National Forest Plans: The Evolution of Forest Rehabilitation and Management
Following the devastation of the 1950s, where excessive logging during the Japanese colonization and the Korean War left forests depleted, a systemic approach to restoration was required. At that time, the growing stock volume per hectare was a mere 6m³, representing only 6% of current levels. This environmental crisis led to severe social issues, including fuel shortages, droughts, and catastrophic flooding, prompting the creation of the National Forest Plan.
Over several decades, these plans evolved from urgent emergency rehabilitation to the sophisticated, sustainable management of forest resources for economic, social, and environmental benefit.
Key Facts
- Initial State: 1950s forest stock volume was only 6% of today's levels.
- Rapid Recovery: The first 10-year project was completed four years ahead of schedule.
- Scale: Over one million hectares of denuded forest were restored in the first phase.
- Shift in Focus: Management transitioned from purely economic timber production to sustainable welfare and climate change response.
- Legal Framework: Multiple acts, including the Framework Act on Forest, were enacted to institutionalize sustainable management.
The First National Forest Plan: Forest Rehabilitation Project (1973–1978)
Launched in 1973 after a decade of institutional preparation, the first plan focused on urgent restoration. To encourage public participation, the government established Arbor Day and a Nationwide Tree Planting period from March 21 to April 20. By utilizing fast-growing tree species and mobilizing the public, more than one million hectares of denuded land were restored.
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The Second National Forest Plan: Commercial Development (1979–1987)
The second phase shifted toward creating sustainable timber resources to meet domestic demand. The government focused on establishing large-scale commercial forests and creating development funds to support both national and private forest owners. This era integrated biotechnology—the use of biological systems or living organisms to develop products—to combat pests and diseases.
Key achievements included the construction of 80 commercial forests and the successful reforestation of 325,000 hectares, bringing the total plantation area to 1.06 million hectares. Additionally, erosion control measures were implemented to mitigate natural disasters.
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The Third National Forest Plan: Balancing Economy and Public Benefit (1988–1997)
The Third Plan sought a harmony between economic utility and public welfare. The Korea Forest Service (KFS) invested heavily in infrastructure, including forest road construction and the mechanization of forestry. To ensure long-term timber security, the KFS also supported overseas plantation projects.
Public benefits were prioritized through the creation of recreation forests, wildlife protection, and water resource conservation. This period saw significant legal updates, including the 1997 Act on Promotion of Forestry and Mountain Village, to ensure more effective management practices.
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The Fourth National Forest Plan: Transition to Sustainability (1998–2007)
This phase marked a critical transition from a focus on economic functions to sustainable forest management—the practice of managing forests to meet current needs without compromising future generations. The KFS shifted from government-led mandates to autonomic management, granting private forest owners more discretion and capability.
To support this shift, a comprehensive legal framework was consolidated through the enactment of several key laws, including the Framework Act on Forest and the Act on Forest Culture and Recreation.
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The Fifth National Forest Plan: Welfare and Climate Response (2008–2017)
The Fifth Plan aimed to maximize forest functions, specifically highlighting the role of forests in responding to climate change. The vision was to realize a "green nation with sustainable welfare and growth," treating forest-related industries as a blue ocean strategy—the pursuit of uncontested market space to create new demand.
Efforts focused on improving ecosystem health, enhancing public safety through disaster prevention, and improving the quality of life for residents in both urban areas and mountain villages through cultural and recreational forest services.
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Summary of National Forest Plan Evolution
| Plan Phase | Period | Primary Focus | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1973–1978 | Urgent Rehabilitation | 1M+ ha restored; completed 4 years early |
| Second | 1979–1987 | Commercial Timber | 80 commercial forests; 1.06M ha total plantation |
| Third | 1988–1997 | Infrastructure & Public Benefit | Forest mechanization; recreation forests |
| Fourth | 1998–2007 | Sustainable Management | Autonomic private management; legal consolidation |
| Fifth | 2008–2017 | Welfare & Climate Change | Ecosystem health; green nation vision |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the first National Forest Plan necessary?
It was necessary to address extreme forest devastation caused by excessive cutting during the Japanese colonization and the Korean War, which led to fuel shortages, severe floods, and droughts.
How did the focus of the plans change over time?
The focus evolved from urgent reforestation (First Plan) to commercial timber production (Second Plan), then to a balance of economic and public benefits (Third Plan), and finally to sustainable management and climate change response (Fourth and Fifth Plans).
What role did the public play in the first rehabilitation project?
The public participated actively through the government-declared Nationwide Tree Planting period (March 21 to April 20) and the celebration of Arbor Day.
What is the "blue ocean strategy" mentioned in the Fifth Plan?
In the context of the Fifth Plan, it refers to pursuing forest-related industries as a way to create new, uncontested market opportunities that contribute to sustainable welfare and growth.
Which organization was responsible for implementing these plans?
The Korea Forest Service (KFS) was the primary body responsible for carrying out the forestry projects, income enhancement, and legal implementations.