Special programs including flower hat making and treasure hunts to run at six infant forest experience centers, including Cheongnyongsan; registration opens June 29 on the Seoul Metropolitan Government's public service reservation website
A "green world" where children can immerse themselves in nature in the heart of the city is set to open this summer vacation season.
Gwanak-gu (district mayor Park Jun-hee) will launch its "Infant Forest Experience Center Summer Vacation Special Program" during the summer break.
The program is designed to help children accustomed to indoor activities run freely through the forest, learn to appreciate nature and build healthy summer memories. Through hands-on sensory experiences — seeing, hearing and touching the forest — children can discover the wonders of life and the changing seasons while nurturing curiosity and creative thinking.
This year's summer vacation program will run simultaneously at six infant forest experience centers across Gwanak-gu, including Cheongnyongsan and Nakseongdae. Certified infant forest instructors will accompany participants throughout all sessions against a backdrop of lush summer greenery, ensuring both safety and enriching experiences.
Each center offers a distinct lineup of activities. At the Cheongnyongsan Infant Forest Experience Center, children can observe how plants change through the seasons and express themselves creatively using natural materials through programs called "wildflower hat making" and "hide-and-seek plants."
At Daehak-dong, programs include "green boat water play," which explores the importance of water and natural principles, and "Sunwoo Forest Night Insect Watching." Other centers offer their own signature activities: "forest curling" at Samseong-dong, "leaf artwork making" at Nakseongdae, and "the forest where cicadas awaken" at Danggok.
The special program runs from July 7 to Aug. 14 on schedules set by each individual center, and any family with young children is welcome to participate.
Participation is free. Families wishing to join may apply on a first-come, first-served basis through the Seoul Metropolitan Government's public service reservation website starting June 29.
Meanwhile, the infant forest experience centers the district operated from March through November last year drew 55,140 children and recorded a satisfaction rate of 91 percent. Building on that popularity, the district has continued its regular programs at seven infant forest experience centers across the borough since March and plans to hold an "Infant Forest Family Festival" in October to offer residents an even wider range of activities.
"There is no education more valuable than letting our children laugh freely, learn from nature and feel the soft earth beneath their feet under the shade of fresh green trees," district mayor Park said. "I hope children will grow a little more — in body and in spirit — in Gwanak's verdant infant forests this summer and make truly meaningful memories."
Families seeking details on schedules and center-specific programs may contact the Gwanak-gu Office's Leisure City Division or visit the Seoul Metropolitan Government's public service reservation website.
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