"Outlook is Solid"... 'Namuisa' Gaining Attention as a 'Second Career' for the 5060 Generation [New Jobs]

Doctors are not only needed for people and animals. Plants also require medical care. The so-called 'Tree Doctor,' a qualification exam directly administered by the Korea Forest Service, is gaining attention among middle-aged and older adults approaching retirement. Although the exam is known to be quite difficult, it remains a popular profession with strong interest from examinees.

The so-called 'Tree Doctor,' a qualification exam directly administered by the Korea Forest Service, is gaining attention among middle-aged and older adults approaching retirement. Photo by Getty Images

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The official domestic title for a Tree Doctor is Tree Diagnosis Specialist or Tree Diagnosis Therapist. Simply put, it is a profession that measures and treats the level of disease, pest infestation, and pollution in trees. From trees densely growing in forests or mountains to neatly arranged street trees in urban areas, trees are highly vulnerable to pollution. They can be infected by pests or lose health due to exposure to harmful substances such as exhaust fumes.

A street lined with trees in Incheon. Provided by Incheon City.

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As the creation of green spaces in cities is directly linked to citizens' well-being, the health of trees is important for all of us. In the past, non-experts often handled the removal of pests and diseases from street trees, but indiscriminate spraying of chemicals caused significant side effects, highlighting the need for professional management. For this reason, the Korea Forest Service established the 'Tree Doctor' system based on the amendment to the Forest Protection Act proposed in 2016.

The official domestic title for a tree doctor is "Arborist Specialist" or "Arborist Therapist." Simply put, it is a profession that measures and treats the level of disease and pest contamination in trees. Photo by Getty Images

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Passing the Tree Doctor qualification exam grants the certification to diagnose and treat trees. These professionals diagnose and prescribe treatments for tree damage in urban areas and carry out all activities to prevent or treat such damage. Since the 2018 amendment to the Forest Protection Act, tree diagnosis in Korea can only be performed by Type 1 Tree Hospitals staffed with national professional qualifications in tree diagnosis and treatment.

The Tree Doctor exam is known to be very challenging. Last year, 2,237 candidates took the first exam, with only 26.2% passing. However, interest in becoming a Tree Doctor remains strong. Notably, the number of examinees aged 50 and above is higher than for other certifications. This indicates that the profession is loved as a 'second career' for the 50s and 60s generation who need to consider new career paths after retirement.

Officials of Namu Hospital. Photo by Yonhap News

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Due to the nature of managing urban trees such as street trees, the job is accessible and attractive to middle-aged and older adults who generally have a higher interest in rural areas and landscaping compared to other age groups.

The stable outlook is also a key reason for its popularity. Large apartment complexes with high-end landscaping and urban parks are increasing, and tree management is an essential policy to prepare for the low-carbon era. According to the Korea Forest Service, as of 2022, there are 742 active Tree Doctors in Korea and about 1,000 Tree Hospitals nationwide. Since many hospitals have yet to secure professional Tree Doctors, the demand for tree diagnosis specialists is expected to continue growing.

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