Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) successfully concluded the forest experience education program "JBNU Academic Forest Experience with Local Residents," which was operated using an academic forest in the urban area.

As part of the National University Promotion Project, the program, held from May until recently, received strong support, with a total of 789 kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school students from the Jeonbuk region participating.

JBNU's forest experience education has been a representative community-linked environmental education program, continuing for seven years since 2019. This year as well, experience-centered activities such as guided forest interpretation, ecological exploration, treasure hunts, hammock experiences, and natural-material play were offered, resulting in high satisfaction among participating students.

Through various activities, students naturally learned about the structure and function of natural ecosystems, the necessity of environmental conservation, and awareness of responses to the climate crisis. In particular, by applying a community-participation operating method, the program was evaluated to have educational effects beyond simple outdoor activities, including enhanced environmental sensitivity, collaborative experience, and the spread of ecological culture.

Han Sang-seop, Director of the JBNU Academic Forest (Professor, Department of Forest Environmental Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences), said, "The academic forest is a valuable public resource open to the local community beyond university education and research. We will continue to grow with the local community and further strengthen sustainable forest welfare programs and experiential environmental education."