North Jeolla Province to Create 60ha Urban Wind Path Forests in Gunsan and Namwon

Gunsan Railway Greenbelt to Expand 5ha to Former Gaejeong Station

55ha Urban Green Corridor to Be Established in Namwon

The North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province is set to establish a total of 60 hectares of urban wind path forests in the downtown areas of Gunsan and Namwon, aiming to mitigate heatwaves and fine dust, while also expanding green spaces for citizens to enjoy forests in their daily lives.

A bird's-eye view of the Urban Wind Path Forest to be established in Gunsan City. Provided by Jeonbuk Provincial Government.

The provincial government announced on July 21 that it would begin designing the Gunsan railway greenbelt expansion project and the new Namwon urban wind path forest project this year, and that it plans to expand neighborhood green spaces through phased construction by year.

An urban wind path forest is a connected greenbelt designed to allow relatively cool and clean air from nearby mountains and rivers to flow into the city center. In addition to helping reduce fine dust and cool urban heat, these forests also serve as spaces where people can walk and relax.

In Gunsan, an expansion of the existing railway greenbelt will link Sajeong Samgeori to the former Gaejeong Station over a 5-hectare area. The total project cost is set at 10 billion won. After completing the design this year, construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion targeted for 2028.

The newly established greenbelt, which will connect to the existing railway forest completed in 2025, will feature a Healing Garden, a Historical Healing Trail, a Circular Walking Path, and a Memorial Plaza for Dr. Lee Youngchun. The plan is to create a space where citizens can experience both history and nature while enjoying walks and relaxation.

The province also plans to plant multi-layered forests with trees of various heights to enhance the forest's air purification and shading functions. As a result, it is expected to further reduce fine dust and urban heat.

In Namwon, a new urban wind path forest will be created across 55 hectares, including areas around Yocheon-ro, at a total cost of 18 billion won. The basic and detailed designs will be completed this year, and the project will be carried out in phases from 2027 to 2029.

A key focus will be linking various urban forests and green areas, including existing projects such as the Manin Park and Millennium History Axis. When these green corridors are connected, they are expected to help lower retained urban heat, reduce fine dust, and enhance carbon absorption.

Urban wind path forests are drawing attention as heatwaves and fine dust become daily urban challenges. In response, North Jeolla Province plans to develop urban forests that reflect the unique characteristics of each region through the Gunsan and Namwon projects, while expanding green infrastructure to address climate change.

Lee Soon-taek, Director of the Environment & Forest Bureau of North Jeolla Province, said, "Urban wind path forests are green spaces in residential areas that consider both climate crisis response and public health. We will push ahead with the Gunsan and Namwon projects without delay, continuing to expand urban forests that people can noticeably benefit from in their daily lives."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.