Three Centers at Daehyeonsan, Geumhosan, and Maebongsan
Certified Early Childhood Forest Instructors
Seasonal Forest Experience Programs for Kindergartens and Daycare Centers
Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jung Won-oh) announced that starting April 1, it will officially operate the ‘Early Childhood Forest Experience Centers’ where children can freely run and play in the forest and experience nature.
The ‘Early Childhood Forest Experience Centers’ are established in three locations: Daehyeonsan, Geumhosan, and Maebongsan, equipped with outdoor experiential learning areas of over 8,000㎡, shelters, and safety facilities. Instead of artificial structures, the play facilities are made using natural materials such as rocks, trees, and soil to allow children to play with nature.
Each ‘Early Childhood Forest Experience Center’ has a resident certified early childhood forest instructor who provides children with opportunities to explore and learn about nature through seasonally tailored programs.
The centers are available to kindergartens and daycare centers within the district that have pre-registered, and individual children who apply in the afternoons and on weekends can also participate.
Since last year, an ‘Inclusive Class’ has been operated to allow children with and without disabilities to learn together. Children participating in the classes can develop understanding of others, social relationships, emotional sensitivity, and physical development through cooperative lessons.
Additionally, a ‘Forest Interpretation Program’ is conducted in local forests and gardens such as Eungbong Neighborhood Park and Dalmaji Park, where participants can experience tree information, ecosystem knowledge, and ecological play.
Starting this year, a new ‘Garden Prescription Forest Interpretation’ program has been launched and operated, allowing not only general residents but also the elderly and marginalized groups who need healing and therapy through gardens to participate. It is expected that residents will gain knowledge about forests, connect with nature, and receive mental and physical comfort.
The ‘Early Childhood Forest Experience Centers’ and ‘Forest Interpretation Programs’ accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis each month through the Seoul public reservation system, and detailed information can be obtained by contacting the Seongdong-gu Office’s Parks and Greenery Division.
Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “As we expand the operation of the ‘Early Childhood Forest Experience Centers’ and ‘Forest Interpretation Programs’ that anyone including the elderly and marginalized groups can participate in, I hope all residents can enjoy a nature-friendly and healthy life.” He added, “We will continue to provide high-quality forest education that increases resident satisfaction and create a happy city in harmony with nature.”
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