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FORESTRY CULTURE AND RECREATION ACT

Act No. 7676, Aug. 4, 2005

Amended by Act No. 8752, Dec. 21, 2007

Act No. 8852, Feb. 29, 2008

Act No. 10116, Mar. 17, 2010

Act No. 10459, Mar. 9, 2011

Act No. 10845, Jul. 14, 2011

Act No. 10940, Jul. 25, 2011

Act No. 11430, May 23, 2012

Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013

Act No. 12731, jun. 3, 2014

Act No. 13026, Jan. 20, 2015

Act No. 13255, Mar. 27, 2015

Act No. 14268, May 29, 2016

Act No. 14518, Dec. 27, 2016

Act No. 15394, Feb. 21, 2018

Act No. 16596, Nov. 26, 2019

Act No. 16708, Dec. 3, 2019

Act No. 17013, Feb. 18, 2020

Act No. 17421, jun. 9, 2020

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS
 Article 1 (Purpose)
The purpose of this Act is to contribute to improving the quality of life of citizens by providing citizens with comfortable and safe services for forestry culture and recreation, by providing for matters concerning the conservation, use, and management of forestry culture and forest resources for recreation.
 Article 2 (Definitions)
The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Mar. 9, 2011; Jul. 14, 2011; Jan. 20, 2015; Feb. 21, 2018>
1. The term "forestry culture and recreation" means a holistic lifestyle formed through interactions between forests and human beings and activities in forests for mental and physical relaxation and healing;
2. The term "natural recreation forest" means a forest developed for citizens' emotional development, relaxation for health, and education on forestry (including recreational facilities and land therein);
3. The term "forest bath" means a forest (including facilities and land therein) developed to provide citizens with a place in which they can take a walk and have a physical exercise, while breathing and feeling clean air in order to improve their health;
4. The term "forest healing" means immune-strengthening and health-promoting activities, which utilize a variety of elements of the forest, including scents and scenic views;
5. The term "healing forest" means a forest developed for forest healing (including facilities and land therein);
6. The term "forest paths" means paths (including roads outside forests connected thereto) formed in forests under Article 23 for activities such as mountain climbing, trekking, leisure sports, exploration, or relaxation and healing;
7. The term "cultural assets in a forest" means tangible and intangible assets formed in or in connection with a forest, which are worth preserving in an ecological, scenic and emotional aspect;
8. The term “camping site in a forest” means a space (including facilities and land) developed with facilities appropriate for camping in a forest using tents or automobiles, etc.;
8-2. The term “leisure sports in a forest” means leisure sports conducted as adventure or as experience in a forest;
9. The term “leisure sports facilities in a forest” means facilities and their appurtenant facilities continuously used for leisure sports in a forest.
 Article 3 (Responsibilities of the State and Local Governments)
The State and a local government shall establish and implement policies for the promotion of forestry culture and recreation and shall ensure that the conservation and use of resources for forestry culture and recreation shall be in balance and harmony.
CHAPTER II BASIC PLANS, ETC. FOR FORESTRY CULTURE AND RECREATION
 Article 4 (Formulation and Implementation of Basic Plans, etc. for Forestry Culture and Recreation)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may formulate and implement basic plans for forestry culture and recreation (hereinafter referred to as "basic plan") every five years for forests across the country in consultation with the heads of related central administrative agencies. <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
(2) A basic plan shall include the following: <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
1. Basic objectives and the direction of policies for forestry culture and recreation;
2. Matters concerning conditions and prospects of forestry culture and recreation;
3. Matters concerning supply and demand of forestry culture and recreation;
4. Matters concerning the conservation, use, management, and expansion of forestry culture and resources for recreation;
5. Matters concerning facilities for forestry culture and recreation and the safety control thereof;
6. Matters concerning the establishment and operation of an information network for forestry culture and recreation;
7. Other matters concerning major policies pertaining to forestry culture and recreation.
(3) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, a Metropolitan City Mayor, a Metropolitan Self-Governing City Mayor, a Do Governor, or a Special Self-Governing Province Governor (hereinafter referred to "Mayor/Do Governor") may formulate and implement regional plans for forestry culture and recreation (hereinafter referred to as "regional plan") every five years in conformity with the basic plan, taking into account local characteristics of each region. <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Jan. 20, 2015; Feb. 21, 2018; Feb. 18, 2020>
(4) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may amend a basic plan or regional plan, if deemed necessary in consideration of changes, etc. in social, regional or forest environmental conditions. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 18, 2020>
(5) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service formulates or alters a basic plan, he/she shall make the basic plan in conformity with a forest welfare promotion plan under Article 5 of the Forest Welfare Promotion Act. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 21, 2018; Feb. 18, 2020>
(6) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the Mayor/Do Governor formulates basic or regional plans, he/she may formulate such basic or regional plan in each field, such as forestry culture, forestry recreation, forest healing and leisure sports in a forest. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 21, 2018; Feb. 18, 2020>
(7) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall evaluate the results of the implementation of each regional plan, and may support local governments differently according to the evaluation results. <Amended on Jun. 3, 2014; Jan. 20, 2015; Feb. 21, 2018; Feb. 18, 2020>
(8) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall formulate and implement an annual implementation plan based on the basic plan (hereafter referred to as "implementation plan" in this Article) and endeavor to secure financial resources necessary therefor. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019; Feb. 18, 2020>
(9) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service formulates or amends a basic plan for urban forests, etc. or an implementation plan, he/she shall notify it to the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies and relevant Mayors/Do Governors and submit it to the competent standing committee of the National Assembly. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019; Feb. 18, 2020>
(10) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall, when formulating or revising a basic plan and an implementation plan, publish such plans, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019; Feb. 18, 2020>
(11) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may, if necessary for formulating a basic plan and implementation plan, request the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies or relevant City Mayors/Do Governors to present relevant materials. In such cases, the head of any institution who receives a request to present materials shall comply therewith, except in extenuating circumstances. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019; Feb. 18, 2020>
(12) Matters necessary for the formulation procedure of, amendment to, etc. the basic plan and implementation plan as well as regional plans shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018; Dec. 3, 2019; Feb. 18, 2020>
[Title Amended on Dec. 3, 2019]
 Article 5 (Basic Surveys for Establishing Plans)
(1) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor intends to establish or amend the basic plan or a regional plan, he/she shall conduct a basic survey on the current status of resources for forestry culture and recreation and the actual conditions of the use of land in surrounding areas.
(2) If necessary for efficient surveys, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor shall entrust basic surveys under paragraph (1) to a forestry cooperative established under the Forestry Cooperatives Act (hereinafter referred to as "forestry cooperative") or other corporations or organizations specified by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Feb. 18, 2020>
 Article 6 (Establishment, Operation, etc. of Information Network for Forestry Culture and Recreation)
The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall establish and operate an information network for forestry culture and recreation for the purpose of efficiently providing users with information and data about forestry culture and recreation.
 Article 6-2 (Regional Council for Development of Forestry Culture and Recreation)
