Gyeonggi Province Operates Four Forest Healing Sites Including Gapyeong Jathyanggi Pureun Forest
Nature-Based Healing Programs Such as Meditation and Health Walks
Cooler Than the City, Rich in Phytoncides and Negative Ions, Gaining Popularity
Gyeonggi Province has announced that it is currently operating 'forest healing programs' at four locations, including Gapyeong Jathyanggi Pureun Forest, to help residents recover their bodies and minds from the summer heat in the forest. The province is encouraging residents to participate.
The forest healing programs are being held at four locations: Gapyeong Jathyanggi Pureun Forest, Pocheon Haneularae Healing Forest, Yangpyeong Yongmunsan Healing Forest, and Dongducheon Healing Forest. These programs, based on nature, such as forest meditation and health walks, offer residents moments of relaxation and comfort.
Looking at the characteristics of each location: Gapyeong Jathyanggi Pureun Forest, which features the largest dense pine nut forest in Korea, is located at San 92-1, Haenghyeon-ri, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun. The Gyeonggi-do Forest Environment Research Institute directly operates the forest healing programs, including 'My Liberation Diary' (meditation for stress relief), 'Pine Scent, Pine Between Us' (program for relieving communication stress), and 'Family' (healing for family relationships). There is only a 1,000 won admission fee (free for Gapyeong residents), and the healing programs themselves are free of charge.
Pocheon Haneularae Healing Forest, located at San 39, Geumdong-ri, Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, sits at the foot of Guksabong Mountain at an altitude of 755 meters, offering fresh air and excellent forest views. Programs such as 'Mindfulness in the Forest,' which help heal the mind while enjoying the green forest, are offered free of charge. Only an admission fee of 2,000 won is required (free for Pocheon residents).
Yangpyeong Yongmunsan Healing Forest, located at San 68-7, Baekan-ri, Yangpyeong-eup, Yangpyeong-gun, is linked to the abundant forest experience infrastructure provided by Sijapark, Gyeonggi Province's representative forest recreation complex. Free forest healing programs are available, including 'Resting Forest' (breathing meditation), 'Rest Variation' (immunity enhancement for those experiencing menopause), 'Just Rest' (self-esteem improvement for adolescents), and 'Harmony of Rest' (enhancing family bonds). There is an admission fee of 2,000 won, but it is free for Yangpyeong residents.
Dongducheon Healing Forest, located at San 16, Tapdong-dong, Dongducheon-si, is gaining attention as a healing space with various forest experience facilities such as a heat therapy room, health measurement room, and foot bath. Programs such as 'Spring Days of Life' (daily life recovery for those aged 65 and older), 'A Walk in My Mind' (relieving daily stress), and 'Wise Family Life' (building family relationships) are offered for a fee (5,000 won for general participants, 4,000 won for Dongducheon residents, and 3,500 won for families with multiple children). For those who reserve a program, the admission fee is waived.
Healing forests are attracting attention as recovery spaces that are cooler than the city and rich in phytoncides and negative ions, making them effective for boosting immunity and stabilizing the mind and body during the summer.
Residents who wish to participate in the forest healing programs can make a reservation in advance through each healing forest's website or by phone. As costs, operating hours, and reservation methods vary by location, those interested should check the information on each healing forest's website or inquire by phone before participating.
Lee Taeseon, head of the Forest and Greenery Division of Gyeonggi Province, said, "I hope that the healing forests can provide at least some comfort to residents who are exhausted by recent heavy rains and ongoing heat waves," and added, "We will continue to diversify programs to meet seasonal demand and expand customized forest welfare services for the elderly, families, and vulnerable groups so that everyone can participate easily in the future."
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