We will prescribe a 'garden' to embrace the heart... Seoul City to pilot operation next month

Jo Hyun-ah's story

Seoul City announced on the 28th that it will pilot the 'Seoul-style Garden Prescription' project, utilizing gardens and forests throughout Seoul to promote the mental health of its citizens starting next month.

Seoul-style Garden Prescription is a program that supports citizens in enhancing their physical and mental health through various experiential activities in gardens.

 

Healing through gardens reduces depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness, and has the effect of improving daily vitality, life satisfaction, and mental health. According to related research findings, viewing gardens decreases anxiety levels by 20% and negative mood by 11% compared to viewing urban landscapes.

Prescriptions utilizing the natural environment are being implemented in several countries abroad, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. In Germany, natural prescriptions linked to resorts are being carried out. When healthcare professionals prepare a medical opinion indicating the need for a natural prescription, patients can go to a resort and receive treatment through natural prescriptions provided by local healthcare providers. It has been analyzed that such natural prescriptions can result in an annual reduction of approximately 4 trillion won in medical expenses.

 

The Seoul City Garden Prescription Pilot Program is carried out in collaboration with the Dementia Safety Center, Seoul Metropolitan Youth Center, and Youth Base Center. Each institution recruits 351 individuals eligible for the garden prescription and offers personalized garden prescription programs free of charge at locations such as the Forest Healing Center, Seoul Botanical Garden, Healing Forest, and Seoul Dulle-gil.

 

At Seoul Grand Park Forest Healing Center, Yongsan Family Park, and Bureamsan Forest Healing Center, a 'Dementia Safety Program' is operated for elderly individuals experiencing early-stage dementia. It is a mental and physical health improvement program that enhances immunity and memory through activities such as sensing healing factors obtained from nature, like phytoncides and negative ions, and walking and relaxing.

 

A walking and gardening activity program will be prepared for young people experiencing severe depression and psychological vulnerability. At Seoul Forest, Boramae Park, and Seoul Botanical Garden, participants can engage in activities such as the 'Mind Care Garden,' where they can explore their emotions and find stability through horticultural activities, and 'Mind Walk in the Garden,' where they can experience meditation and aromatherapy with forest interpreters.

A program that promotes vitality and socialization for isolated and reclusive young people will also be introduced. At the Bulamsan Forest Healing Center, Gwanaksan Healing Forest, Seoul Dulle-gil, and Seoul Forest, visitors can learn activities such as walking, meditation, and laughter therapy while interacting with trees. Active programs that awaken the senses, such as rock climbing experiences and tree climbing (trekking), are also prepared.

 

Customized garden prescriptions are based on the 'Garden Healing Notebook.' The notebook contains information necessary for garden healing activities, including a garden activity workbook and garden prescription records.

Based on the results of this pilot operation, the city plans to develop a Seoul-style garden prescription algorithm to provide customized garden prescriptions to all Seoul citizens. Garden healing content will also be expanded within the Seoul healthcare 'Wrist Doctor 9988' application.

 

Director Jeong Won-do of the Seoul City Garden Project said, "Through the Seoul-style Garden Prescription project, we aim to help citizens lead healthier and happier daily lives, as well as expect a reduction in medical expenses borne by the government," adding, "We will work to create a healthy, attractive garden city of Seoul, both physically and mentally."

 

 

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Just looking at nature seems to be healing.

Don't you think the name isn't pretty either?

Garden Prescription

 

Just looking at the flowers blooming in the field makes me feel better.

Healing through viewing gardens.

Just thinking about it makes me interested.

 

It seems that Seoul City is conducting a dust pilot operation.