Korea Forest Service (KFS), led by Minister Choi Byeong-am, held a tree planting event to commemorate the 77th Arbor Day at Gahyeonsan Urban Forest in Gimpo City on April 5.
A total of 70 people, including Nam Tae-heon, deputy minister of the KFS, and members of the Korea Forest Love Youth Corps attended the event to celebrate Arbor Day by planting 200 trees.
Arbor Day was established in 1945 when Korea was liberated from the Japanese colonial rule, and the Arbor Day event has been held since the following year, marking its 77th anniversary this year. It is a meaningful day that has driven the successful promotion of forestation in Korea.
The origin of Arbor Day originated from April 5 of the solar calendar when King Seongjong of the Joseon Dynasty planted trees. It was designated as Arbor Day because it was a good season for planting trees.
As a result of the nation's efforts to green forests devastated by the Korean War and the Japanese colonial era, Korea has become a successful greening country recognized by the international community.
The quantity and quality of Korean forests have grown above the average of OECD countries.
In addition, it is creating an opportunity to feel the importance of forests through tree planting in which people participate on Arbor Day.
Meanwhile, Kim Jae-yu, a student of the Korea Forest Love Youth Corps, delivered a message about Arbor Day and the role of adolescents and opened a towel engraved with the phrase "Blue Earth, we protect it," drawing attention from participants.
Deputy Minister Nam Tae-heon said, "We will make efforts to continue planting hope with future generations," adding, "I hope it will be a planting day for all citizens to wisely overcome the climate crisis by planting one tree."