(1) The head of a local government may form and operate a regional council for development of forestry culture and recreation in which the organization of residents of the community, volunteers, related experts and public institutions participate to revitalize forestry culture and recreation services and to preserve, use and manage forestry culture and recreation resources.
(2) Necessary matters concerning the formation, function, operation, etc. of a regional council for development of forestry culture and recreation under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 21, 2018]
 Article 7 Deleted. <Jul. 25, 2011>
 Article 8 Deleted. <Jul. 25, 2011>
 Article 9 Deleted. <Jul. 25, 2011>
 Article 10 Deleted. <Jul. 25, 2011>
 Article 11 Deleted. <Jul. 25, 2011>
CHAPTER III FOREST HEALING INSTRUCTORS, ETC.
 Article 11-2 (Forest Healing Instructors)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may accredit persons qualified to instruct forest healing (hereinafter referred to as "forest healing instructor") and nurture them, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, in order to promote the forest healing. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
(2) A person who intends to be a forest healing instructor shall meet the qualification standards referred to in paragraph (1) and apply for the issuance of a certificate of qualification as a forest healing instructor to the Minister of the Korea Forest Service, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019>
(3) A forest healing instructor accredited under paragraph (1) shall be responsible for developing, disseminating, or instructing forest healing programs prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in a natural recreation forest, forest bath, healing forest, forest path, etc. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 3, 2014; Dec. 3, 2019>
(4) None of the following persons shall become a forest healing instructor: <Amended on Jun. 3, 2014; Dec. 27, 2016; Dec. 3, 2019; Feb. 18, 2020>
1. A person under adult guardianship or limited guardianship;
2. Any person in whose case two years have not passed since a sentence of imprisonment without labor or heavier punishment, imposed on him/her for committing any of the following crimes, was completely executed or discharged:
(a) A crime falling under this Act or the Forest Education Promotion Act;
(e) A crime subject to aggravated punishment under other Acts among the crimes falling under subparagraphs (b) through (d);
3. Any person who is under the suspended execution of sentence of imprisonment without labor or heavier punishment sentenced to him/her for committing a crime falling under any item of subparagraph 2;
4. Any person whose qualifications are forfeited or suspended by a court ruling or operation of law.
(5) No person other than those whose qualification is accredited pursuant to this Act shall use the title of a forest healing instructor or any similar titles. <Amended on Dec. 27, 2016; Dec. 3, 2019>
(6) No forest healing instructor shall permit any other person to use his/her name nor lend his/her certificate of qualification to any third person. <Amended on Feb. 18, 2020>
(7) No person shall use or lend the title of a forest healing instructor without obtaining qualification as forest healing instructor nor shall help the use or lending of such title or the qualification certificate. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 18, 2020>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jul. 14, 2011]
 Article 11-3 (Use, etc. of Forest Healing Instructors)
(1) The State or local governments may use forest healing instructors or have them be used so that citizens effectively use healing forest.
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the head of a local government may subsidize expenses, etc. incurred by forest healing instructors in engaging in their activities.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jul. 14, 2011]
 Article 11-4 (Designation, etc. of Training Institutions of Forest Healing Instructors)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may designate national or public educational facilities or an organization of educational institutions related to forest healing as a training institution for forest healing instructors (hereinafter referred to as "training institution") in accordance with the requirements and procedures prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as operation facilities, human resources, and educational courses. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
(2) Where any matter prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs changes, such as training courses, educational facilities and equipment, the person designated as a training institution pursuant to paragraph (1) shall report such change to the Minister of the Korea Forest Service. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019>
(3) To investigate whether a training institution operates a training institution in compliance with the requirements for designation prescribed in paragraph (1), the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may request the training institution to submit relevant materials or conduct an on-site inspection. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019>
(4) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may revoke the designation or order the correction as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, if a training institution of forest healing instructors falls under any of the following: Provided, That he/she shall revoke its designation in the case of subparagraph 1: <Newly Inserted on Jun. 3, 2014; Dec. 3, 2019>
1. Where its designation is granted by fraud or other improper means;
2. Where it does not conform to the requirements for designation;
3. Where it refuses, obstructs or evades a request for data or on-site inspection by the Minister of the Korea Forest Service pursuant to paragraph (3) without good cause, or submits false data;
4. Where it violates other matters prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(5) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall not designate the person (including the representative in the case of a corporation) as a training institution of forest healing instructors whose designation has been revoked under paragraph (4), within one year from the date on which the designation has been revoked: Provided, That he/she shall not designate the person as a training institution of forest healing instructors within three years from the date on which the designation has been revoked if its designation has been revoked by the reason of paragraph (4) 1. <Newly Inserted on Jun. 3, 2014; Dec. 3, 2019>
(6) Education curriculum and period required for training forest healing instructors and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 3, 2014; Dec. 3, 2019>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jul. 14, 2011]
 Article 11-5 (Revocation or Suspension of Qualification of Forest Healing Instructor)
If a person who has obtained qualification as a forest healing instructor under Article 11-2 (1) falls under any of the following cases, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may revoke his/her license or suspend it for up to three years: Provided, That if the person falls under subparagraph 1 or 2, his/her qualification shall be revoked:
1. Where he/she has qualifications by fraud or other improper means;
2. Where it performs its duties during the business suspension period;
3. If he/she permits another person to use his/her title as a forest healing instructor or lend his/her certificate of qualification, in violation of Article 11-2 (6);
4. If he/she offers other persons to use the title, or lease the certificate, of a forest healing instructor, in violation of Article 11-2 (7).
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 18, 2020]
 Article 12 (Instructor of Forest Leisure Sports)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may accredit persons qualified to instruct leisure sports in a forest (hereinafter referred to as "instructor of forest leisure sports") and nurture them, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, in order to promote the forest healing.
(2) A person who intends to be an instructor of forest leisure sports shall meet the qualification standards referred to in paragraph (1) and apply for the issuance of a certificate of leisure sports instructor in a forest to the Minister of the Korea Forest Service, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
(3) An instructor of forest leisure sports in a forest shall perform duties of developing, disseminating, or providing guidance on leisure sports programs in a forest, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs.
(4) No person other than those whose qualification is accredited pursuant to this Act shall use the title of an instructor of forest leisure sports or any similar titles.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019]
 Article 12-2 (Utilization of System for Joint Use of Disaster Management Resources)
(1) The State or local governments may use instructors of forest leisure sports or have those operating leisure sports facilities in a forest to use instructors of forest leisure sports so that citizens effectively use leisure sports facilities in a forest.
