Gangwon Forest Science Research Institute Launches Full-Scale "Digital-Based Mass Production of Raw Forest Resources" Initiative

Gangwon Province Takes the Lead in Green Bio with ICT-Integrated Smart Forestry
Selected for "Digital-Based Mass Production of Raw Forest Resources" Project
Chosen for Korea Forest Service R&D... Secures 2.2 Billion Won in National Funding
Forms a Dream Team with Gangwon ICT Convergence Institute and Kangwon National University

The Gangwon Provincial Forest Science Research Institute (Director: Chae Byeongmun) announced on March 10 that it was finally selected for the "Green Bio Future-Oriented Value Chain Technology Development in the Forestry Sector" project, organized by the Korea Forest Service. As a result, the institute has secured a total of 2.2 billion won in national funding over five years.

Infographic of Digital-Based Mass Production Research and Development (R&D) for Native Tree Species in Gangwon Province. Provided by Gangwon Province

The core of this research project is the "digital-based mass production of raw forest resources," which aims to cultivate high-value-added materials by integrating advanced ICT technology with native Gangwon tree species such as alder and Japanese elm.

To achieve this, the institute plans to form a consortium with the Gangwon ICT Convergence Institute and Kangwon National University to establish a collaborative network among industry, academia, and research, and to carry out the research.

The objective of this research is to address the issue of "imbalanced supply of raw materials," which has long been cited as a major obstacle to the industrialization of forest resources, through digital technology.

The consortium plans to standardize growth data to maximize the functional benefits of alder and Japanese elm, such as improvements in muscle strength and function, reduction of body fat, and gum health. Based on this, it will establish a smart precision production system capable of stable, large-scale production of high-quality raw materials regardless of climate conditions.

This research and development (R&D) project is expected to serve as an opportunity to transform the traditionally labor-intensive forestry sector into a "data-driven manufacturing industry."

In addition, once a standardized raw material supply system is established, it is expected to replace imported raw materials with domestic ones and contribute to the creation of a mutually beneficial ecosystem that offers local forestry households a stable and high-income model.

Chae Byeongmun, Director of the Gangwon Provincial Forest Science Research Institute, stated, "Through this research, we will establish a value chain for the forest bioindustry that connects research, production, processing, and export. We aim to foster Gangwon's abundant forest resources into a future-oriented bio-materials industry and develop a high-value-added forest industry model where foresters and companies grow together."

Meanwhile, Gangwon Province has been selected as one of four national forest bioindustry innovation growth hubs, and the Forest Bio Center is scheduled to begin full-scale operations starting in 2027.

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