Scientists from the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum are leading an ambitious forest restoration project in Uljin County, in the mountainous east of the Republic of Korea, where a devastating wildfire in 2022 destroyed more than 20,000 hectares of forest.
Armed with clipboards and cameras, the team is carefully monitoring the regrowth of native species such as Kalopanax septemlobus, also known as the prickly castor oil tree, which has been planted not only for its resilience but also for its value to local residents who harvest its shoots as a wild edible plant. The initiative reflects a holistic approach that balances ecological recovery with community livelihoods, earning Korea recognition as a World Restoration Flagship by the United Nations Environment Programme.
The wildfire, fanned by drought and strong winds, burned for nearly a month, destroying homes, farms, and centuries-old red pine forests that were prized for their ecological and cultural significance. The loss of matsutake mushrooms, a delicacy and vital source of income for rural households, underscored the economic impact of the disaster. In the aftermath, debates emerged over whether to replant familiar but fire-prone pines or adopt a more climate-resilient strategy. Civil society groups, residents, and government officials eventually joined forces to design a five-year masterplan to restore 4,700 hectares of high-conservation forest by 2027.
The plan prioritizes re-vegetating areas vulnerable to soil erosion and landslides, particularly near residential zones, using species such as gingko and fir. Fire-resistant belts of native broad-leaved trees are being established to protect against future blazes, while large portions of land are left to regenerate naturally under scientific supervision.
This shift from single-species plantations to diverse, resilient ecosystems marks a significant evolution in Korea’s forest management. “Where recovery is slow or disaster risk is high, we plan to intervene ecologically and manage those spots,” explained Shin Jaesoo, Deputy Director at the Korea Forest Service.
To sustain the restoration effort, the Korea Forest Service has set up Native Plant Supply Centers to produce seedlings adapted to local conditions, with additional support from contracted local growers. This not only ensures ecological suitability but also creates jobs and income for communities. Plans are also underway to establish the National Uljin Forest Ecological Institute, which will serve as a hub for education, research, tourism, and fire prevention awareness. The institute will monitor forest recovery until at least 2037, ten years beyond the active restoration phase, to refine strategies and deepen scientific understanding.
The restoration project is also exploring alternative forest products such as tuckahoe fungus, used in traditional medicine, alongside kalopanax, to diversify local livelihoods. By integrating ecological science with community needs, Korea is demonstrating how restoration can be both socially inclusive and environmentally resilient. “Restoring this damaged land means we must walk a path no one has gone before,” said researcher Tae-Im Heo. “There’s no right answer. So we need to try it in practice, evaluate it, and then forecast what lies ahead.”
Recognized as part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Korea’s Uljin initiative stands as a global example of how nations can respond to climate-driven disasters with innovation, collaboration, and foresight. It underscores the importance of restoration not just as an environmental necessity, but as a means of safeguarding livelihoods, traditions, and future resilience in the face of climate change.
Korea’s Forest Cover: Key Facts
• Total forest area: Approximately 6.3 million hectares, accounting for 63% of the national territory.
• Natural forest extent: In 2020, South Korea had 4.7 million hectares of natural forest, covering 47% of its land area.
• Tree population: Satellite data estimates around 7.2 billion trees growing across the country.
• Growing stock: As of 2020, Korea’s average forest growing stock was 165㎥ per hectare, nearly 29 times higher than in 1953 and above the OECD average of 131㎥/ha.
• Recent forest loss: In 2024, South Korea lost about 13,000 hectares of natural forest, equivalent to 4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
🌍 Historical Context
• 1950s deforestation: After the Korean War, forests were heavily degraded, with average growing stock as low as 5.7㎥/ha in 1953.
• National reforestation campaigns: Beginning in the 1970s, the government launched massive reforestation programs, planting millions of trees to combat erosion, restore ecosystems, and secure timber resources.
• Rapid recovery: By 2010, growing stock had reached 126㎥/ha, and by 2015 it rose to 146㎥/ha, showing steady improvement.
🔥 Forests and Climate Challenges
South Korea’s forests are vital for:
• Carbon sequestration: Acting as a major sink for greenhouse gases.
• Biodiversity: Hosting diverse species, including red pines and matsutake mushrooms.
• Community livelihoods: Providing food, medicine, and income through forest products.
• Disaster prevention: Reducing risks of landslides and soil erosion in mountainous regions.
However, wildfires—like the 2022 Uljin blaze—pose growing threats, highlighting the need for climate-resilient restoration strategies that combine ecological science with community needs.
South Korea’s forest cover story is one of remarkable recovery and resilience. From near-total deforestation in the 1950s to becoming a World Restoration Flagship, the country demonstrates how long-term policy, science, and community engagement can restore ecosystems. Yet, with climate change intensifying wildfires and forest loss, Korea’s future depends on continuing to adapt its restoration strategies to safeguard both nature and livelihoods.