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the head of a local government may subsidize activities of instructors of forest leisure sports facilities.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019]
CHAPTER IV DEVELOPMENT, ETC. OF NATURAL RECREATION FOREST AND FOREST BATH, ETC.
 Article 13 (Designation of Natural Recreation Forest)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may designate a State forest under his/her jurisdiction as a natural recreation forest. <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Feb. 21, 2018>
(2) Upon receiving an application for designation from the owner of a public or private forest (including a person who has the right to use or profit therefrom; hereafter the same shall apply in this Chapter and Article 32) or from a person permitted to lease or use (hereinafter referred to as "lease, etc.") a State forest, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may designate the forest that the applicant owns or obtains a lease, etc., as a natural recreation forest. In such cases, procedures for applying for designation shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Mar. 23, 2013>
(3) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may include land surrounded by a forest that he/she intends to designate as a natural recreation forest under paragraphs (1) and (2), in the designation of a natural recreation forest if such land needs to be managed as a natural recreation forest, and has the land area smaller than or equal to the area prescribed by Presidential Decree. In such cases, the designated land shall be considered to be a forest defined in subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Creation and Management of Forest Resources Act. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 27, 2016>
(4) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service designates a natural recreation forest pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (3), he/she shall notify the applicant and the heads of related administrative agencies of the designation and issue public notice of the name, location, lot number, and area of the natural recreation forest and other necessary matters. <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Dec. 27, 2016>
(5) The method and procedures for the designation of a natural recreation forest and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Jan. 20, 2015>
[Title Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Jan. 20, 2015]
 Article 14 (Development of Natural Recreation Forest)
(1) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service intends to establish a recreation facility or to cultivate a forest in a State forest designated as a natural recreation forest pursuant to Article 13 (1), he/she shall formulate a plan to establish a recreation facility and to cultivate a forest (hereinafter referred to as "plan for development of natural recreation forest"), as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The foregoing shall also apply where he/she intends to alter the plan for development of natural recreation forest. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 21, 2018>
(2) A person who intends to establish a recreation facility or to cultivate a forest in the forest designated as a natural recreation forest pursuant to Article 13 (2) and (3) shall formulate a plan for development of natural recreation forest and obtain approval from the competent Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The foregoing shall also apply where he/she alters the approved plan for development of natural recreation forest. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 17, 2010; Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 27, 2016; Feb. 21, 2018>
(3) Where a Mayor/Do Governor approves a plan for development of natural recreation forest, he/she shall notify the Minister of the Korea Forest Service of the approval thereof pursuant to paragraph (2). <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
(4) The types and standards for recreation facilities that may be established within a natural recreation forest shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
(5) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the Mayor/Do Governor formulates or alters a plan for development of natural recreation forest, or approves such plan or approves any alteration of such plan, he/she shall announce the details thereof, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
(6) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the head of a local government may fully or partially grant a subsidy or loan for the project cost to a person who creates a natural recreation forest according to a plan for development of natural recreation forest. <Amended on Jan. 20, 2015; Feb. 21, 2018>
 Article 15 Deleted. <Mar. 17, 2010>
 Article 16 (Revocation of Approval of Plan to Create Natural Recreation Forest)
(1) Where a person who has obtained approval of a plan for development of natural recreation forest pursuant to Article 14 (2) falls under any of the following, the Mayor/Do Governor may revoke the approval thereof: Provided, That where the person falls under subparagraph 1, the Mayor/Do Governor shall revoke the approval thereof: <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Feb. 21, 2018; Feb. 28, 2020>
1. Where a person has obtained approval by fraud or other improper means;
2. Where a person fails to commence the project for the development of a natural recreation forest within one year from the date of approval, or has suspended the project for at least one year without justifiable grounds;
3. If a person fails to perform a project in conformity with the details of the approved plan for the development of a natural recreation forest without justifiable grounds;
4. Deleted. <Mar. 17, 2010>
(2) Where a Mayor/Do Governor revokes approval of a plan for development of natural recreation forest pursuant to paragraph (1), he/she shall notify the Minister of the Korea Forest Service of the revocation thereof.
(3) Upon receiving a notice under paragraph (2), the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may order the person, the approval of which is revoked pursuant to paragraph (1), to restore the forest to its original state or may fully or partially recover the subsidy or loan granted pursuant to Article 14 (6), if any. <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
(4) If a person to whom an order to restore a forest to its original state is issued pursuant to paragraph (3) fails to comply with the order, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may vicariously execute the restoration by applying mutatis mutandis the Administrative Vicarious Execution Act. In such cases, costs and expenses incurred in the vicarious execution may be covered by the charge deposited for restoration in accordance with Article 38 of the Mountainous Districts Management Act. <Amended on Feb. 18, 2020>
 Article 16-2 (Safety Management, etc. of Natural Recreation Forest)
(1) A person who manages a natural recreation forest created pursuant to Article 14 shall formulate a safety management plan including measures to minimize damage, such as the prevention of a disaster or accident, and the protection of users in the case of a disaster or accident and conduct regular safety inspections of the natural recreation forest.
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service and the heads of local governments shall conduct regular safety inspections of natural recreation forests.
(3) Necessary matters concerning the formulation of a safety management plan of a natural recreation forest, safety inspections, etc. of a natural recreation forest under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 21, 2018]
 Article 17 Deleted. <Jan. 20, 2015>
 Article 18 (Resting Year System for Natural Recreation Forest)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the head of a local government may implement a resting year system under which the general public's entry to all or part of a state-owned or public natural recreation forest shall be restricted or prohibited for a specified period for protecting a natural recreation forest and the safety of users.
(2) In cases of a natural recreation forest, other than those under paragraph (1), upon its owner's application, the head of a Si (referring to the Metropolitan Autonomous City Mayor in cases of a Metropolitan Autonomous City and the Special Self-Governing Province Governor in cases of a Special Self-Governing Province; hereinafter the same shall apply), a Gun, or an autonomous Gu (hereinafter referred to as "head of a Si/Gun/Gu") may implement the resting year system. <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Dec. 27, 2016>
(3) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the head of a local government implements the resting year system referred to in paragraph (1) or (2), he/she shall issue public notice of the location and area of the natural recreation forest, the period of restriction or prohibition of entry, and other matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Feb. 18, 2020>
(4) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the head of a local government implements the resting year system under paragraph (1), he/she shall inform of this by posting on the website, etc. one year before implementing the resting year system without reasonble cause related to disaster, safety, etc. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 18, 2020>
