Travel
Seoul expands urban forest playgrounds for children with new additions
haps Magazine Korea
March 11, 2025
(Seoul Metropolitan Government)
Seoul City has announced the expansion of its urban forest playground initiative, increasing the number of ‘Infant Forest Experience Centers’ to 79 with the addition of two new sites in Gungsan, Gangseo-gu, and Iljasan, Gangdong-gu this year.
These spaces provide children with opportunities to connect with nature through play and learning.
First established in 2012, the Infant Forest Experience Centers aim to offer nature-based play areas for children growing up in urban environments.
Designed with minimal artificial structures, these spaces incorporate natural elements such as trees, flowers, and soil, allowing children to explore and engage their senses while promoting both mental and physical well-being.
The Gungsan center will incorporate traditional and educational elements from the nearby Yangcheon Hyanggyo, providing a cultural experience within nature.
The Iljasan Omoknuni Forest Experience Center in Gangdong-gu will maximize the existing natural landscape, creating an ecological adventure playground that fosters creativity and exploration.
This year, Seoul City is also introducing specialized programs, including the ‘Seoul Garden Therapy’ and ‘Companion Garden’ initiatives.
The Seoul Garden Therapy program integrates horticultural and forest therapy principles, building on last year’s pilot program, which showed positive effects in reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing emotional well-being.
The Companion Garden project transforms underutilized areas within the forest centers into interactive spaces where children can plant and nurture gardens, stimulating their ecological awareness and creativity.
Eight new Companion Gardens will be established this year, expanding on the seven locations introduced in 2023.
To support caregivers, Seoul City is continuing to implement the ‘Seoul Mom and Dad VIP Zone’ within forest centers, providing indoor spaces where parents can relax while keeping an eye on their children.
Currently, six locations include these dedicated areas, with an additional site planned for Gangdong-gu this year.
The Infant Forest Experience Centers operate through a structured annual enrollment system, including the Basic Forest Class for daycare centers and kindergartens, the Inclusive Class for integrated education involving children with disabilities, and the Free Forest Class for guided visits.
However, families can also visit nearby forest centers without prior registration for open-ended nature experiences.
For more details on locations and programs, visitors can access information through the Smart Seoul Map (map.seoul.go.kr/).