"If you can hold on, it's yours?" Long-term unauthorized occupation of national forests... half for over 30 years
Published 2025년 10월 20일
Tridge summary
(Daejeon=Yonhap News) Reporter Park Joo-young = There has been criticism that despite the prolonged unauthorized occupation of state-owned forests, the illegal activities have not been improved due to the inadequate response of the forestry authorities.
According to materials received by Representative Yoon Joon-byung (Democratic Party, Jeonbuk Jeongeup-Gochang) from the Korea Forest Service, the status of unauthorized occupation of state-owned forests showed 6,123 cases (760 hectares) in 2022, 6,227 cases (773 hectares) in 2023, and 5,993 cases (730 hectares) last year.
As of last year, unauthorized occupations lasting over 30 years amounted to 318 hectares and 2,918 cases, accounting for 43.6% and 48.7% of the total area and number of cases, respectively.
Representative Yoon pointed out that the Korea Forest Service has shown limitations in its response, as it has failed to take early measures against unauthorized occupations, leading to prolonged situations.
In reality, the scale of measures taken by the Korea Forest Service, such as restoration, demolition, leasing, sale, and exchange, amounted to only 13.8% of the total unauthorized occupation area.
According to the National Property Act, those who occupy state-owned forests without authorization are required to pay compensation equivalent to 120% of the usage fee or lease fee.
As a result, 16.12 billion won in compensation was decided last year, but the actual collection rate was only 13.2% (2.12 billion won).
Representative Yoon said, "Unauthorized occupation of state-owned forests hinders the public interest function of the state and infringes on state-owned property rights, which is a clear illegal act. However, the fact that the area of unauthorized occupation lasting over 30 years is close to half, and the compensation collection rate is only 13%, shows the inadequate management status of the Korea Forest Service."
He continued, "If the unauthorized occupation of state-owned forests continues to be neglected, it could spread the wrong perception that 'if you hold on, it will become your land.' The Korea Forest Service must prepare extraordinary measures to eradicate unauthorized occupation and take strong action to increase the compensation collection rate."
According to materials received by Representative Yoon Joon-byung (Democratic Party, Jeonbuk Jeongeup-Gochang) from the Korea Forest Service, the status of unauthorized occupation of state-owned forests showed 6,123 cases (760 hectares) in 2022, 6,227 cases (773 hectares) in 2023, and 5,993 cases (730 hectares) last year.
As of last year, unauthorized occupations lasting over 30 years amounted to 318 hectares and 2,918 cases, accounting for 43.6% and 48.7% of the total area and number of cases, respectively.
Representative Yoon pointed out that the Korea Forest Service has shown limitations in its response, as it has failed to take early measures against unauthorized occupations, leading to prolonged situations.
In reality, the scale of measures taken by the Korea Forest Service, such as restoration, demolition, leasing, sale, and exchange, amounted to only 13.8% of the total unauthorized occupation area.
According to the National Property Act, those who occupy state-owned forests without authorization are required to pay compensation equivalent to 120% of the usage fee or lease fee.
As a result, 16.12 billion won in compensation was decided last year, but the actual collection rate was only 13.2% (2.12 billion won).
Representative Yoon said, "Unauthorized occupation of state-owned forests hinders the public interest function of the state and infringes on state-owned property rights, which is a clear illegal act. However, the fact that the area of unauthorized occupation lasting over 30 years is close to half, and the compensation collection rate is only 13%, shows the inadequate management status of the Korea Forest Service."
He continued, "If the unauthorized occupation of state-owned forests continues to be neglected, it could spread the wrong perception that 'if you hold on, it will become your land.' The Korea Forest Service must prepare extraordinary measures to eradicate unauthorized occupation and take strong action to increase the compensation collection rate."
Original content
(Daejeon=Yonhap News) Reporter Park Joo-young = There has been criticism that despite the prolonged unauthorized occupation of state-owned forests, the illegal activities have not been improved due to the inadequate response of the forestry authorities. According to materials received by Representative Yoon Joon-byung (Democratic Party, Jeonbuk Jeongeup-Gochang) from the Korea Forest Service, the status of unauthorized occupation of state-owned forests showed 6,123 cases (760 hectares) in 2022, 6,227 cases (773 hectares) in 2023, and 5,993 cases (730 hectares) last year. As of last year, unauthorized occupations of over 30 years amounted to 318 hectares, 2,918 cases, accounting for 43.6% of the total area and 48.7% of the total number of cases. Representative Yoon pointed out that the Korea Forest Service has shown limitations in its response, as it failed to take early measures against unauthorized occupations of state-owned forests, leading to prolonged occupations. In fact, the ...
Source: Yna
Would you like more in-depth insights?
Gain access to detailed market analysis tailored to your business needs.
Related market data
What to read next
Read more relevant content
By clicking “Accept Cookies,” I agree to provide cookies for statistical and personalized preference purposes. To learn more about our cookies, please read our Privacy Policy.