US National Parks Offer Campgrounds with Amenities... Korea Blocked by Regulations

Nearly 3,908 Domestic Campsites
Increased by 54% Over 5 Years
But 99% Are in Nature Due to Regulations

US Actively Develops Natural Campsites
Germany Also Encourages Despite Strict Environmental Rules

The government's move to increase forest camping sites and significantly expand natural recreation forests is aimed at actively utilizing forests for the happiness of the people. Vacation styles that enjoy leisure in nature, such as camping, are gaining great popularity, but due to various regulations, most campsites are located outside forests. Since advanced countries that prioritize the environment are already opening natural heritage sites to the public in various ways, the government plans to actively create campsites that harmonize with nature.

According to the Tourism Knowledge Information System on the 8th, as of the end of the second quarter of this year, there were a total of 3,908 general and automobile campsites, an increase of 213 (5.7%) from 3,695 at the end of last year. Compared to 2,534 at the end of 2020, it surged by 1,374 (54.2%). The number of campsite buildings counted by Statistics Korea also increased about 4.3 times from 332 five years ago to 1,761 at the end of last year. The Korea Tourism Organization estimated that the number of camping users was 5.83 million in 2022, but it is reported that last year's users exceeded 6 million.

The problem is that most campsites are located on vacant land or open fields. Even if a place with excellent natural scenery such as forests is found, most of them fall under 'conservation forest land,' making it difficult to install campsites. Accordingly, the forest camping site system, which can be established deep in the mountains, was introduced in 2016, but due to various costs and administrative regulations, its spread has not been smooth. Currently, there are only 43 forest camping sites, accounting for just 1.21% of the total.

Environmentally Advanced Countries Encouraging Natural Campsites

On the other hand, major advanced countries already operate public camping facilities. In the United States, several national agencies such as the Forest Service, Department of the Interior, Army Corps of Engineers, and Fish and Wildlife Service create their own forest camping sites. This is because camping is so popular that 94 million households go camping annually. The methods of creating campsites vary, including providing only minimal convenience facilities or installing water play areas or docks tailored to local characteristics.

National parks with high natural conservation value are no exception. Sequoia National Park in California is famous for its 'Lodgepole Campground.' Visitors can use supermarkets, shower facilities, and water play valleys at a minimal level that does not damage nature. Grand Canyon National Park operates the 'Mather Campground,' surrounded by pine forests, open year-round, allowing stays of up to seven days. Yosemite National Park also offers facilities ranging from 4-star hotels to cabins, tent villages, and forest camping sites. Restaurants, food courts, bars, and swimming pools are also installed.

Germany, which has strict environmental regulations, also encourages the use of national park campsites. The country's first national park, located in the Eastern Bavarian Forest, has campsites installed and operated. This is based on the judgment that it has great educational value, such as observing the forest ecosystem close to nature. Simple toilets and water supply are available, and visitors can stay free of charge for up to two nights.

In addition, the UK (Holmsley, Lory, Rodimetchus campsites), France (Verdon, Chamonix, Brittany Bert campsites), and Japan (Furano, Aso-san campsites) operate campsites in places with excellent natural scenery.

The Ministry of Environment and the Korea Forest Service, which oversee environmental and forestry affairs, also have a positive stance on expanding forest camping sites. A Korea Forest Service official stated, "We are working to increase the number of forest camping sites to enhance public welfare."