[Reporter Hong Lan, Korea Farmers and Fishermen Newspaper] The Korea Forest Service announced on the 15th that it will pay approximately 51.6 billion won in forestry and forest public interest direct payment funds (forestry direct payment) to households and forestry workers by 2025. This year's recipients total 19,658 cases, covering an area of approximately 67,000 hectares of forest. The total amount of payment is 51.6 billion won, which is about 1.3 billion won more than last year. By type, the categories are: 17,703 cases (39.1 billion won) for forest product production, 1,383 cases (6.9 billion won) for afforestation, and 572 cases (5.6 billion won) for combined forest product and afforestation businesses. The Korea Forest Service selected recipients by reviewing applications for eligibility, excluding cases such as deceased applicants, excessive non-agricultural income, and duplicate plots.