| A Study on Basic Directions for Management of Mountainous Areas in North Korea After Unification | |||
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| Author | Sohn, Hakgi | ||
| Views | 35754 | Publication Date | 2017.02.18 |
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Background of Research A mountainous area is defined as a sloping landform that rapidly stretches from a plain. Recently, a Master Plan for Unified North Korea has been established without consideration of mountainous areas of North Korea. To achieve a completely comprehensive strategy for a unified Korean peninsula, a plan for use and conservation of mountainous areas needs to be integrated. Therefore, a goal of this research is to provide basic directions for management of mountainous areas in North Korea. Method of Research Literature review was conducted to collect research materials: management systems for mountainous areas in South and North Korea, present conditions of mountainous areas including land use, and experiences in land development of South Korea's government. To complement literature review, interviews with North Korean defectors and GIS analysis were applied. The validity of collected data was examined through experts meetings. Research Results and Implications The government of North Korea conserves mountainous areas by focusing on limited areas. It lacks a management system to control or prevent agricultural land use of mountainous areas. But it has just recognized the importance of afforestation as a way to prevent natural disaster. The administration does not base its mountainous area management on scientific backgrounds. It has difficulties controlling conservation and utilization of forest land by dividing purposes and agents of management. The North part of the Korean peninsula has unique geological characteristics that it has middle-high mountainous areas and highlands, which connect South and North parts of the Korean peninsula. It is needed to intensively protect these areas for biodiversity because they are central areas for a Korean peninsular eco-network. These areas, which are mainly used for agricultural purposes, have to be reforested to prevent natural disasters. The government of South Korea introduced a classification system for mountain areas and reversed forest, dealing with excessive agricultural land use of mountainous areas. However, continuous management for mountainous areas was adopted late after forest had been damaged thoughtlessly. Successful afforestation in South Korea is attributed not only to citizens' participation but also to provision of alternative fuel resources. According to an infrastructure plan, it is presumed that further deforestation or disconnection of forest would not happen. But afforestation plans might take in consideration a way that uses ranges of mountain, connecting cities and forests. Based on previous results, four basic directions are drawn for mountainous areas after Korean unification: first, land use after conservation of mountainous areas; second, delineation of mountainous areas; third, classification of mountainous areas; lastly, integration of management systems. Researchers: Sohn Hakgi, Choi Junyeong, Seok Hyundeok Research Period: 2016. 1. ~ 2016. 10. E-mail address: hgsohn@krei.re.kr |
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