644 Billion Won Invested in Afforestation and Forest Tending
Revitalizing Forest Tourism Through Garden-Centered Development
Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) will fully implement forest resource creation projects and regional local garden creation projects to respond to climate change, expand carbon sinks, and revitalize forest tourism.
Exterior view of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Office. Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Office
This year, the province will invest a total of 64.4 billion won to carry out afforestation on 1,494 hectares and forest tending on 17,659 hectares. Through this, it plans to create healthy and valuable forests and establish a foundation for sustainable forest management.
The afforestation projects will be promoted with a variety of functions in mind, including: 968 hectares of economic forests for long-term timber production and increased income for forest owners; 353 hectares of large-tree planting for landscape creation and prevention of disaster-prone areas; 81 hectares of regionally specialized forests; and 92 hectares for restoration of forest disaster damage sites and planting of fire-resistant species.
The forest tending projects will cover: 1,429 hectares of large-tree forest tending; 1,753 hectares of young stand tending; 12,277 hectares of post-management of afforested sites; and 2,200 hectares of forest tending for wildfire prevention, with the aim of enhancing the ecological soundness of forests and their resilience to disasters.
In addition, to mark the 81st Arbor Day, from March 27 to April 8, tree-planting events will be held across the province to foster a broader culture of participation in tree planting.
During the spring afforestation period (from March to early May), high-quality seedlings will be supplied at low prices through tree markets operated by forest cooperatives within the province. In addition, 17 cities and counties in the province will hold tree distribution events and Arbor Day commemorative ceremonies.
A total of 10.8 billion won will be invested this year in garden creation projects aimed at expanding forest-use spaces and revitalizing forest tourism. The province plans to gradually expand regional local gardens to simultaneously promote the public value of forests and the revitalization of the local economy.
Currently, four local garden creation projects are underway: Chuncheon Lake Local Garden, Pyeongchang Cheongoksan Local Garden, Inje Yongdae Local Garden, and Yanggu DMZ Punchbowl Local Garden. For the Gangneung Jumunjin Hyangho Local Garden, preliminary procedures such as securing permits and land are in progress.
In addition, based on the stable operation of the Yeongwol Dongseogang Local Garden, the province will host the "2026 Korea Yeongwol Garden Industry Expo" from October 2 to 11.
In connection with the expo, the province will operate resident-participation garden programs such as guided tours, hands-on experiences, and educational activities, aiming to spread garden culture and increase visitor satisfaction. Through this, it will strengthen the recreational and use functions of forests, expand the foundation of the forest tourism industry, and secure new drivers of regional growth.
Yoon Seunggi, Director General of the Forest and Environment Bureau of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, said, "Afforestation and forest tending are investments in forests for future generations, and the creation of local gardens is a core forest policy that simultaneously enhances residents' quality of life and the local economy," adding, "We will pursue sustainable forest policies so that we can achieve both carbon neutrality and the revitalization of forest tourism."
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