Paradigm shift on forest utilization: Forest service for health promotion in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

Use pattern of forest resources for people has changed from outdoor recreational to human health promotion; about 12.8 million people now visit recreation forests every year and about 61% of the total populations are aware of the effectiveness of forest healing. Background to forest healing was the strengthening scientific evidence of the effectiveness of forest healing through investment in research and development and conducting the national plans, the revision of laws in relation to forest healing policy. Forest healing policy has diverse meanings for forest owners, local residents, the public, and the government. Forest healing policy has certain limitations; healing forest construct for urban areas, more scientific evidences for forest healing effectiveness, business model for private healing forest.

Keywords: Forest therapy, forest healing, human health, well-being, paradigm shift.