Gangseo-gu takes vulnerable children on nature outing in Ganghwado

Seoul's Gangseo-gu held a family nature outing for Dream Start children and their guardians on Oct. 15.

The event was organized to give children with limited access to hands-on activities a chance to take part in a range of experiences.

Held at a nature farm on Ganghwado, the outing drew 72 participants — 39 children enrolled in the Dream Start program and 33 guardians.

Participants took part in a variety of activities, including horseback riding, feeding farm animals, digging sweet potatoes, riding mountain bikes and exploring tidal flats.

Dream Start is a tailored, integrated welfare program for children aged 12 and under from vulnerable households and their families. The district consistently runs health, childcare and welfare support alongside emotional and cultural programs to promote children's healthy development and strengthen family bonds.

Gangseo-gu District Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon said the outing was meaningful because it gave children a chance to experience nature up close, take on new challenges and build self-confidence. "I hope it was a precious time for guardians and children to step away from their daily routines, share joy together and grow a little closer to one another," he said.