Starting this month and continuing through November, Junggu District in Seoul will operate the "Visiting Forest Interpretation Program," which allows participants to experience nature and develop ecological sensitivity in areas such as the Namsan Footpath, local parks, and schools within Junggu.
This program is designed to help participants cultivate physical and mental well-being by spending time close to the forest in their daily lives, and to naturally understand the importance of environmental issues such as carbon neutrality. The program is open to everyone, including elementary, middle, and high school students, general citizens, and marginalized groups. Each session will be conducted with around 15 participants under the guidance of a professional interpreter.
Junggu's "Visiting Forest Interpretation Program" is tailored to various age groups and interests. For elementary school students, activities are centered on the climate crisis, such as understanding why the Earth is warming and how to reduce carbon footprints, as well as making friends with the creatures of the forest. Participants can also develop ecological sensitivity by naturally learning about small forest creatures through memory games.
For middle and high school students, programs are offered to help them scientifically understand the forest's ecological functions, such as carbon storage and absorption, and to experience the intersection of history and ecology by exploring traces of ancient forests.
For adults, including office workers, the program includes stories about seeds overcoming adversity, making ecological flowerpots, practicing intentional inconvenience to protect the Earth, and forest explorations following scents. These activities are designed to provide healing in nature away from the stresses of daily life and to teach practical ways to respond to the climate crisis.
Institutions or individuals who wish to participate can register through the Seoul Public Service Reservation website. For inquiries regarding program operation, please contact the Junggu Office Parks and Greenery Division at 02-3396-5882 or the program operator at 02-6368-9700.
Junggu has also established an Early Childhood Forest Experience Center on the Namsan Footpath and offers customized forest programs for young children and their families from local kindergartens and daycare centers. These programs, available from spring to fall, provide opportunities for children to play and experience nature, supporting both emotional and physical development.
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