Geumgang Arboretum to reopen following Sejong-Chungnam agreement

Sejong Special Self-Governing City and Chungcheongnam-do have signed a business agreement to jointly operate and reopen the Geumgang Arboretum, which has been closed for approximately one year.

The arboretum is located within the Chungnam Forest Resources Research Institute, which is owned by Chungcheongnam-do but situated in Sejong City. Following a decision to relocate the institute to Cheongyang, the site was closed in June last year. To ensure the preservation of the natural environment and provide leisure space for local residents, the two local governments agreed to share operational costs and personnel.

As an initial step, outdoor areas including the clay meta-path and walking trails will be temporarily opened to the public for free starting September 21. Other facilities, such as the tropical greenhouse, forest museum, and accommodations, will undergo inspections and remodeling for a phased reopening. A full reopening is expected around January next year. Both parties also intend to propose the nationalization of the site to the central government to ensure it remains a public asset.