(5) A person who intends to enter a natural recreation forest in resting years shall obtain permission from the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the head of the competent local government: Provided, That a person may enter such forest for executing forestry projects or extinguishing forest fires, or if there is any grounds specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Feb. 18, 2020>
 Article 19 (Revocation, etc. of Designation of Natural Recreation Forest)
(1) If any of the following causes and events occurs with regard to the forest designated as a natural recreation forest, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may revoke the designation or alter part of the designated zone: <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Jan. 20, 2015>
1. Where the person whose forest has been designated as a natural recreation forest requests to revoke the designation or alter the designated zone;
2. Where the forest physiognomy or area of a forest no longer meets the criteria for the feasibility assessment under Article 21-2 (1) due to damage from an act of God, etc.;
3. Where it is unlikely to accomplish the purpose of designation, or it is necessary to alter the designated zone, due to the execution of a public project.
(2) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service revokes the designation of a natural recreation forest or alter part of the designated zone of a natural recreation forest pursuant to paragraph (1), he/she shall notify the revocation or alteration to the owner of the forest or the person who possesses the forest under a lease and the heads of related administrative agencies, and issue a public notice of the name, location, lot number, and area of the natural recreation forest and other necessary matters. <Amended on Feb. 18, 2020>
 Article 20 (Development of Forest Bath, etc.)
(1) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service intends to develop a forest bath, healing forest, camping site or leisure sports facilities in a forest (hereinafter referred to as "forest bath, etc.") in a State forest under his/her jurisdiction, he/she shall prepare a plan for development of facilities, etc. necessary for a forest bath, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "plan for development of a forest bath, etc."), as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The foregoing shall also apply where he/she intends to alter the plan to develop a forest bath, etc. <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Jan. 20, 2015; Feb. 21, 2018>
(2) Where the owner of a public or private forest or a person who possesses a state-owned forest under a lease intends to develop a forest bath in the forest that he/she owns or possesses under a lease, he/she shall prepare a plan to develop a forest bath, etc. and obtain approval from the Mayor/Do Governor, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The foregoing shall also apply where he/she intends to alter the approved plan to develop a forest bath, etc. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 17, 2010; Mar. 23, 2013; Feb. 21, 2018>
(3) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the Mayor/Do Governor may formulate or approve a plan for development of a forest bath, etc. including land not exceeding the area prescribed by Presidential Decree, which needs to be developed as a forest bath, etc. among the land surrounded by a forest that he/she intends to develop into a forest bath, etc. pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2). In such cases, land included in the plan to develop a forest bath, etc. prepared or approved shall be deemed a forest under subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Creation and Management of Forest Resources Act. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 27, 2016; Feb. 21, 2018>
(4) Where a Mayor/Do Governor approves a plan for development of a forest bath pursuant to paragraph (2), he/she shall notify the Minister of the Korea Forest Service of the approval thereof. <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010>
(5) Matters necessary for the types and standards of facilities installed in a forest bath developed pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (3) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Dec. 27, 2016>
(6) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the Mayor/Do Governor formulates or alters a plan for development of a forest bath, etc. or approves such plan or approves any alteration of such plan, he/she shall announce the details thereof, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
(7) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the head of a local government may fully or partially grant a subsidy or loan to a person who develops a forest bath, etc., in accordance with a plan for the development of a forest bath, etc. <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Jan. 20, 2015; Dec. 27, 2016>
[Title Amended on Mar. 17, 2010]
 Article 20-2 (Constructive Authorization, Permission, etc., under Other Acts)
(1) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service formulates or alters a plan to create a natural recreation forest or plan for development of a forest bath, etc. pursuant to Article 14 (1) or 20 (1) and (3) or the Mayor/Do Governor approves a plan to create a natural recreation forest or plan for development of a forest bath, etc. or approves any alteration of such plan pursuant to Article 14 (2) or 20 (2) and (3), he/she shall be deemed to have obtained or granted the following approval, permission, authorization, to have received or filed the following reports, or to have held the following consultations, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "authorization, permission, etc."), and where he/she makes announcements pursuant to Article 14 (5) or 20 (6), he/she shall be deemed to have made announcements or official announcements of authorization, permission, etc. under the following Acts: <Amended on Dec. 27, 2016; Feb. 21, 2018>
1. A building permit prescribed in Article 11 of the Building Act, a building report prescribed in Article 14 of the same Act, any revision to a permit or report prescribed in Article 16 of the same Act, permission for or reporting on temporary structures provided for in Article 20 of the same Act, and construction consultation provided for in Article 29 of the same Act;
2. Permission or revised permission for occupation and use of a river provided for in Article 33 of the River Act;
3. Authorization or revised authorization of the waterworks business prescribed in Article 17 or 49 of the Water Supply and Waterworks Installation Act, and authorization, or authorization of alteration, or reporting on alteration of the installation of exclusive waterworks referred to in Article 52 of the same Act;
4. Permission for, reporting on, or revised permission for lumbering, etc. prescribed in Article 36 (1) and (4) of the Creation and Management of Forest Resources Act;
5. Permission for execution of roadworks prescribed in Article 36 of the Road Act, permission or revised permission for occupation of roads prescribed in Article 61 of the same Act, and consultation with or approval from the road management agency referred to in Article 107 of the same Act;
6. Decision, or revised decision, on an urban/Gun management plan (limited to the infrastructure referred to in subparagraph 6 of Article 2 of the National Land Planning and Utilization Act) referred to in Article 30 of the same Act; permission, or revised permission, for development activities referred to Article 56 of the same Act; designation of an implementer of an urban/Gun planning facility project referred to in Article 86 of the same Act; and formulation, authorization, or authorization of amendment of an implementation plan referred to in Article 88 of the same Act; a permit or revised permit for land transaction contracts referred to in Article 11 of the Act on Report on Real Estate Transactions, Etc.;
7. Permission to divert or alter a mountainous district under Article 14 of the Mountainous Districts Management Act, a report on the diversion or alteration of a mountainous district under Article 15 of the aforesaid Act, or permission to temporarily use or alter a mountainous district or a report on the temporary use or alteration of a mountainous district under Article 15-2 of the aforesaid Act.
(2) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the Mayor/Do Governor intends to formulate or alter a plan to create a natural recreation forest or plan for development of a forest bath, etc. including matters falling under any of the subparagraphs of paragraph (1), or to approve such plan or to approve any alteration of such plan, he/she shall hold consultation with the head of a related administrative agency in advance, accompanied by relevant documents. In such cases, the head of the relevant administrative agency shall submit his/her opinion within 30 days from the date on which he/she receives a request to hold consultation, and if he/she fails to submit his/her opinion within the aforesaid period, he/she shall be deemed to have no opinion to present. <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
