INJE, South Korea – The serene Gaetgol Nature Recreation Forest in Inje County is set to elevate its tranquil offerings with the addition of a unique Nordic-style sauna, as announced by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and Inje County on March 6. This development comes as a result of Inje County's successful bid in a pilot project competition aimed at repurposing underutilized military sites.

The county has secured a total of 1 billion KRW (approximately $750,000 USD), split evenly between provincial and county funds, to construct 20 Nordic-style saunas and accompanying amenities within the recreation forest. The site, formerly occupied by the 303rd Guard Battalion, spans the area of 655-6 Nambuk-ri, Inje-gun.

In addition to the sauna project, Inje County is also investing 5 billion KRW (approximately $3.75 million USD) to create the Gaetgol Healing Forest. This expansive project will feature a variety of therapeutic spaces, including a grassy lawn, a circular walking trail, a healing plaza, a 'Querencia Zone' (a space for personal retreat), and a healing garden.

The county anticipates that these new additions will enhance the recreation forest's appeal as a destination for extended stays, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and contribute to the local economy.

Inje County has been proactive in repurposing its extensive stock of underutilized military land, the largest in Gangwon Province, covering a total area of 1,738,402 square meters. Previous projects include the relocation of the Agricultural Technology Center, the establishment of agricultural processing centers in Girin and Sangnam, and the creation of the Gaetgol Nature Recreation Forest itself.

Ongoing projects in the area include the Gaetgol Healing Forest, a comprehensive sports complex, a biogasification facility, and a multi-complex community village.

Chae Jin-seok, head of the County Planning and Budget Office, expressed optimism about the project's impact on the region's tourism industry. "By creating a forest tourism belt that connects the existing Gaetgol Nature Recreation Forest with the upcoming Gaetgol Healing Forest, scheduled for completion in 2027, we expect to see significant growth in Inje County's tourism sector, centered around our pristine natural environment," he stated.