Zoning management by quantitative landscape assessment for forest pathway – the case of forest paths of the Mt. Jiri national park, South Korea

Abstract

The recent popularity and spread of a walking culture in Jeju, South Korea, requires good management of road development projects, which are competitively promoted by each government and local autonomous entity. Forest pathways are a part of the forest landscape, which covers approximately 64% of South Korea, and they have a very high potential landscape value. Landscape management of these forest pathways is important because good management can mean an increase in visual scenic beauty, an improvement in local residents’ consciousness of forest pathways and the forest landscape, an improvement in the sense of place, and a revitalization of the local economy. This study aims to provide data to support spatial decision-making by developing a quantitative assessment index for forest pathways as well as respective landscape management guidelines to use after assessments are conducted. Landscape management grading was divided into four classes by using the landscape conservation intensity, landscape management requirements, and landscape sensitivity, which were used as indicators for evaluating the forest landscape. The Mt Jiri Dulle Roads in Mt Jiri National Park (which are a governmental pilot project) were evaluated by applying the quantitative assessment method. This research should be helpful in providing the basic data for supporting landscape management decision-making, assessing further landscape assessments of forest pathways and establishing a plan for landscape management.