(3)  Where any authorization, permission, etc., prescribed in other Acts is deemed acquired pursuant to paragraph (1), the payment of commission, fee, etc., to be imposed in accordance with the relevant Acts shall be exempted.
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 29, 2016]
 Article 21 (Revocation of Approval of Plans for Development of Forest Bath)
(1) If a person who has obtained an approval of a plan for the development of a forest bath pursuant to Article 20 (2) (including approval obtained pursuant to Article 20 (3)) falls under any of the following, the competent Mayor/Do Governor may revoke the approval: Provided, That such approval shall be revoked in cases of falling under subparagraph 1: <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Dec. 27, 2016; Feb. 18; 2020>
1. Where the person has obtained approval by fraud or other improper means;
2. Where the person fails to commence the project for the development of the forest bath within one year from the date of approval or has suspended the project for at least one year without just cause;
3. Where the person fails to perform the project in conformity with the approved plan for the development of a forest bath, etc., without just cause.
(2) Where a Mayor/Do Governor revokes approval pursuant to paragraph (1), he/she shall notify the Minister of the Korea Forest Service of the revocation.
(3) Upon receipt of a notice under paragraph (2), the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may order the person with revoked approval referred to in paragraph (1) to restore the forest to its original state or may fully or partially recover the amount of the subsidy or loan granted pursuant to Article 20 (7), if any. <Amended on Dec. 27, 2016>
(4) If a person to whom an order to restore a forest to its original state is issued pursuant to paragraph (3) fails to comply with the order, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may vicariously execute the restoration by applying mutatis mutandis the Administrative Vicarious Execution Act. In such cases, costs and expenses incurred in the vicarious execution may be covered by the charge deposited for restoration in accordance with Article 38 of the Mountainous Districts Management Act.
[Title Amended on Mar. 17, 2010]
 Article 21-2 (Feasibility Assessment on Natural Recreation Forest, etc.)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor shall assess whether the scenic view, location, area, etc. of a forest in any of the following meet the criteria prescribed by Presidential Decree (hereafter referred to as "feasibility assessment" in this Article). The same shall apply when the area of a natural recreation forest or forest bath, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "natural recreation forest, etc.") is enlarged: <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019; Feb. 18, 2020>
1. Where the designation of a natural recreation forest is granted under Article 13;
2. Where the development of a forest bath, etc. is made under Article 20 (1);
3. Where the approval of a plan for the development of a forest bath, etc. is granted under Article 20 (2).
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may conduct the feasibility assessment under paragraph (1) by entrusting it to an institution or organization prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(3) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may support necessary expenses within the budgetary limit, where he/she conducts the feasibility assessment by entrustment to an institution or organization under paragraph (2).
(4) The procedures for, methods of, or other matters necessary for the feasibility assessment shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 20, 2015]
 Article 21-3 Deleted. <Mar. 27, 2015>
 Article 21-4 Deleted. <Mar. 27, 2015>
 Article 21-5 (Collection of Entrance Fees, etc. for Natural Recreation Forest, etc.)
(1) The owner of a natural recreation forest, etc. may collect entrance fees, fees for the use of facilities, and fees for experience from persons who use the natural recreation forest, etc. <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
(2) The criteria for collecting entrance fees, fees for the use of facilities and fees for experience under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree: Provided, That in cases of a natural recreation forest, etc. developed by a local government, it shall be determined by Ordinance of the competent local government, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 20, 2015]
[Title Amended on Feb. 21, 2018]
 Article 21-6 (Acts Prohibited in Natural Recreation Forests, etc.)
No person shall commit any of the following acts: <Amended on Feb. 18, 2020>
1. Cooking or smoking in places other than a designated area;
2. Littering garbage or waste;
3. Other activities prescribed by Presidential Decree, which interfere with the efficient management of natural recreation forests, etc.
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 29, 2016]
[Title Amended on Feb. 18, 2020]
 Article 22 (Entrustment of Natural Recreation Forest, etc.)
If necessary for the efficient development or management of natural recreation forests, etc., the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the head of a local government may entrust the development or management of a natural recreation forests, etc. to a local government, a forestry cooperative, or other corporation or organization specified by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 17, 2010; Feb. 18, 2020>
[Title Amended on Feb. 18, 2020]
CHAPTER V FOREST PATHS, ETC.
 Article 22-2 (Types of Forest Path)
The types of forest paths shall be as follows: <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
1. Mountain trails: Paths for activities to promote mental and physical health by climbing mountains (hereinafter referred to as "mountaineering");
2. Trekking paths: The following paths for activities of walking on the paths to experience local history and culture, enjoy scenery, and promote health (hereinafter referred to as "trekking"):
(a) Hiking trails: Paths created around the circumference of a mountain to connect the starting point to the end point of the route;
(b) Trails: Paths created in a linear manner alongside a mountain range or the foot of a mountain, with their starting and ending points not connected;
3. Leisure sports paths: Paths for leisure sports in forests;
4. Exploratory paths: Paths for activities to explore, learn, or observe the forest ecology (hereinafter referred to as "exploration");
5. Forest paths for relaxation and healing: Paths for activities to promote health, such as relaxation and healing, or for recreation in forests.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 9, 2011]
 Article 22-3 (Formulation, etc. of Master Plans for Forest Paths)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may formulate and implement a basic plan for creating and managing forest paths for forests across the country by type of forest paths (hereinafter referred to as "basic plan for forest paths") under Article 22-2 every five years in order to promote activities, such as mountaineering, trekking, leisure sports in a forest, exploration, or recreation and healing. <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
(2) A basic plan for forest paths shall include the following:
1. Basic objectives and direction-setting for forest path policies;
2. Demand, circumstances, and outlook for forest paths;
3. Matters regarding the system to promote the creation of forest paths and the establishment of management infrastructure;
4. Matters regarding the establishment and operation of forest path information networks;
5. Other matters regarding major policies related to forest paths.
(3) If deemed necessary, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may modify a basic plan for forest path to do so in consideration of the feasibility of the basic plan for forest path and changes in social, local, and forest environmental circumstances.
(4) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service formulates or alters a basic plan for forest paths pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (3), he/she shall formulate or alter such basic plan so that it may be connected with a forest welfare promotion plan under Article 5 of the Forest Welfare Promotion Act. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 21, 2018>
(5) Where a basic plan for forest paths has been formulated, the head of a regional forest service and the head of a local government (hereinafter referred to as "forest path management agency") shall formulate an annual plan for creating and managing forest paths (hereinafter referred to as "annual plan for forest paths") with regard to forests under his/her jurisdiction (excluding natural parks designated under the Natural Parks Act; hereafter the same shall apply in this Article) according to a basic plan for forest paths. <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018; Feb. 18, 2020>
(6) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service and the forest path management agency shall investigate the routes designated as forest paths and the current status of the neighboring forests, and the current status of the operation and management of existing forest paths, in order to use them as basic data to formulate a basic plan for forest paths and annual plan for forest paths or to revise such plans. <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
