Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Air force soldiers are experiencing nature and healing themselves.

The 18th Fighter Wing has recently introduced to a healing program with nature in the "corporal promotion camp" course, a mental education for corporals, and received a positive response.

The official name of the program is "gentle forest, green play experience school".

This is a experience program in which soldiers appreciate works of art in harmony with the natural view with a docent and create works on their own at "Haslla Art World", a composite art park located in Gangneung, Gangwondo. "Haslla" is a pure Korean word meaning "Gangneung" in the period of Koguryo. The 18th Fighter Wing has entered into an agreement with Art World for providing a variety of benefits for air force soldiers and their families, such as free entrance to the sculpture park and art gallery, and discounts for room charges and restaurant on April 24. Based on this agreement, soldiers who participate in the "corporal promotion camp" are engaging in this experience school where they can learn through natural views, taking them as a course book.

They are guided by a docent for about three hours in the middle of the forest filled with fresh air and the spirit of green life and try to purify their minds through their five senses. In addition, they not only admire art sculpture and artwork, but also create their own works by sculpting with their own hands.

Corporal An Jong-tae, who took part in the program, said, “I could understand why people call Gangneung ‘Solhyang Gangneung" after just listening to the forest expert about pine trees. It feels natural to fall into the art world watching beautiful natural views and pieces of work I could not normally access."

And there are chances for various cultural experiences such as pictures with a story, making a pop-up book and watching a string puppet, marionette, at "dream attic Saturday culture school" for military families. The 18th Fighter Wing is planning to prepare more various participatory programs to continually foster the emotions of soldiers.

By Seung-Bok, Lee < yhs920@dema.mil.kr >

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