Uijeongbu-si Expands Learning in Nature through Early Childhood Forest Experience and Forest Interpretation

by Lee jonggu

Published 31 Mar.2025 13:39(KST)

Forest Education Programs to Operate from April

Uijeongbu City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Dong-geun) announced on the 31st that from April to November, it will operate the ‘Forest Education (Early Childhood Forest Education · Forest Interpretation) Program’ at locations within the city suitable for forest education, such as the Early Childhood Forest Experience Center, Jail Forest Bathing Area, and major walking trails.

Uijeongbu City will operate a "Forest Education (Early Childhood Forest Education · Forest Interpretation) Program" from April to November at locations suitable for forest education within the city, such as the Early Childhood Forest Experience Center, Jail Forest Bathing Area, and major walking trails. Provided by Uijeongbu City

The Early Childhood Forest Experience Center is a facility established to promote the emotional development and healthy growth of young children. It offers various experiences in nature, and currently operates three centers: Cheongsachorong, Omok Culture, and Jikdong Early Childhood Forest Experience Centers.

These centers are equipped with experiential facilities where children can cultivate their adventurous spirit, including ▲net play ▲log crossing ▲wooden swings ▲climbing equipment, and to enhance convenience, a waiting room for early childhood forest instructors and a comprehensive information board have also been installed.

The Early Childhood Forest Experience Program, which supports children's creativity and holistic growth, is an educational course that uses the five senses to interact with nature in the forest. Each experience center is staffed with early childhood forest instructors who provide customized experiential programs tailored to the children.

Earlier, the city recruited regular class participant groups from kindergartens and daycare centers within the city until March 28, and operates the program for the children of the selected institutions. The occasional class is recruited on a first-come, first-served basis for institutions not included in the regular class or groups wishing to participate short-term, and on weekends and public holidays, it can be freely used without a separate application.

This year, the city will also operate a ‘Forest Interpretation Program’ utilizing forest resources such as the Jail Forest Bathing Area. Citizens can experience nature in the urban area more deeply while listening to guidance from professional forest interpreters.

The Forest Interpretation Program is conducted for Uijeongbu citizens through on-site registration on weekdays and Saturday mornings and afternoons, and reservations can be made by calling the city’s Greenery and Forestry Division (031-828-4654).

Last year, Uijeongbu City received positive responses by operating programs such as the ‘Family Camping Program in the Forest’ and ‘Uijeongbu Forest - Four-Color Travel Enjoyed in the Forest’ at the Jail Forest Bathing Area.

Mayor Kim Dong-geun said, “We will strengthen forest education services so that citizens tired of daily life can recover their body and mind through the natural healing function of the forest,” and added, “We will continue to do our best in operating forest interpretation and early childhood forest interpretation programs.”