Gwangju City Signs MOU with Seoul National University for Utilization of Taehwasan Academic Forest's Ecological Resources

On December 26, Gwangju City in Gyeonggi Province signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Seoul National University for the "Utilization of Ecological Resources and Mutual Cooperation of Taehwasan Academic Forest."

Bang Se-hwan, Mayor of Gwangju City (right), is signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Seoul National University on the 26th for the "Utilization of Ecological Resources and Mutual Cooperation of Taehwasan Academic Forest." Provided by Gyeonggi Gwangju City

This agreement aims to systematically preserve the academic and ecological value of the Taehwasan Academic Forest, while also gradually opening and utilizing it as a forest welfare space that citizens can experience firsthand.

In particular, Gwangju City officially expressed its strong commitment to cooperate regarding Seoul National University's ongoing initiative to transfer the ownership of the Taehwasan Academic Forest free of charge, thereby further strengthening the partnership between the two institutions.

Under the agreement, both parties will work together on projects such as establishing a "Healing Forest" within the Taehwasan Academic Forest, developing forest recreation and educational programs, and promoting initiatives that connect with existing forest facilities in the region. Through these efforts, they plan to expand the academic forest's functions, which have so far focused on research and academic purposes, to include citizen-centered recreation and healing services.

At the signing ceremony held at Seoul National University, Mayor Bang Se-hwan stated, "The Taehwasan Academic Forest is a valuable asset with great potential for both Seoul National University and Gwangju City. Through close cooperation, we will develop it into a high-quality forest welfare hub that provides healing and relaxation for citizens."

Seoul National University also commented, "We expect that cooperation with Gwangju City will make the ecological resources of the Taehwasan Academic Forest a model example of coexistence with the local community."

Meanwhile, Gwangju City and Seoul National University plan to form a working-level consultative body to further specify the details of the agreement and will continue to discuss concrete implementation plans and practical cooperation measures in stages.