The 2023 International Forest Therapy Congress will be held in Korea for the first time, in Hwasun – the city of life and healing.
Forests provide a sanctuary for comfortable rest.
Walking through forests filled with phytoncides and negative ions, away from the complexities of daily life, purifies the body and mind leaving them clear and refreshed.
63% of Korea’s territory consists of mountainous areas, boasting the world's fourth-highest forest ratio after Finland, Sweden, and Japan.
Through the 2023 International Forest Therapy Congress, Jeollanam-do aims to showcase the value of forests as a place of healing, rich in forest resources for future growth.
This congress, with forest therapy experts from various countries in participation, will be a significant opportunity to share the latest information and trends in forest therapy, as well as explore sustainable coexistence between humans and forests.
An array of exciting programs, including sensory pleasureful experiences, interesting demonstrations, and online events, will be provided for the participants' enjoyment.

Come to Jeollanam-do this autumn!
Amidst the beautiful ecological resources of Hwasun, such as Manyeonsan healing forest, Sumnanri Ecological Forest, Dongguri Lake Park, and Hancheon Nature Resort, you can heal your tired body and mind, find inner tranquility, and experience the peace of nature.
Under the clear blue sky, we will offer wonderful memories of the harmony between humans and forests in the embrace of nature.
Thank you

Hello, I am Gu Bog-gyu, the 48th governor of Hwasun Gun.

On this wonderful day, I am delighted to announce that the 2023 International Forest Therapy Congress will be held right here in Hwasun, Jeollanam-do.
This 2023 International Forest Therapy Congress, we aim to share the healing experiences that come from the natural immunity of forests, with everyone. Through various demonstrations, experiences, conferences, exhibitions, and events centered around forest therapy, we have prepared a festival where people can enjoy healthy and happy experiences in the forest.

Hwasun is a healing city with a long history, rich tradition, and culture as well as its pristine natural landscapes. Embracing the interwoven mountain ranges, the serene Dongbok Lake with its red cliffs, and the historic dolmen sites, Hwasun has been a beloved place for numerous poets and artists throughout history. Nobel laureate Le Clézio also expressed the charm and mystery of autumn in Hwasun in his poem "Unju Temple, Autumn Rain." Leveraging its abundant forest resources, Hwasun provides various forest welfare services, including forest leisure, forest healing, and forest education, covering the entire life cycle. As part of this effort, we are hosting the 2023 International Forest Therapy Congress.

This event will allow everyone to escape from the stress of daily life and enjoy the healing and comforting power of the forest.
The forest heals us; it embraces us and provides better answers. How about coming to the forests of Hwasun in the autumn of 2023 to heal your body and mind?
Living in daily life with forests, that is the right path towards the future. Thank you.

The 2023 International Forest Therapy Congress aims to share with all citizens the healing experience that forests offer. It will serve as an opportunity for us to realize how significant forests can be in relieving the stress of our daily lives due to the prolonged pandemic of COVID-19, and in adapting to a changing world.

The 2023 International Forest Therapy Congress provides an opportunity to spend relaxing time in a beautiful space where one can enjoy the embrace of nature. We hope you will have an experience of becoming one with nature in the forests of Hwasun this autumn.