Jeongeup-si to Create 'Urban Healing Forest'... Scheduled for Completion in 2026

[Jeongeup=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] Another urban healing forest will be established following the ‘Ayang Love Forest’ created around Jeongeupsa Cultural Park in Sigi-dong, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk.

The city announced on the 20th that it plans to create an urban healing forest covering approximately 51.8 hectares (518,000㎡) around Ayangsan, San 57-1, Gyoam-dong.

This project is expected to receive a total budget of 5 billion KRW (2.5 billion KRW from the provincial government and 2.5 billion KRW from the city) from next year through 2026.

The urban healing forest refers to a forest therapy space within the city that helps citizens build immunity against various illnesses such as stress and atopic dermatitis, thereby promoting health.

The city completed a feasibility evaluation in May and a local finance investment review in November, and plans to complete the basic plan and detailed design services from next year through 2024.

From 2025, full-scale construction will begin, aiming for completion in 2026.

The healing forest will include a healing center equipped with program guidance and various convenience facilities, a ‘Fragrance Healing Garden’ where visitors can enjoy colors and scents, a ‘Wind Bathing Area’ where anyone can comfortably relax while feeling the mountain breeze, and a ‘Forest of Meditation’ for healing activities such as meditation and contemplation.

Throughout the healing forest, log benches, outdoor tables, and platforms will be installed to serve as conversation spaces for hikers and nearby residents.

Additionally, utilizing abundant forest resources such as scenery, fragrance, and phytoncides, forest healing programs reflecting the needs of various groups including infants, adolescents, pregnant women, middle-aged and elderly people will be operated.

The city expects that once the healing forest is established, it will become a representative healing spot in Jeongeup by linking with Jeongeupsa Forest Trail, Jeongeupsa Park, and Jeongeupsa Digital Theme Park.

Mayor Lee Hak-su said, “With the creation of an urban forest healing space, interest in forest therapy will increase, allowing us to achieve both healing and regional economic revitalization,” and added, “We hope that the healing forest being created this time will serve as a catalyst for providing forest welfare.”

Meanwhile, Ayangsan Healing Forest is located 5 to 10 minutes from Jeongeup Station and Jeongeup IC, and is easily accessible on foot from downtown.

Jeongeup=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil baekok@asiae.co.kr

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