A notice for the Korean Forest Garden Healing Walk program. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]
A notice for the Korean Forest Garden Healing Walk program. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Friday it will operate a guided garden walk program called the "Korean Forest Garden Healing Walk" at Namsan Park's Korean Forest Garden.

The city earlier transformed the former Namsan outdoor botanical garden area in Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, into the Korean Forest Garden, incorporating the mountain's natural beauty and diverse garden landscaping. The garden opened June 27.

The program runs for adults from Friday through Nov. 14, with evening sessions every Friday and morning sessions on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations for this month's sessions are open through the Seoul Public Service Reservation website.

Participants will stroll through the garden alongside a forest interpreter, who will explain Namsan's natural environment, the meaning behind the garden's design, and the plants and scenery along the way.

The Korean Forest Garden was developed around the concept of traditional forests from across the country and features 11 individual gardens organized under three themes: tradition and culture, nature and ecology, and recreation and rest.

The gardens include Jidangwon, Yeongjiwon and Mugunghwawon, where visitors can enjoy traditional pavilions and ponds; nature-immersion spaces such as Cheoljjokdongsan, Maehwawon, Ikkeuwon, Jungrimwon and Solsupwon; and areas to relax with views of Namsan and the city center — Solsupmadag, Eunhaengnamuddeul and Namsanmaru.

The Korean Forest Garden also offers other programs, including a tea-and-incense experience called "Together, Forest, Scent and Tea," and two family programs for children — "Namsan Adventure" and "Namsan Forest Detective." Along the Namsan Sky Forest Trail, a nighttime walk program lets visitors take in panoramic views of the city center after dark.

Shin Hyeon-ho, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Jungbu Park and Leisure Center, said he hopes visitors will "take their time at the Korean Forest Garden, soaking in Namsan's nature and the beauty of Korean garden design."


ken@heraldcorp.com