In Gangwon’s Samcheok, the region’s forests, hyanggyo academies, and seaside villages reopen as places where summer can soothe both body and mind. The Samcheok Tourism and Culture Foundation said it is accepting applications for the July participants in its “City Forest Art Therapy” program, run as part of the “Culture for Healing Support Project 2026.”
“City Forest Art Therapy” is a nationwide program jointly operated by five local culture and tourism foundations selected for a contest hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and administered by the Korea Arts & Culture Education Promotion Agency. It was designed as an interactive healing program that helps visitors achieve psychological stability and emotional recovery by using art as a medium within natural settings such as local forests, parks, and beaches.
From Preschoolers to Seniors in Their 80s, 400 People at the Program’s June Debut
The response to the program, which opened for the first time in June, exceeded expectations. About 400 participants, ranging from preschool children to seniors in their 80s, took part in sessions that nurtured their bodies and minds in an urban nature setting through yoga and meditation, singing bowls, and sensory activities. The stage showed just how deep the demand for healing in nature has become, as people kept coming regardless of generation.
The foundation adjusted parts of the schedule and locations for the July and August programs by reflecting the results from its first run, feedback from participants, and summertime weather conditions. The changes aim to help participants focus fully on rest in a more comfortable environment while avoiding the worst of the heat.
Fridays and Saturdays, and the last Wednesday, too… A Three-Pronged July Flow
Each day in July carries a different theme. Every Friday, at the Isabudokdo Memorial Hall, participants can join “A Friday to Take a Break (Yoga That Helps Your Body Feel Better).” Every Saturday, at Hamyeongbang Shell Village, visitors can experience “The Breath of the Forest, the Resonance of the Body (Sensory Yoga in Nature).” On the last Wednesday of each month—Culture Day—“Breath and Rhythm (Yoga for Body Recovery Together)” will take place with Samcheok Hyanggyo and the Inuiyeji Forest as the backdrop, with the institutions originally founded in the early Joseon period.
All sessions consist of sound therapy, nature meditation, and yoga. Participants move their bodies and awaken their senses, then gradually release the tension that has been weighing on them in daily life.
Handpan Sound Healing Meditation on the 29th With a Special Instructor
The stage that sets the tone for July is set for the 29th. On that day, a special instructor will be invited to present sound healing meditation in nature alongside a handpan performance. The gentle resonance of the handpan, played by tapping with fingertips, will layer with the sound of the forest breeze, offering participants an even deeper time of relaxation.
Yu Jae-hyeon, head of the Samcheok Tourism and Culture Foundation’s secretariat, said that through the program’s first run in June, they confirmed strong interest in nature-based healing programs. He added that the foundation will do its best to help not only residents but also tourists visiting Samcheok during the summer find opportunities to rest and recharge in the area’s natural setting.
Completely Free Through October… Sign Up First-Come, First-Served Via the Website and Social Media
“City Forest Art Therapy” will be offered completely free of charge through October. Application registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis via the Samcheok Tourism and Culture Foundation’s website and official social media accounts, and the program could close early once the capacity for each session is filled. Detailed schedules and how to participate can be found on the foundation’s website and official social media.
