Programs run at Maebongsan and Sangamsan forest experience centers for daycare centers and kindergartens through November, with seasonal monthly themes designed to deepen children's understanding of nature and nurture their sensitivity to the natural world.
Mapo-gu will run nature-based experience programs for young children at two forest experience centers — on Maebongsan (670 Seongsan-dong) and Sangamsan (1761 Sangam-dong) — from April through November 2026.
The forest experience centers are designed to let children interact with the natural environment through play and hands-on activities, supporting physical development while also promoting emotional stability and sensitivity to the natural world.
The programs are open to children enrolled in daycare centers and kindergartens and will run on weekdays. Certified forest education instructors will lead a range of activities, guiding children as they walk forest trails and observe trees, flowers and other elements of nature.
Mapo-gu has also prepared monthly themes tied to the changing seasons, allowing children to experience seasonal shifts firsthand and broaden their understanding of local ecosystems.
In May, the program "Hello, Forest Friends" will introduce children to how forests grow and why they matter. Summer offerings include "Dancing Bees," which explores the role and importance of honeybees, and "Into the Cool Forest," which examines why forests stay cool in the heat.
Autumn programming will continue the seasonal thread with "Where Are You Going, Fallen Leaves?" — an observation activity centered on falling foliage — and "Getting Ready to Hibernate," which looks at how wildlife prepares for winter.
Mapo-gu also plans to offer weekend programs so families can enjoy the forest together.
Registration and scheduling information are available through the Seoul Metropolitan Government's public reservation system.
Last year, the program ran 636 sessions and drew 18,067 participants, generating strong public interest.
"The forest is both a wonderful classroom and a joyful playground for children," a district official said. "We hope the experiences children carry in their bodies and hold in their hearts from time spent in nature will become a solid foundation for their growth."
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