"Discretionary Felling of Standing Trees Allowed Within 25 Meters of Buildings"

It will now be possible to cut down standing trees located within 25 meters of buildings at one's discretion.

Some trees around the Hwaamsa Temple buildings were cut down to prevent wildfire damage. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

The Korea Forest Service announced on December 23 that a revision to the Enforcement Decree of the Forest Resources Act, which includes this provision, has passed the 55th Cabinet meeting.

The revision allows for the discretionary felling of trees that could potentially worsen wildfire damage when fires break out near buildings, without the need for permits or notification, but only for trees that pose such risks.

This partially eases current regulations, which require obtaining a felling permit or going through a notification process with relevant authorities before cutting down trees.

The need to remove trees adjacent to buildings became apparent during this year's major wildfires in the Yeongnam region, as the damage was exacerbated by the destruction of 3,878 buildings at the time.

The revised decree is scheduled to take effect at the end of this year.

Kim Sihoon, Director of the Wildfire Prevention Division at the Korea Forest Service, stated, "We hope that easing regulations related to tree felling will play a positive role in reducing wildfire damage," adding, "The Korea Forest Service will continue to do its utmost to prevent and prepare for wildfire disasters, in order to protect the lives and property of the public."