A Forest Painted with Culture: Realization of Forest Welfare Policy

This text outlines the institutional, ecological, and empirical foundations of Forest Welfare,  Forest Recreation and Therapy in South Korea.

Core Concepts & Legal Framework

Legal Definition: Governed by the Act on Forest Welfare Promotion, forest welfare provides economic, social, and emotional support via forest resources to enhance public well-being.

Ecological Welfare Paradigm: Unlike traditional welfare systems that consume non-renewable resources, forest welfare delivers sustainable, universal environmental benefits while preserving the ecosystem's intrinsic existence value.

Lifecycle Coverage: Operates as a lifelong safety net offering tailored services across life stages—from prenatal forest education to natural tree-based burials.

Forest Therapy Mechanisms & Research

Therapeutic Factors: Utilizes multi-sensory natural elements—such as phytoncides, negative air ions, green landscapes, and white noise—to lower stress hormones, enhance immune function, and balance the autonomic nervous system.

Target Audience: Serves healthy individuals, sub-healthy individuals needing lifestyle guidance, and clinical patients requiring prescribed therapeutic care.