Uiseong Jumgok 425ha Forest Fire Site in North Gyeongsang Designated and Announced as 'No. 1 Forest Management Special Zone'

Comprehensive Support for All Aspects of Forest Management

While efforts to support residents affected by forest fires continue, including accepting additional applications for support, North Gyeongsang Province officially designated and announced the Dongbyeon-ri area in Jumgok-myeon, Uiseong-gun as the 'No. 1 Forest Management Special Zone' on March 19, 2026.

The Forest Management Special Zone was incorporated into special legislation to turn large-scale fire-damaged forests into opportunities for income generation and revitalization of the local economy, rather than simply restoring them. The aim is to systematically manage the affected forests, increase landowners' income, and establish a foundation for sustainable forest management.

Designated Site of the Forest Management Special Zone in Jeomgok, Uiseong County

North Gyeongsang Province has been in ongoing discussions regarding the designation of Forest Management Special Zones with five cities and counties affected by forest fires and their residents. Jumgok-myeon in Uiseong-gun, where landowner consent was obtained first, has been designated as the No. 1 Forest Management Special Zone.

The special zone covers a total area of 425 hectares, incorporating 51 parcels of forest land. The Uiseong-gun Forest Cooperative will be responsible for implementing the project. In addition, approximately 15 kilometers of forest roads have already been established in the area, providing a favorable environment for forest projects.

Once designated as a Forest Management Special Zone, the area will be eligible for a wide range of support across all aspects of forest management, including assistance for afforestation with income-generating tree species suited to local conditions, support for forest management facilities and equipment, forest project development and nurturing, and support for processing, distribution, and sales of forest products.

Producer organizations and regional cooperative management bodies wishing to be designated as a Forest Management Special Zone can apply to the city or county mayor. The area must be at least 300 hectares, with the consent of forest owners secured for more than 50% of the area. If national forests are included, the area of national forests must be less than that of private forests, and the national forest lease and usage permit requirements must also be met.

Since the Forest Management Special Zone is a newly implemented system, North Gyeongsang Province also plans to commission specialized agencies to facilitate smooth applications. Comprehensive support will be provided, including assistance with the preparation of application documents such as business plans, education for management entities, technical support, and other requirements for zone designation and operation. The province plans to gradually expand the designation to other forest fire-affected areas.

Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of North Gyeongsang Province, stated, "Improving the living environment of residents affected by forest fires is just as important as recovery and support efforts," adding, "We will provide the necessary administrative support to ensure the smooth implementation of the Forest Management Special Zone, and will work to establish the system through the participation of forest landowners and forestry workers in the affected areas."

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