Seoul Trail Becomes 'Healing Forest Path' with New Garden Prescription Program

Seoul is taking a pioneering approach to mental health, rebranding its extensive Seoul둘레길 (Seoul Trail) network not just as a recreational amenity, but as a vital "healing forest path." Starting in May, the city is launching an expanded "Seoul Trail Garden Prescription" program, integrating nature therapy into the daily lives of its residents. This initiative moves beyond traditional park services to offer structured, therapeutic experiences designed to nurture psychological well-being.

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Seoul Trail Garden Prescription is a healing forest path.

What sets this program apart is its deliberate move towards universal accessibility. Previously, participation in Seoul's "Garden Prescription" initiatives was often channeled through specific welfare centers, elder care facilities, or youth support groups. While effective, this model created a barrier for individuals who might not be formally connected to these institutions but are nonetheless struggling with emotional challenges. The new Seoul Trail program dismantles this barrier, allowing any citizen who feels they are experiencing emotional hardship or in need of a therapeutic program to apply directly through the city's public service reservation system.

The program's design is rooted in the therapeutic benefits of interacting with nature. Led by certified forest therapy guides, participants engage in a variety of activities. These include not only mindful walks along the scenic trails, absorbing the sounds of nature and appreciating the diverse landscapes, but also hands-on experiences like soil therapy, forest yoga, and creative arts such as pressed flower crafts. The goal is to foster a sense of connection, reduce stress, and importantly, help participants rediscover a sense of efficacy and purpose through caring for plants and engaging with the natural environment.

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We are expanding the Seoul-style garden prescription as a new pillar of the 'Seoul-style Garden Prescription' this year.

Evidence supporting the program's impact is compelling. Pilot projects conducted in late 2023 and early 2024 demonstrated marked improvements in participants' psychological states, with reported decreases in depression and loneliness. The high satisfaction rates, with over 97% of respondents expressing positive feedback, underscore the program's effectiveness. As Seoul grapples with a high prevalence of emotional distress among its citizens—with studies indicating that nearly 72% experience some form of emotional difficulty—this expansion of nature-based mental health support represents a significant and hopeful step forward for urban well-being.

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Participants' depression decreased by up to 36% and loneliness by up to 13%.