Jincheon-gun becomes the world’s forest healing hub city. Jincheon-gun, North Chungcheong Province, is emerging as a world forest healing hub city. The ‘Jincheon Declaration’ was adopted and announced at the 2024 Forest Healing World Forum held in Jincheon-gun and Daejeon Metropolitan City for three days from the 28th, co-hosted by Chungbuk National University and Korea Forest Welfare Agency.
The forum was held to spread the Korean forest healing model internationally, strengthen international solidarity, and provide an opportunity for the development of the forest healing field.
On the first day of the event held at the Hotel in the City in Daejeon on the 28th, the opening ceremony was followed by keynote speeches by Forum Chairman Shin Won-seop and international experts from Denmark, Slovenia, the United States, and Germany, and oral presentations by experts in each field continued until late at night.
On the morning of the second day, a healing concert was held at the Jincheon Art Fore Arboretum, and in the afternoon, the event moved to the Jincheon Healing Forest and a large-scale welcome event followed.
As the main event of the forum on this day, eight representatives from around the world adopted and announced the ‘Jincheon Declaration’.
The Jincheon Declaration aims to strengthen international joint awareness and efforts on the importance of the value and potential of forest resources from a healing perspective, focusing on △expanding international exchange and cooperation △spreading forest healing △standardization and standardization related to forest healing. Contained.
In particular, an agreement was announced to establish an international forest healing organization in Jincheon-gun, which has secured various forest infrastructure and is fostering the forest healing industry in earnest.
Jincheon County Governor Song Ki-seop expressed his intention to begin full-scale international network cooperation in the forest healing field centered on Jincheon, including the establishment of the Forest Healing World Forum Secretariat in the near future, prior to the establishment of an official international organization.
Subsequently, Governor Song said the growth of the strategic forest healing field by utilizing Jincheon County’s excellent ’regional forest healing network’ such as △Healing Forest △Mir Forest △Art Foret Arboretum △K-Story Creation Cluster △Jincheon Charcoal Industry Cluster △Saenggeojincheon Natural Recreation Forest He also revealed his vision.
Jincheon-gun Mayor Song Ki-seop said, “Forest healing is also a core policy of the regional development 3.0 vision that Jincheon-gun is strategically pursuing.” He added, “We paid attention to the infinite value and potential of forests from early on and actively sought to develop forest resources that combine healing.” “I have done it,” he said.
He emphasized, “With the hosting of this first forum in Jincheon, we will declare Jincheon-gun as the ‘world’s first leading city in forest healing’ and take advantage of its abundant forest infrastructure to lead the development of the forest healing field.”
This forum will conclude with a forest experience event held at Daejeon Forest Center and Sejong Arboretum on the 30th.
Meanwhile, Ha Jae-seon, CEO of Bugyeong Platech, visited Jincheon-gun Office on the 29th and delivered 5 million won as a hometown love donation.
Representative Ha said, “I decided to participate because I heard that I could convey my heart to the underprivileged in Jincheon-gun through a system called the Hometown Love Donation System,” and added, “I hope that my sincere donations will be used wisely in various fields within the region.”
Jincheon County Mayor Song Ki-seop expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you for showing your sincerity during difficult times.” He added, “We ask for your continued interest so that many people can participate in the hometown love donation system in the future.”
Bukyung Platech operates a packaging and logistics business that produces packaging hangers and protective caps, and is consolidating its position as a women’s company by being selected as a model women’s company by Cheongju City and receiving the Model Women’s Entrepreneur Award from the Chungbuk Regional Small and Medium Venture Business Administration.
Jincheon-gun announced that students scheduled to graduate from the Adult Literacy Education Academic Achievement Course went on a graduation trip for two days and one night starting on the 28th.
This graduation trip was designed to celebrate the students’ academic achievements and provide an educational opportunity to directly experience Korea’s long history and culture.
