Uljin wildfire damage area, first designation as 'National Ecological Forest'

The first ecological forest directly designated and managed by the government has been born. It is expected to become a hub for restoring areas damaged by forest fires and a key base for recovering biodiversity. The Korea Forest Service announced on the 12th that it has designated 47.6 hectares of forest in Deokguri and Sangdangri, Ulju County, Gyeongsangbuk-do, as the "National Ulju Ecological Forest." This designation is significant as it marks the first time the government directly manages a space for research, education, and experience while restoring forests damaged by large-scale forest fires. The Ulju and Samcheok forest fires in March 2022 destroyed a total of 16,302 hectares of forest, and currently, about 71% of the damaged areas are undergoing natural restoration. Until now, the Korea Forest Service or local government chiefs designated ecological forests, but local governments have been responsible for their operation and management. Nationwide, 49 sites have been ...