The Incheon Grand Park Office of the Incheon Metropolitan Government will launch an expanded pilot run of forest therapy programs led by certified forest therapy instructors at the ‘Incheon Healing Forest’, now under development, starting Aug. 29. Tailored multi-session programs have been prepared for a range of participants — from the general adult public to menopausal women, expectant mothers and the socially vulnerable — allowing any resident to take part free of charge.
 [코리안투데이] Forest therapy programs at Incheon Grand Park’s ‘Incheon Healing Forest’ © 장형임 기자 |
The Incheon Grand Park Office of the Incheon Metropolitan Government announced that it will launch an expanded pilot run of forest therapy programs from Aug. 29 at the newly developing ‘Incheon Healing Forest’, aimed at easing the stress of modern life and helping restore body and mind. The move is seen as lowering the threshold to forest welfare, as city dwellers worn down by competition and overwork can care for their bodies and minds with the help of professional instructors at a nearby forest, at no extra cost.
The Incheon Healing Forest comprises a variety of therapeutic spaces — including a welcome area, a breathing area, the Ari rest area, a hammock rest area, a mind rest area, a shade area, a wind meditation area, a sound meditation area and a pine-breeze area — along with Eoulchae, an indoor healing space. These are linked by the Ieum meditation trail, the Sound-and-Scent trail, the Barrier-free relaxation trail and the Maru relaxation trail, so that residents can enjoy restful moments in nature. Notably, the inclusion of the barrier-free relaxation trail reflects consideration for those with limited mobility so they too can enjoy the forest.
The core of this pilot run is the tailored, multi-session programs for different groups. Certified forest therapy instructors accredited by the Korea Forest Service will lead programs such as ‘Forest of Fragrant Hearts’ (4 sessions) for the general adult public, ‘Forest that Blooms Again’ (8 sessions) to support the psychological stability of menopausal women and ease depression, the forest prenatal education program ‘Forest of Facing Each Other’ (4 sessions) for expectant mothers and their unborn children, and ‘Forest of Growing Strong’ (4 sessions) for the socially vulnerable. The multi-session format, spread over several visits, is intended to enhance therapeutic effects beyond a one-time experience.
In addition, the ‘Forest of Resonant Sound’ program offering a singing-bowl meditation experience will be held, running alongside existing programs such as ‘Forest for Everyone’ for the general adult public, ‘Forest of Guardians’ for groups, and ‘Forest for Families’ for families. By linking indoor and outdoor healing spaces with programs tailored to different groups so that people of all walks of life can experience forest therapy, the site is expected to establish itself as a landmark forest therapy destination representing the greater Seoul metropolitan area.
The expanded pilot run will continue from Aug. 29 to Nov. 21. It operates Tuesday through Saturday, with Sundays, Mondays and public holidays closed. Sessions are held twice a day (three groups each in the morning and afternoon), with up to 15 participants per session. Any resident may take part free of charge, and both individuals and groups may apply, though the eligibility and capacity for each program should be checked in advance.
Applications can be made through the Incheon Parks website and the Incheon Metropolitan Government’s online integrated reservation system. In particular, participation in the multi-session programs is finalized after a phone consultation with a forest therapy instructor following the application.
Incheon Grand Park has operated forest therapy programs since 2017, and since April 21 this year it has been piloting programs at the newly developing Incheon Healing Forest.
Im Sang-gyun, head of the Incheon Grand Park Office, said, ‘I hope the newly developing Incheon Healing Forest becomes a place that offers comfort and rest to residents worn down by busy daily life and competition.’ He added, ‘We will continue to expand tailored forest therapy programs for different groups and build this into a hub of forest therapy that contributes to improving residents’ health and quality of life.’
For further details, refer to the notice section of the Incheon Parks website or inquire by phone. For reservation inquiries, call 032-440-5855; for program inquiries, call 070-8671-0036.
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