Korea Forest Service "Easing National Forest Regulations to Revitalize Mountain Tourism in Gangwon Region"

The Korea Forest Service plans to revitalize mountain tourism in the Gangwon region by easing regulations on national forests.

On the 11th, the Korea Forest Service participated in the 19th government public discussion forum held at the Gangwon Provincial Office under the theme "Making People’s Livelihoods Happy, the Power of Gangwon!" and announced plans to promote mountain tourism in the Gangwon area.

Gangwon Province is composed of 82% forest area. However, more than half of the regional forests are classified as national forests, which imposes restrictions on the utilization of forest resources. Due to regulations related to national forests and restrictions on activities within protected areas, it has been difficult to efficiently utilize the abundant forest resources right before their eyes.

To overcome these practical limitations, the Korea Forest Service plans to ease on-site regulations and support Gangwon Province in utilizing local forest resources to activate mountain tourism.

First, by amending the "Act on the Management and Administration of National Forests," the types of national forests included in forest utilization promotion zones will be reclassified, allowing for sale or exchange disposition.

The Korea Forest Service anticipates that once the related law is amended, national forests included in forest utilization promotion zones can be converted into quasi-conservation national forests. Quasi-conservation national forests can be leased or sold for the purpose of attracting mountain tourism facilities.

Previously, during the amendment of the "Gangwon Special Act" in June last year, the designation of forest utilization promotion zones, standards for mountain land conversion permits within these zones, Baekdudaegan protection areas, and special cases for forest protection zones were newly established. Based on this, the Korea Forest Service explained that for forests designated as forest utilization promotion zones, relaxed mountain land conversion permit standards regarding activity restrictions within conservation mountain areas, slope, and elevation apply.

Additionally, construction of tracks is permitted in buffer zones of Baekdudaegan protection areas, and the lifting of forest protection zones is possible for installing facilities necessary for forest camping sites and forest leisure sports facilities.

The Korea Forest Service will continue to improve related regulations by reflecting the voices of local residents so that forests can harmonize with the natural environment and contribute to regional development.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.