All About Forests Gathered in Gwangju... The Grand Journey of the Korea Forest Expo Begins

Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province, Opens the 16th Korea Forestry Expo
"Forests that Save People, People that Save Forests"... Kicking Off a Green Festival
Showcasing the Status as a "City of Forests"
Diverse Programs Including Exhibition Halls and Woodcraft Experiences

The "2025 Korea Sillim Expo" grandly opened on October 18 at Gonjiam Ceramic Park in Gwangju City, launching a four-day green journey under the theme "Forests that Save People, People that Save Forests."

Participants including Mayor Bang Se-hwan are taking a commemorative photo after holding the opening ceremony of the "2025 Korea Sinrim Expo" at Gonjiam Ceramic Park in Gwangju City on the 18th. Provided by Gyeonggi Gwangju City

Jointly hosted by the Korea Forest Service, Gyeonggi Province, and Gwangju City, this expo is held under the main theme "The Forest is the Future." It aims to newly highlight the environmental, economic, and social value of forests and to share with the public the necessity of sustainable ecological transition in the era of climate crisis. It is the largest national forestry event to be held in the Seoul metropolitan area in 16 years since 2009.

Although autumn rain fell in the morning, warm sunlight in the afternoon brought a lively atmosphere as countless citizens, including families, couples, and group visitors, flocked to the ceramic park. The lawn plaza and tranquil walking trails, filled with the scent of trees, music, and colorful exhibition booths, created a festive space in the heart of nature.

Mayor Bang Sehwan explained the 2025 Korea Sillim Expo to Kim Inho, the head of the Korea Forest Service, and others at the opening ceremony held on the 18th at Gonjiam Ceramic Park in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province. Provided by Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province

The event was attended by key dignitaries and officials, including Kim Inho, head of the Korea Forest Service; Bang Sehwan, Mayor of Gwangju; National Assembly members So Byunghoon and An Taejun; and Heo Kyunghaeng, Chairman of the Gwangju City Council, who celebrated the opening ceremony.

In his welcoming remarks, Kim Inho, head of the Korea Forest Service, stated, "Forests are a key resource for responding to the climate crisis and achieving carbon neutrality, and they are life itself, supporting humanity. I hope this expo will provide an opportunity for people to deeply appreciate the value of forests and recognize the importance of a sustainable future together."

Kim Inho, head of the Mountain Forest Management Division, Mayor Bang Sehyun, and other attendees are reviewing the "2025 Korea Sillim Expo" at Gwangju Gonjiam Ceramic Park on the 18th. Provided by Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province

In his address, Bang Sehwan, Mayor of Gwangju, emphasized, "With 65% of its total area covered by forests, Gwangju is truly a 'city of forests.' Through projects such as the creation of Noreungol Natural Recreation Forest, where healing and leisure coexist; the establishment of the nation's first comprehensive carbon-neutral wood education center; the operation of a forest experience center for children; and the promotion of domestic wood utilization, we are building a healthy city that grows together with its forests."

Participants including Mayor Bang Se-hwan attended the "2025 Korea Sinlim Expo" at Gonjiam Ceramic Park in Gwangju City on the 18th and are listening to explanations about wooden artworks. Provided by Gyeonggi Gwangju City

This expo features a variety of programs where visitors can see, feel, and experience the diverse values of forests, including the main theme exhibition hall, corporate and promotional halls, forest product sales center, forest education, forest healing, and woodcraft experiences, running through October 21. In particular, the opening ceremony was held as a "carbon-neutral opening ceremony" to offset carbon emissions generated during the event, further reinforcing the message of responding to the climate crisis.

Gwangju City expects that during the event, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the importance of forest protection and the vitality of forests, gaining a new awareness of the environment.