(7) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service and the forest path management agency may entrust investigation duties under paragraph (6) to a corporation or organization prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as a forestry cooperative established under the Forestry Cooperatives Act. <Amended on Feb. 21, 2018>
(8) Matters necessary for the formulation and revision of basic plan for forest path and annual plan for forest path and the investigations under paragraph (6) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Feb. 21, 2018>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 9, 2011]
 Article 23 (Development, etc. of Forest Path)
(1) If the forest path management agency intends to create forest paths, it shall establish a plan to create forest paths including the relevant routes of forest paths in accordance with an annual plan for forest path, evaluate the appropriateness of plans for the selection of routes and the creation thereof, impacts on the ecosystem and communities, etc. based on standards prescribed by Presidential Decree, and seek opinions from interested parties (including land owners). In such cases, the forest path management agency may entrust the feasibility assessment to a corporation or organization prescribed by Presidential Decree, if necessary for efficient feasibility assessment. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
(2) If the forest path management agency recognizes that the creation of forest paths is appropriate after feasibility assessment and seeking opinions pursuant to paragraph (1), it shall name the relevant forest paths and determine and publicly announce the routes thereof. Public announcement shall also be made for any change to the designated routes or revocation of designation. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
(3) If routes of forest paths are determined and publicly announced pursuant to paragraph (2), it shall be deemed that a report on temporary use of mountainous districts under Article 15-2 of the Mountainous Districts Management Act is made or a permission for felling standing trees, etc. under Article 36 of the Creation and Management of Forest Resources Act is obtained.
(4) The formulation of plans to create forest paths; procedures of feasibility assessment; naming of forest paths; designation, change, designation revocation of forest path routes and the public announcement thereof under paragraphs (1) and (2); and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 3, 2019>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 9, 2011]
 Article 23-2 (Operation and Management of Forest Path)
The forest path management agency shall preserve forest paths created pursuant to Article 23 and operate and manage such forest paths, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, in order to enhance the use, safety and convenience thereof.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 9, 2011]
 Article 23-3 (Designation of Spring Water Preservation Areas)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may designate forest paths created pursuant to Article 23, which require systematic operation and management due to high forest ecological values or historical and cultural values, as national forest paths and publicly notify thereof. In such cases, where the Minister intends to designate a forest path managed by the head of a local government as a national forest path, he/she shall have a prior consultation with the head of the relevant local government.
(2) The standards and procedures of designating national forest paths under paragraph (1), and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019]
[Previous Article 23-3 Moved to Article 23-4 <Dec. 3, 2019>]
 Article 23-4 (Prohibited Acts around Forest Path)
No person shall conduct any of the following acts in forest paths or surrounding land:
1. Damaging forest paths;
2. Damaging any structure or agricultural crop, or other property owned by other persons;
3. Littering garbage or waste;
4. Relocating, spoiling, or damaging signs installed by the forest path management agency.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 9, 2011]
[Moved from Article 23-3 <Dec. 3, 2019>]
 Article 24 (Support for Development, etc. of Forest Path)
The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may subsidize expenses to be incurred in the creation, operation, management, etc. of forest paths by a local government. In such cases, subsidies may be granted preferentially to any of the following forest paths: <Amended on Mar. 9, 2011; Mar. 23, 2013; Feb. 21, 2018>
1. Major mountainous trails along the ridges that connect mountain peaks;
2. Hiking trails of major mountains prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs;
3. Trails, exploratory paths, or old paths that are associated with historic or cultural sites, or need to be preserved and managed in a historical and cultural context;
4. Leisure sports paths in forests necessary to hold leisure sports events in forests on a national or international scale.
[Title Amended on Mar. 9, 2011]
 Article 25 (Resting Year System, etc. of Forest Path)
(1) For the protection of forest paths and the safety, etc. of forest path users, the forest path management agency may enforce the resting year system or resting period system by designating all or part of forest paths for which the entry of the general public is restricted or prohibited for a certain period. <Amended on Mar. 9, 2011>
(2) When the forest path management agency intends to enforce the resting year system or resting period system for forest paths pursuant to paragraph (1), it shall publicly announce the location and area of relevant forest paths, period of restricted or prohibited entry thereto, and other matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 9, 2011; Mar. 23, 2013>
(3) Where the forest path management agency implements the resting year system or resting period system pursuant to paragraph (1), it shall announce such fact on the website, etc. one year before the implementing the systems without reasonable cause related to disasters, safety, etc.<Newly Inserted on Feb. 18, 2020>
(4) Any person who intends to enter the forest paths subject to the resting year system or resting period system under paragraph (1) shall obtain permission from the forest path management agency: Provided, That he/she may enter without permission for the purpose of implementing forest projects and extinguishing forest fires or where grounds prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs exist. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 9, 2011; Mar. 23, 2013; Feb. 18, 2020>
[Title Amended on Mar. 9, 2011]
 Article 25-2 (Reservation for Exploration of Forest Path)
(1) Where necessary to protect forest paths and to prevent damage to the forest ecosystem, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the forest path management agency may implement the reservation system for exploration of forest path for people to reserve the exploration for the date, the route, etc.
(2) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the forest path management agency intends to implement the reservation system for exploration pursuant to paragraph (1), he/she shall publicly notify matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, such as the location and size of the relevant forest paths.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019]
 Article 25-3 (Restrictions on Access to Forest Paths by Motor Vehicles and Horses)
(1) For the safety of forest path users and the protection of forest paths, the forest path management agency may designate all or part of forest paths and prohibit the entry of motor vehicles and horses (hereinafter referred to as "motor vehicles and horses") under subparagraph 17 of Article 2 of the Road Traffic Act.
(2) The forest path management agency may cancel the designation under paragraph (1) when there arises any cause prescribed by Presidential Decree where the safety of forest path users or the protection of forest paths is unnecessary.
(3) When the forest path management agency intends to prohibit the entry of motor vehicles and horses into forest paths pursuant to paragraph (1), it shall publicly announce the location, section, distance, prohibition period of the relevant forest paths and other matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
(4) Drivers of motor vehicles and riders of horses who intend to enter forest paths the access of motor vehicles and horses is prohibited pursuant to paragraph (1) shall obtain permission from the forest path management agency, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jun. 9, 2020]
 Article 26 (Negotiated Purchase of Forest Path, etc.)
If necessary for the preservation of forest paths, the competent forest path management agency may purchase forest paths or the land and standing trees in its surrounding area from the owner through negotiations. In such cases, the purchase price shall be the value calculated in accordance with provisions of the Act on Acquisition of and Compensation for Land, etc. for Public Works Projects. <Amended on Mar. 9, 2011>
[Title Amended on Mar. 9, 2011]
