SEOUL, May 22 (AJP) - Korean Air said Thursday it has launched its annual reforestation project in Mongolia, joined for the first time by employees from Asiana Airlines.
Roughly 260 new and supervisory employees from both airlines traveled to the “Korean Air Forest” in Baganuur District, on the outskirts of the city to participate in two weeks of tree-planting and forest maintenance. In a show of partnership, Korean Air employees flew on Asiana-operated flights and vice versa.
The joint initiative began with the ceremonial planting of two pine trees to signify the growth and unity of the merging companies. Participants then engaged in planting and upkeep activities, including pruning to promote healthy tree development.
Korean Air has maintained the Baganuur site since 2004 as part of a broader corporate social responsibility program aimed at combating desertification in Mongolia — a country heavily impacted by climate change and land degradation.
Over the past 21 years, the Korean Air Forest has expanded to 44 hectares, roughly twice the size of Seoul’s Yeouido Park, and now includes more than 125,000 trees across 12 species, including poplars and sea buckthorns — species resilient to Mongolia’s arid climate.
This year’s efforts extended beyond ecological restoration.
In honor of Mongolia’s upcoming Children’s Day on June 1, Korean Air installed a new playground in the forest. Employees also visited nearby schools to offer lessons in Korean and English, as well as basic aviation engineering.
The forest not only contributes to regional reforestation efforts but also serves a practical purpose, acting as a windbreak that shields nearby communities from airborne dust and pollutants generated by nearby coal mining operations.
reporter
Candice Kim
candicekim1121@ajupress.com
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