DAEJEON — The Korea Forest Service and the Korea Forest Welfare Institute said on the 23rd that they have selected 230 projects for the 2027 Green Fund program, which draws on lottery proceeds to conserve forest environments and expand forest welfare services.
A total of 36 billion won ($25 million) will be spent on 89 projects to expand green infrastructure in underserved areas, worth 23.4 billion won, and 141 projects supporting forest experience and education programs for vulnerable groups, worth 12.6 billion won.
The green infrastructure projects will improve access to forests near where people live for those with limited mobility, including older adults and people with disabilities. The forest experience and education projects will help people with disabilities and children use forest welfare services.
Among the green infrastructure categories, a program for wood-based interior renovation at forest welfare facilities drew 404% of the available slots in applications, against an average of 242% across categories.
In the forest experience and education category, programs aimed at broadening participation drew applications equal to 222% of available slots, while those aimed at improving program outcomes drew 172%.
The selected institutions and organizations will build barrier-free forest trails by the end of 2027 and run tailored forest experience and education programs for vulnerable groups through certified forest welfare service providers.
"We will deliver inclusive forest welfare so that all citizens can enjoy the benefits of forests," said Kim Jong-nam, president of the Korea Forest Welfare Institute.