Why Did Over 12,000 People Visit Nowon-gu Bulamsan Forest Healing Center Last Year?

Psychological and Emotional Support for Infertile Couples, PTSD Relief Programs for Firefighters and Police Officers Launched
‘Green Health Centers’ Expand Urban Forest Experience by Easily Accessing the Value of Forests
Over 12,000 Visitors Used Bulamsan Healing Town’s True Healing Spot, the ‘Forest Healing Center,’ Last Year

Jamboree Member Forest Healing Center Forest Gymnastics

Nowon-gu, Seoul (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will diversify the programs of the Forest Healing Center to provide customized forest healing services for infertile couples, police officers, and others.

Opened in 2020 within Bulamsan Healing Town, the Forest Healing Center has quickly established itself as a local healing landmark by offering various specialized programs utilizing the pristine natural environment.

The center operates regular programs including ▲ six experiential programs such as Vitality Forest, Health Forest, and Five Senses Forest ▲ five continuous programs for physical and mental health such as menopause and old age ▲ customized programs for people with disabilities, emotional laborers, atopy groups, and institutions/organizations. Additionally, special weekend programs like Healing Dream (林) have also been developed and are in operation.

Furthermore, starting in May, the center plans to run a free emotional stabilization program for infertile couples to help reduce anxiety and nervousness while waiting for a child.

The program, conducted eight times in total from May 12 for 10 infertile couples, focuses on stress management and psychological and emotional stabilization during the pregnancy preparation process through aroma therapy, water therapy, and five-sense stimulation.

Also, on the 16th, the center signed a business agreement with Nowon Police Station to provide forest healing services to police officers who protect the safety of the residents. This aims to contribute to the healthy work welfare of police officers who experience excessive stress and mental and physical trauma during official duties.

According to the agreement, the center will provide forest healing services twice a month from April for a total of 16 sessions to 160 officers belonging to Nowon Police Station. The programs include phytoncide rest, water therapy, and landscape healing, aiming to alleviate post-traumatic stress.

Kim Ju-yeon, director of Bulamsan Forest Healing Center, said, “There was a research report by the Korea Forest Welfare Institute showing that forest healing programs are effective in reducing stress and stabilizing emotions for infertile couples and disaster response personnel,” adding, “We will do our best to provide services so that infertile couples and police officers can find mental rest and opportunities for self-care through the center’s programs.”

The district is also promoting the establishment of a branch of the Forest Healing Center on Yeongchuksan in Wolgye-dong to allow more residents to enjoy the healing effects of the forest.

Oh Seung-rok, mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “The achievement of about 12,000 people experiencing the Forest Healing Center’s programs in 2023 clearly shows how much the forest can offer us,” and added, “We will do our best to provide suitable programs for all residents who need healing time for their tired minds and bodies.”