Gwanak District Recruiting Second Class of Community "Healing Gardeners"

Training Program Runs for Five Weeks Starting October 17

Gwanak District in Seoul (headed by District Mayor Park Junhee) is recruiting the second class of community gardeners, the "Gwanak Healing Gardener," to create a healing and garden city where residents can enjoy happiness. The first class of "Gwanak Healing Gardener," launched for the first time this year, closed applications within three minutes, reflecting high interest and achieving a 98% satisfaction rate for the program.

Scene from the first class of garden design education by Gwanak Healing Gardener. Provided by Gwanak District.

The second class will run for five weeks from October 17 to November 15, with a total of 10 sessions held every Friday and Saturday. Both theoretical and practical training will be conducted at the Gang Gamchan Urban Agriculture Center and the Wind Path Forest in front of Nakseongdae Park. The participation fee is 20,000 won.

The theoretical training will cover basic plant knowledge and garden design methods, while the practical sessions will allow participants to experience garden maintenance activities in the Wind Path Forest of Nakseongdae Park, a high-traffic area, and enjoy healing in nature. Starting with the second class, volunteer activities at Nangok Saengsaeng Garden will be added. There will also be programs for decorating one's own home, such as planting bulb plants in home gardens and creating personalized centerpieces.

The program is open to 30 Gwanak District residents who are interested in plants and gardens and can participate in volunteer work and garden events at least once a month. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through the Gwanak District Office website from October 1 to 14.

Park Junhee, Mayor of Gwanak District, stated, "We will nurture Gwanak Healing Gardeners to expand everyday garden culture and devote all our efforts to creating 'Gwanak, a healing and garden city,' where trees and flowers are visible whenever you open your window."

Meanwhile, the district plans to regularly conduct a joint volunteer event called "Gwanak Healing Gardener Green Day" for graduates, contributing to the maintenance and management of gardens throughout the city.