World Forum on Forest Therapy 2025

Silent Healers: Nature’s Cure is a powerful documentary film that explores the transformative power of nature and forest therapy, as seen through the lens of South Korea’s global leadership in this movement. Showcasing the nation’s groundbreaking integration of forest therapy through both national and privatized healing forests and forest therapy centers, established under the Forest Welfare Act, this film highlights a holistic approach to health and well-being deeply rooted in nature connection. Produced in collaboration with Stay True Creative Productions (STCP), Silent Healers follows the voices of international researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who are advancing forest therapy as a vital interdisciplinary initiative, with health care as a key focus. The film illustrates how forest-based healing practices are revitalizing urban and rural communities, stimulating local economies, and supporting global well-being.

The documentary also envisions the expansion of this innovative Korea Forest Welfare Institute model into the United States, with plans to establish a forest healing center with a twist of a nature-integrated elder community of care. This vision emphasizes not only support for elders, but also for caregivers and healthcare professionals through intentional nature immersion, while also serving the public with forest therapy services. By documenting Korea’s comprehensive blueprint and its global ripple effects, Silent Healers: Nature’s Cure serves as an urgent call to action for integrating nature into everyday systems of care and community development.

An official screening of the film will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session, which will include several key experts featured in the film designed to create significant ripple effects resulting from the incredible global work highlighted in this documentary film.

This workshop invites participants to experience a four-step forest therapy ritual—Centering, Mindfulness, Connection, and Sharing—guided by forest therapy cards. Through sensory exploration and mindful dialogue with nature, participants deepen their relationship with the forest while reflecting by nature. The program bridges inner healing with environmental consciousness, embodying a path toward mutual well-being for people and forests

The Center for the Revitalization of Forest Welfare Industry at Chungnam National University is dedicated to advancing research and international collaboration in the field of forest therapy, promoting evidence-based approaches and offering global training and exchange programs.

Saenggeo Jincheon Healing Forest is a forest therapy center established by Jincheon County to help restore the body and mind through meaningful encounters with nature. Designed to promote physical and mental well-being, the programs incorporate local specialties such as charcoal, vegetables, and flowers.

Program 1
- Enjoy warm charcoal therapy and a fermented herbal drink experience
- Discover the story of Korean pine forests and learn to make traditional songpyeon (rice cakes) as a forest-based food therapy experience

Program 2
- Scent-based forest healing experience
- Energy Up: Aromatherapy for uplifting mood
- Inner Peace: Aromatherapy for calming the mind and body
- Make your own aroma necklace

Healing Play offers a tree climbing experience program designed for participants of all ages. This inclusive program welcomes both persons with and without disabilities, ensuring a safe yet exhilarating nature experience for everyone. Through challenges and a sense of accomplishment, the program promotes both physical and emotional growth.
Participants climb trees in the forest, jump down safely, and discover a new side of themselves, building confidence and a sense of achievement.

- Tree Climbing: Boosts confidence and provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment
- Big Swing: An exciting aerial swing across the forest
- Slackline: Enhances balance and helps realign posture
- Viking Hammock: A thrilling swinging hammock experience

The Korea Forest Welfare Institute (FoWI) is an affiliated organization under the Korea Forest Service, dedicated to providing forest welfare services to the public in response to the high expectations and demands for well-being. FoWI offers a range of forest therapy programs tailored to specific targets and desired effects. Through this workshop, participants can experience forest therapy in Korea.

Well-being Forest Walking
This program involves walking through the forest while learning proper walking posture to improve body alignment. Additionally, participants engage in barefoot walking to stimulate the senses and promote blood circulation.