[This Person] Oh Seung-rok, Nowon-gu Mayor, Popular for Running Forest Trail Hiking Programs Including Suraksan

Operating Various Forest Trail Hiking Programs Embracing the Unique Charm of Surak, Bulam, Choan, and Yeongchuksan Mountains... Composed of Forest Sensory Experiences, Forest Bathing Exercises, Wind Bath Enjoyment, and Various Experience Programs... Teams Composed of Up to 10 Members, Participation Free

Healing Forest Program Experience

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Oh Seung-rok, the mayor of Nowon District, is gaining popularity by operating customized experience programs that allow people to fully appreciate the natural environment of mountains and forests within the city.

The district is conducting forest trail hiking programs tailored to the characteristics of four mountains located in the area: Suraksan, Bulamsan, Choansan, and Yeongchuksan.

These programs, led by forest interpreters, run from Sunday to Thursday every week until November 30, with Fridays and Saturdays off.

Each team consists of up to 10 participants, and people from elementary school students to adults can join. Participation is free of charge.

The forest trail hiking programs include ecological education, mountain trail trekking, and various experiential activities. Participants can enjoy white noise listening for mental relaxation, forest stretching, wind bathing, making bag hangers using wooden pieces, and dyeing handkerchiefs, among other activities.

In particular, the mountain trail trekking courses are selected to be easy for beginners while allowing them to feel the unique character and charm of each mountain.

The Suraksan course gathers at Nowongol Meeting Square, passes through the oak forest trail and azalea ridge, and returns to Nowongol.

The Yeongchuksan course allows trekking along the recently completed circular walking trail up to the summit.

The Choansan course is a program where participants learn about the mountain’s history and understand local traditional culture. Starting from Biseokgol Neighborhood Park, where the Angolchiseong Festival and Choansan Cultural Festival are held annually, participants can enjoy both historical and ecological exploration while hearing stories related to Choansan and Joseon Dynasty eunuchs.

The Bulamsan course offers a view of Bulamsan Healing Town, which has recently become the most popular outing spot in Nowon. The course goes from the Bulamsan Ecological Learning Center to the recently renovated observatory and Cheonbyeong Mineral Spring.

Additionally, Bulamsan operates a ‘Healing Forest’ program. Customized programs for specific groups run from Tuesday to Saturday, including ‘Memory Enhancement Healing Forest’ for elderly with mild cognitive impairment, ‘Harmony Healing Forest’ for people with disabilities, ‘Healing Forest Walking’ for seniors aged 65 and older, and ‘Happy Family Healing Forest’ for families with young children.

Applications can be made through the Nowon District Office website by navigating to Communication & Participation - Online Registration - ‘Forest Trail Hiking Program’ or ‘Bulam Healing Forest Program’.

For detailed information, please refer to the district office website or contact the Leisure City Division.

The district is strengthening COVID-19 prevention measures for park users and hikers. Using the broadcast function of emergency bells installed throughout the area, they provide announcements on prevention guidelines and intensively monitor CCTV. Especially to prevent violations such as drinking after 10 PM, night patrol teams will be deployed in Bulamsan Healing Town, a frequently visited area, and patrols by the volunteer crime prevention team and police station will be intensified.

Oh Seung-rok, mayor of Nowon District, said, “As the peak vacation season approaches, we are operating various forest experience programs for residents who find it difficult to travel far,” adding, “We hope that people can enjoy wind bathing in nearby forests and heal their tired bodies and minds.”

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