 Article 27 (Provision, etc. of Mountaineering and Trekking Education)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may open and operate mountaineering and trekking schools for providing mountaineering and trekking education for the purpose of establishing and disseminating sound mountaineering and trekking culture. <Amended on Mar. 9, 2011; Jun. 3, 2014>
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may entrust the operation of mountaineering and trekking schools to the Korea Mountaineering and Trekking Support Center established pursuant to Article 27-2 or a person specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs as a non-profit corporation established for the purpose of education and training of mountaineering and trekking. <Amended on Dec. 21, 2007; Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 9, 2011; Mar. 23, 2013; Jun. 3, 2014>
(3) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may fully or partially grant subsidies to a person who operates a mountaineering and trekking school for its operational expenses. <Amended on Mar. 9, 2011; Jun. 3, 2014>
(4) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the Mayor/Do Governor may collect fees for the use of facilities, fees for experience, etc. from persons who use a mountaineering and trekking school. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 21, 2018>
(5) Standards for collecting fees for the use of facilities, fees for experience, etc. under paragraph (4) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree: Provided, That in cases of a mountaineering and trekking school established by the Mayor/Do Governor, standards for collecting fees for the use of facilities, fees for experience, etc. under paragraph (4) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Municipal Ordinance of the relevant local government. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 21, 2018>
[Title Amended on Mar. 9, 2011]
 Article 27-2 (Korea Mountaineering and Trekking Support Center)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may establish and operate the Korea Mountaineering and Trekking Support Center (hereinafter referred to as the "Center") for the purpose of disseminating sound mountaineering and trekking culture and assisting citizens in their mountaineering and trekking activities. <Amended on Mar. 9, 2011>
(2) The Center shall carry on the following programs and projects: <Amended on Mar. 9, 2011; Mar. 23, 2013>
1. Programs for mountaineering and trekking education and international cooperation;
2. Programs for training and supporting professional mountaineers;
3. Programs for establishing and operating a system for the cooperation between mountaineering and trekking schools and an information network;
4. Projects for developing and maintaining or operating and managing facilities related to mountaineering and trekking, including forest paths and guide facilities thereon, etc.;
5. Programs for developing mountaineering and trekking skills and standardizing mountaineering and trekking facilities;
6. Programs for the development, education, and training of skills for the rescue of mountaineers in distress;
7. Programs for the surveys, research, and public relations activities for disseminating and developing sound mountaineering and trekking culture;
8. Programs entrusted by the State or a local government in connection with mountaineering and trekking;
9. Programs specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs as necessary for facilitating collection, sharing, and utilization of information about mountaineering and trekking, and disseminating sound mountaineering and trekking culture.
(3) The Center shall be a legal entity.
(4) The establishment and operation of the Center and the scope of business entrusted to the Center and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 9, 2011>
(5) The State or a local government may fully or partially subsidize expenses incurred in the establishment and operation of the Center.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 21, 2007]
[Title Amended on Mar. 9, 2011]
 Article 28 (Operation of Mountain Rescue Teams)
(1) The forest path management agency may organize and operate mountain rescue teams in preparation and prevention for accidents, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as the mishap, disappearance, or falling of visitors to forest paths, including mountaineers. <Amended on Mar. 9, 2011; Jan. 20, 2015>
(2) The forest path management agency may support allowances and goods for the rescue within the budgetary limit where a mountain rescue team performs affairs under paragraph (1). <Amended on Jan. 20, 2015>
(3) Any member of mountain rescue teams organized under paragraph (1) shall be educated and trained as prescribed by Presidential Decree for an efficient conduct of affairs. In such cases, the forest path management agency may support expenses necessary for the education and training within the budgetary limit. <Newly Inserted on Jan. 20, 2015>
CHAPTER VI DESIGNATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CULTURAL ASSETS IN FORESTS
 Article 29 (Designation of Cultural Assets in Forest and Revocation of Designation thereof)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may designate a cultural asset in a forest as a State or City/Do cultural asset in a forest in accordance with the criteria and method prescribed by Presidential Decree: Provided, That designated cultural heritage, provisionally designated cultural heritage, registered cultural heritage, protective facilities, or protective zones under the Cultural Heritage Protection Act shall be excluded herefrom. <Amended on Nov. 26, 2019>
(2) If it is intended to designate a cultural asset in a forest pursuant to paragraph (1), public notice shall be issued of the intended designation, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, and opinions shall be heard from the owner and interested parties.
(3) If a State or City/Do cultural asset in a forest designated pursuant to paragraph (1) (hereinafter referred to as "designated cultural asset in a forest") falls under any of the following, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the competent Mayor/Do Governor may revoke the designation of cultural assets in a forest completely or partially: Provided, That in cases falling under subparagraph 1, the designation shall be revoked:
1. Where it is designated as a designated cultural heritage, a protective facility, or a protective zone under the Cultural Heritage Protection Act or registered as a registered cultural heritage;
2. Where it is unlikely to accomplish the purpose of its designation or where the value of its designation is lost, due to an act of God or other causes;
3. Where it is intended to be used as a site for a road, a railroad, a school, a military installation, or other official or public facilities prescribed by Presidential Decree;
4. Where the revocation of its designation is deemed unavoidable so that it can be used for other purposes of public interest.
(4) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor designates or revokes designation of a cultural asset in a forest pursuant to paragraph (1) or (3), he/she shall issue a public notice of such fact, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and shall notify thereof to the owner and the head of the competent Si/Gun/Gu. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
(5) Necessary matters concerning the procedures for the designation of cultural assets in forests and the revocation of the designation shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 17, 2010]
 Article 30 (Management, etc. of Cultural Assets in Forest)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor shall protect and manage designated cultural assets in each forest in accordance with the purposes of designation and shall, if deemed necessary, designate a caretaker for the protection and management.
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may order the owner or caretaker of a designated cultural asset in a forest to take measures necessary for the protection and management of the asset and may support for expenses incurred in the protection and management of such asset, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(3) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may support a local government for expenses incurred in the protection and management of a designated cultural asset in a forest.
(4) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor shall inspect the actual status of the protection and management of a designated cultural asset in a forest: Provided, That a public official who inspects the actual status of cultural assets in a forest owned by an individual or corporation shall carry a certificate indicating his/her authority and present it to related persons. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 18, 2020>
(5) Matters necessary for the contents and methods of the inspection of the actual status under paragraph (4) and the notification of the result of the inspection, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 18, 2020>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 17, 2010]
