th of each month and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for the following month's programs.

The district plans to hold special events that allow people to feel the changing nature by season, such as Yangjaecheon rice planting (May), autumn harvest (September), and early childhood forest family festivals (September to October).

Jo Seong-myeong, Mayor of Gangnam-gu, stated, “Through high-quality ecological and forest education, I hope residents will get to know the beautiful Yangjaecheon and Daemosan better and develop affection and pride for them,” adding, “We will continue to expand various programs that allow people to enjoy nature in the city in new ways.”