The "Sinbi Forest," Accessible Only Once a Year, Opens

Namyangju City to Host the 19th Gwangneung Forest Festival
On the 28th and 29th at Jinjeop-eup Gwangneung Forest Area

Poster of the 19th Gwangneung Forest Festival.

Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Gwang-deok) announced on the 25th that it will hold the "19th Gwangneung Forest Festival" over two days on the 28th and 29th in the Gwangneung Forest area of Jinjeop-eup.

Gwangneung Forest, located in Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju City, is a forest designated as a "UNESCO Biosphere Reserve" due to its high natural environmental value.

Although it is an area where public access is strictly controlled and the ecological environment is managed, the forest is opened to citizens only once a year during the "Gwangneung Forest Festival" to promote the meaning and value of Gwangneung Forest.

The 19th Gwangneung Forest Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature various eco-friendly festival programs throughout the forest trails, including △Gwangneung Forest Walking Tour (forest trail walking) △Gwangneung Forest Village Market (flea market) △Gwangneung Forest Drawing (caricature) △Gwangneung Forest Stage (busking) △Gwangneung Forest Photo Studio (photo zone) △Gwangneung Forest Teacher (forest interpretation) △Gwangneung Forest Relaxation Spot (rest area) △Gwangneung Forest Hands-on (experience) △Gwangneung Forest Exhibition (illustration AR exhibition) △Gwangneung Forest Yoga Center (forest yoga), among others.

Additionally, near Gwangneung Forest at the Kknaksae Soccer Field (29, Gwangneungnaero 57beon-gil, Jinjeop-eup), side events such as △Opening Ceremony △Congratulatory Performance by the Show Choir Group Harmonize △Citizen Participation Performances △Food Stalls △Promotional Booths will be held.

A city official stated, "The Gwangneung Forest Festival is a representative local festival that can highlight the historical value and environmental significance of Gwangneung Forest, so we have prepared a variety of attractions. Especially this year, we have expanded the festival venue and will operate a free shuttle bus for citizens' convenience, so we ask for the active interest and participation of our citizens."

The festival is open to everyone without prior application, and detailed information can be found on the Namyangju City website.