It was a journey planned as part of Gyeongju and Pohang cities, and 18 adult learners scheduled to graduate in 2025, 12 in the elementary school, 6 in the middle school, and 2 literacy educators, participated.
The Adult Literacy Education Academic Achievement Recognition Course is a program that recognizes the qualifications for graduation from elementary school and middle school, the same as the regular curriculum, by the government if you complete steps 1 to 3 of each elementary and middle school course.
In particular, this graduation trip went beyond simple sightseeing and became a valuable opportunity for learners to connect the knowledge they acquired during the course with real life.
An official from the Lifelong Learning Center said, “We hope that learners will grow on their own based on the knowledge and experience they have learned and continue their learning journey even after obtaining academic recognition.”
Economy Queen reporter Hana Choi photo Jincheon-gun
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Forest Healing Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re joined by Dr. Elena Mirov, a renowned expert in forest therapy and well-being, to discuss the recent developments in Jincheon-gun, which is being recognized as the world’s forest healing hub. Dr. Mirov, thank you for being here.
Dr. Mirov: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for forest healing, especially with the recent forum in Jincheon-gun.
Editor: Absolutely! The ‘Jincheon Declaration’ was a significant outcome of the 2024 Forest Healing World Forum. Can you elaborate on the purpose and importance of this declaration?
Dr. Mirov: The Jincheon Declaration is pivotal as it lays the groundwork for international cooperation in forest healing. It aims to raise awareness of the therapeutic benefits of forests globally, expand exchanges between nations, and work toward standardizing forest healing practices. This kind of international collaboration is essential for advancing the field.
Editor: That’s impressive! During the forum, participants discussed various aspects of forest resources from a healing perspective. What specific benefits do you think forests provide in terms of mental and physical health?
Dr. Mirov: Forests play a crucial role in reducing stress and anxiety levels. Research has shown that spending time in nature can lower blood pressure, improve mood, and enhance immunity. The very act of being surrounded by trees—known as “Shinrin-yoku” or forest bathing—activates our parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.
Editor: It sounds incredibly beneficial! The Jincheon County Governor expressed commitment to fostering this healing environment. How do you see local governments playing a role in the development of forest resources dedicated to well-being?
Dr. Mirov: Local governments are key players in establishing supportive infrastructures for forest therapy. By investing in forest healing programs, creating accessible natural spaces, and promoting educational initiatives, they can enhance community health. Jincheon-gun’s vision of utilizing its existing forest infrastructure is commendable and can serve as a model for other regions.
Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. The forum included a concert and various events to promote healing through nature. How important are these communal activities in fostering a culture of forest healing?
Dr. Mirov: Very important! Communal activities not only enhance the experience but also promote the sense of community and shared well-being. Events like healing concerts connect people to nature and each other, reinforcing the benefits of forest healing. They create a platform for individuals to explore emotional healing collectively, which can be incredibly powerful.
Editor: The concept of establishing an international organization for forest healing in Jincheon-gun is groundbreaking. What impact do you think this could have on the global forest healing movement?
Dr. Mirov: Establishing such an organization could significantly elevate the global profile of forest healing practices. It would facilitate research, share best practices, and create a unified framework for training practitioners worldwide. This could lead to standardized treatment methods and a deeper understanding of forest therapy’s potential in various cultures.
Editor: I can see how that would propel forest healing practices across borders. Lastly, Dr. Mirov, what advice would you give to individuals looking to incorporate forest healing into their lives?
Dr. Mirov: I encourage everyone to make time to engage with nature. Start small—take a walk in a local park, try to spend quiet time under a tree, or even practice mindfulness outdoors. Notice the sensations, the sounds, and the scenery around you. Incorporating these moments into your routine can yield profound benefits for your mental and emotional health.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mirov, for sharing your insights on this fascinating and vital subject. Jincheon-gun’s efforts in becoming a forest healing hub offer much promise for individuals and communities alike.
Dr. Mirov: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important work. I’m excited to see how it progresses!