Why is the Tree Experience Learning Center 'Mokyewon' in Gongneung-dong, Nowon-gu Popular?

Mokyewon, Woodcraft Experience Center and Namu Imagination Playground Attract Over 42,000 Visitors...Experience Starting from Just 2,000 Won, Popular for Making Various Woodcrafts like Pencil Holders and Bookstands...Located Next to Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail Hwarangdae Station and Nowon Bulbit Garden

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that ‘Mokyewon,’ a wood experience learning center decorated with a woodworking workshop and a wooden imagination playground, is gaining popularity among residents.

Mokyewon (around 29-2 Gongneung-dong) is located from the front gate of Seoul Women’s University to Hwarangdae Station on the Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail. It opened in October 2015 as a recycled and experiential space by collecting discarded wood such as street trees and park trees.

Since its opening, more than 42,000 people have visited.

Among them, the woodworking workshop, visited by about 23,000 people, is by far the most popular space. The workshop offers the chance to make 12 types of woodworking items such as mobile phone stands, pencil holders, coasters, trays, bookends, and reading stands.

It is popular because it does not require advanced skills and provides a space where families can easily experience cutting and sawing wood, which is usually difficult in small spaces.

It is available to individuals as well as families.

The experience fee is also affordable. A family of four pays 5,000 KRW, and individuals pay 2,000 KRW to participate. However, material costs range from 3,000 KRW to 15,000 KRW depending on the type of woodworking item.

The experience sessions run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday. On Fridays, sessions start from 2 p.m., and on weekends, experiences are available from 10 a.m. On Saturdays at 2 p.m., a practical woodworking class teaching how to make solid wood chairs is held.

Another popular space is the Wooden Imagination Playground. The approximately 80㎡ playground is decorated with wooden playhouses, car tables, and other wooden play areas. Filled with small and charming wooden play items, it is a favorite spot for children.

The usage fee is not expensive. Residents pay 2,000 KRW per person for 2 hours, while non-residents pay 4,000 KRW to use the playground. Those wishing to experience woodworking or the wooden playground can make reservations year-round on the district office website.

Next to Mokyewon is Hwarangdae Station on the Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail. Visitors who finish their experience can also view a 1950s steam locomotive, a narrow-gauge train, and a streetcar used by Emperor Gojong during the Joseon Dynasty. Hwarangdae Station, with an area of about 38,000㎡, features a light garden, making it a famous spot beautifully decorated with colorful lights at night.

Additionally, the district operates Mokye Workshop, a space run and participated in by residents, separate from Mokyewon. Using facilities and equipment such as workbenches, electric saws, electric drills, and hand tools, residents can create DIY furniture and various woodworking crafts. It is used not only for woodworking but also as a place to activate community activities among residents.

Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, “Mokyewon is an experiential space where families and couples can make wooden crafts and enjoy the wooden playground. We hope many residents visit to create woodworking items and make memories at Hwarangdae Station on the Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail.” Green City Division (☎2116-0546)

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.