Heal Your Soul in Gyeonggi Forests Near Seoul

Gyeonggi Province is working on creating healing forests, natural recreation forests, arboretums, infant experiential forest centers, and forest baths

The number of people who feel helpless and anxious is on the rise due to the “Corona Blues.” In response, Gyeonggi Province has introduced ‘Green Welfare’ to elevate the mental health of residents, allocating a total of KRW 31.7 billion won this year to that end. The budget will be used to promote 11 recreational forest facility projects, spurring the development of recreational forest infrastructure. These facilities – located in cities such as Hwaseong, Suwon, and Seongnam – are easily accessible from Seoul.

More people have been visiting forests and mountains due to social distancing. Through fortuitous timing, Gyeonggi Province has completed approximately 50% of the Gwanggyosan Mountain hiking trails this past June. Other projects are also being carried out, including the maintenance of hiking trail signs and rest shelters.

Gyeonggi also prioritizes the provision of opportunities for residents to heal body and mind by expanding and operating customized programs that reflect their needs, such as woodworking and forest meditation courses. Since last year, the province also has been operating contactless, experiential forest programs.

Gyeonggi province also has been operating contactless, experiential forest programs since last year

To this end, a total of 300 forest welfare experts have deployed to healing forests, natural recreation forests, arboretums, infant experiential forest centers, and forest baths in the province. Currently, there are a total of 200 forest recreation facilities in Gyeonggi Province.