The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) announced its plans to actively support the 10,000-square-meter Star Forest urban reforestation project in Nanji Hangang Park starting this spring.
Star Forest refers to specially designated groves of trees landscaped across nine Hangang Park locations. It was first implemented in 2019 and made possible through contributions by citizens, celebrities, and fan clubs who have since created a total of 588 groves comprising 180,000 trees.
The city accepts applications from the general public wishing to plant their own special grove of trees, and provides necessary tools and equipment, such as shovels, gloves, fertilizer, and water. Named after Korean celebrities, these mini forests have become popular tourist destinations for K-pop fans at home and abroad. The city anticipates that donations from fan clubs will increase as Korean culture gains greater worldwide popularity.
Star Forest comprises various mini forests, and BTS Forest is perhaps one of the most popular with almost 3,900 trees planted so far through donations from global fans in commemoration of each BTS member’s birthday.
Hangang Park is becoming greener with the help of environmentally conscious individuals and organizations. A spokesperson of the non-governmental organization Korean Federation for Environmental Movements (KFEM) Seoul branch said, “Thanks to the positive influence of Korean celebrities’ call to climate action, fans are taking voluntary action with the firm belief that our planet cannot be replaced, just like their beloved celebrities.”
Accordingly, the Seoul Hangang Project Headquarters plans to actively support the Star Forest urban reforestation project to promote and perpetuate the positive influence of celebrities and fans on environmental protection and climate action.
Seoul hopes that Star Forest will not only help promote climate action and awareness, but also become a must-visit attraction for domestic and international tourists.
