Gumi City Accelerates Development of Seonsan Forest Recreation Town

Creation of Five Themed Integrated Forest Spaces by 2027
Aiming to Become a Hub for Stay-Type Tourism

Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province is set to launch a large-scale forest recreation project with the core vision of promoting “stay-type tourism” and creating a “healing forest.”

'Seonsan Forest Recreation Town' Development Kicks Off. Photo by Byunggeon Kwon

On June 26, the city announced the groundbreaking for the “Seonsan Forest Recreation Town,” which will be developed in the Seonsan-eup area. The city plans to complete a total of 120 hectares of integrated forest recreation space in phases by 2027.

This project will be organized around five main themes: a local garden, a healing forest, forest leisure sports facilities, a campsite in the woods, and a wood culture experience center.

Rather than simply creating green spaces, the plan is to develop a “stay-type forest recreation complex” that encompasses accommodations, experiential programs, camping, and wellness content.

Through this project, the city aims to simultaneously achieve three objectives: attracting tourists, improving the quality of life for citizens, and revitalizing the local economy.

Seonsan Forest Recreation Town will be established as a multi-cultural space where rest, healing, leisure, and education come together in the embrace of nature. In particular, year-round forest leisure sports, healing programs, and hands-on educational content utilizing wood are expected to provide a competitive edge that sets the town apart from existing tourist destinations.

Yang Geumhee, Deputy Governor of Gyeongbuk, Kim Jangho, Mayor of Gumi, Yang Jino, Vice Chairman of Gumi City Council, and other officials are breaking ground for the 'Forest Recreation Town.' Photo by Kwon Byunggeon

Gumi City described the development of the forest recreation town as “a key axis in transforming the urban infrastructure centered around the Seonsan area,” and explained that it is part of a long-term strategy to make Seonsan not just a city people pass through, but a destination where people stay and are drawn to.

Currently, the Seonsan area is undergoing rapid changes in large-scale infrastructure, with the simultaneous development of the Go-A Sports Cluster, expansion of the road network, and improvements in transportation accessibility.

The city expects the forest recreation town to create a synergistic effect with these other development projects, serving as a catalyst to establish Gumi as a “forest tourism city.”

Kim Jangho, Mayor of Gumi, stated, “Seonsan Forest Recreation Town will become more than just a green space; it will be a symbol of a new urban brand that combines tourism and healing. We will make every effort to realize Gumi as a ‘city of healing and stay’ where people gather and linger.”