Namwon City Selected for Korea Forest Service's "Urban Wind Path Forest Creation Project" Contest

200 Billion Won to Be Invested from Next Year Through 2029

Namwon City in North Jeolla Province has been finally selected for the “Urban Wind Path Forest Creation Project” contest promoted by the Korea Forest Service.

The city announced on November 6 that it will invest a total of 20 billion won (including 10 billion won in national funding) over four years from next year through 2029 to fully implement the project.

Exterior view of Namwon City Hall. Provided by Namwon City

The project will cover an area of 55 hectares, including the Yocheon-ro area of Namwon City, North Jeolla Province. The goal is to create urban wind path forests in areas vulnerable to the urban heat island effect, thereby reducing fine dust within the city and mitigating the heat island phenomenon. This initiative is also expected to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The “Urban Wind Path Forest” brings cool and clean air from forests on the outskirts into the city center, facilitating air circulation, while expelling pollutants and hot air outside the city. This helps create a more pleasant urban environment.

The city plans to complete the basic and detailed designs next year and then create the forest in phases over the following three years. Throughout the project, the city will incorporate feedback from local residents and connect the new forests to existing green spaces in residential areas, expanding green spaces that citizens can directly experience.

A city official stated, “This Urban Wind Path Forest Creation Project will be an important opportunity to address the climate crisis and improve the quality of life for our citizens. We are committed to making Namwon a sustainable green city where urban life and nature coexist.”