Jongno-gu Creates 'Forest Experience Center' on the Hill Behind National Seoul School for the Blind

Secured Lottery Fund for 'Sanlimbokji Nanum Forest' Contest Selection
'Nature Learning Center' for Visually Impaired Students

Jongno-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeong Munheon) has been selected for the ‘2025 Lottery Fund (Green Fund) Public Project’ hosted by the Korea Forest Welfare Institute, securing 300 million KRW from the lottery fund.

The Lottery Fund (Green Fund) public project, jointly conducted by the Lottery Commission, the Korea Forest Service, and the Korea Forest Welfare Institute, is promoted based on the Forest Resources Act to protect the forest environment and expand green infrastructure.

View of the hill behind Seoul School for the Blind. Provided by Jongno-gu.

Jongno-gu participated in the project with the ‘National Seoul School for the Blind Forest Welfare Sharing Forest Creation Project’ and achieved final selection. This project focuses on creating a space on the school’s back mountain where visually impaired students can physically experience nature by touching and smelling, as well as renovating the old and worn existing facilities.

Currently, there is a walking practice area for students on the school’s back mountain, but due to aging facilities, it is difficult to use. Additionally, the tree species are not diverse, and some areas are steep slopes and rocky, making it inconvenient to experience the forest.

Accordingly, the district participated in the project considering that the target site is national land with no restrictions on land use, the possibility of utilizing excellent existing natural resources, and the necessity of providing a forest experience place for students.

Jongno-gu plans to sign an agreement with the Korea Forest Welfare Institute next month, conduct detailed design services and design reviews in 2025, and carry out construction from April to June next year. The secured 300 million KRW lottery fund will be used to plant various tree species so that students can experience nature with all five senses and to renovate the aging facilities.

Mayor Jeong Munheon stated, “The back mountain of the National School for the Blind will be transformed into a forest experience site for visually impaired students,” adding, “We will provide opportunities for those with mobility difficulties to experience nature without restrictions.”