 Article 31 (Purchase of Land, etc.)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may, if necessary for accomplishing the purpose of designation of a designated cultural asset in a forest, purchase or exchange, through negotiations with the owner, the designated cultural asset in a forest, the land on which the designated cultural asset in a forest is situated (including standing trees and bamboos therein; hereinafter the same shall apply), or the land necessary for the maintenance and management of the designated cultural asset in a forest.
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may keep and manage a designated cultural asset in a forest, worth of preservation and with easy mobility, among designated cultural assets in forests purchased pursuant to paragraph (1), in a facility specified by Presidential Decree.
(3) In cases of a purchase or exchange under paragraph (1), the purchase or exchange price shall be the price calculated pursuant to the Act on the Acquisition of and Compensation for Land, etc. for Public Works Projects.
(4) The State Property Act, the State Forest Administration and Management Act, or the Public Property and Commodity Management Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to procedures for the purchase and exchange under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 17, 2010]
CHAPTER VII SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
 Article 31-2 (Fees)
(1) Any of the following persons shall pay fees, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs:
1. A person who intends to have his/her international professional engineer qualification certificate issued pursuant to Article 11-2 (2);
2. A person who intends to be issued a certificate of qualification of instructor of forest leisure sports under Article 12 (2);
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019]
 Article 32 (Succession to Rights, Obligations, etc.)
A disposition taken in relation to the owner of a natural recreation forest or a forest bath pursuant to this Act or an order issued pursuant to this Act shall be also effective for his/her successor.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 17, 2010]
 Article 33 (Hearings)
The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor shall hold a hearing in any of the following cases: <Amended on Mar. 9, 2011; Jul. 25, 2011; Jun. 3, 2014; Jan. 20, 2015; Dec. 3, 2019; Feb. 18, 2020>
1. Where he/she intends to revoke the designation of a training institution of forest healing instructors under Article 11-4 (4);
1-2. Where he/she intends to revoke or suspend qualification of a forest healing instructor pursuant to Article 11-5;
2. The revocation of the approval of a plan to develop a natural recreation forest under Article 16 (1);
3. The revocation of the approval of a plan to develop a forest bath, etc. under Article 21 (1);
4. Deleted. <Mar. 27, 2015>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 17, 2010]
 Article 34 (Delegation of Authority)
The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may delegate part of his/her authority under this Act to the head of an affiliated agency under his/her jurisdiction, a Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 17, 2010]
 Article 34-4 Deleted. <Mar. 27, 2015>
CHAPTER VIII PENALTY PROVISIONS
 Article 35 (Penalty Provisions)
(1) Any person who destroys a designated cultural asset in a forest by setting a fire, shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for at least seven years and up to 15 years. <Amended on Dec. 27, 2016; Feb. 18, 2020>
(2) Any person who steals a designated cultural asset in a forest shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for at least one year, but less than ten years.
(3) Any person who damages, hides, or otherwise devalues a designated cultural asset in a forest shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for less than five years or by a fine not exceeding 50 million won. <Amended on Dec. 27, 2016>
(4) Any person who falls under any of the following shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for at least three years or by a fine not exceeding 30 million won: <Newly Inserted on Dec. 27, 2016; Dec. 3, 2019>
1. A person who burns a designated cultural asset in a forest by negligence;
2. A person who damages forest paths or any structure or agricultural crop, or other property owned by others, in violation of subparagraph 1 or 2 of Article 23-4.
(5) Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for at least one year or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won: <Amended on Jan. 20, 2015; Mar. 27, 2015; Dec. 27, 2016; Dec. 3, 2019; Feb. 18, 2020>
1. A person who, without just cause, interferes with the installation of protective or management facilities of a designated cultural asset in a forest or interferes with any act for the prevention, etc., of disasters or damage by disease and insect pest;
2. A person who damages, relocates, removes, or otherwise makes indiscernible a sign installed to protect a designated cultural asset in a forest;
3. A person who is qualified as a forest healing instructor pursuant to Article 11-2 (1) by fraud or other improper means;
4. A person who permits other persons to use the title of forest healing instructor or lends his/her certificate of qualification to other persons in violation of Article 11-2 (6);
5. A person who uses the title of forest healing instructor, or leases the certificate of qualification, or arranges the use of the title or the lending of the certificate in violation of Article 11-2 (7);
6. A person who is designated as a training institution of forest healing instructors under Article 11-4 (1) by fraud or other improper means.
(6) An attempt to commit an offense prescribed in paragraphs (1) through (3) shall be punished. <Amended on Jun. 3, 2014>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 17, 2010]
 Article 36 Deleted. <Dec. 27, 2016>
 Article 36-2 Deleted. <Dec. 27, 2016>
 Article 36-3 Deleted. <Dec. 3, 2019>
 Article 37 (Joint Penalty Provisions)
If the representative of a corporation or an agent, employee, or other servant of the corporation or an individual commits an offense under Article 35 (3) or (5) 1 and 2 in connection with the business of the corporation or the individual, not only shall such offender be punished, but also the corporation or the individual shall be punished by the fine prescribed in the relevant provisions: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply where such corporation or individual has not been negligent in giving due attention and supervision concerning the relevant duties to prevent such offense. <Amended on Apr. 4, 2016>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 17, 2010]
 Article 38 (Administrative Fines)
(1) Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 200,000 won: <Newly Inserted on Nov. 3, 2019>
1. Any person who uses the title of a forest healing instructor or other similar title without obtaining qualification, in violation of Article 11-2 (5);
2. A person who uses the titles of instructor of forest leisure sports or any other similar titles without obtaining qualification, in violation of Article 12 (4).
(2) A person who cooks or smokes in places other than a designated area, in violation of subparagraph 1 of Article 21-6, shall be punished by an administrative fine not exceeding 500,000 won. <Amended on May 29, 2016>
(3) Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 200,000 won: <Amended on Mar. 9, 2011; May 29, 2016; Dec. 3, 2019; Feb. 18, 2020; Jun. 9, 2020>
1. Deleted; <Jul. 25, 2011>
2. A person who enters a natural recreation forest under the resting year system without obtaining permission, in violation of Article 18 (5);
3. A person who commits forbidden acts, in violation of subparagraph 2 and 3 of Article 21-6 and subparagraph 3 of Article 23-4;
4. A person who relocates, spoils, or damages signs installed by the forest path management agency, in violation of subparagraph 4 of Article 23-3;
5. A person who enters a forest path under the resting year system or resting period system without obtaining permission, in violation of Article 25 (4);
6. A driver of motor vehicle or horse that enters a forest path in violation of Article 25-3 (4);
(4) Administrative fines referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) shall be imposed or collected by the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, a Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 29, 2016; Dec. 3, 2019>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 17, 2010]
ADDENDA <Act No. 7676, Aug. 4, 2005>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Validity Assessment of Natural Recreation Forest)
The validity assessment under Article 15 shall apply from the first person who intends to install recreation facilities after this Act enters into force.
Article 3 (Transitional Measures concerning Designation, etc. of Natural Recreation Forest)
(1) A person who obtains approval for a plan to create a forest designated as a natural recreation forest or to create a natural recreation forest from the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the competent Mayor/Do Governor pursuant to Article 31 of the former Forestry Act as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed to have obtained approval for a plan to create a forest designated as a natural recreation forest or to create a natural creation forest (including approval for revisions thereof) under this Act.
(2) The entrustment of construction for creating a natural recreation forest or management and operation thereof by the Minister of the Korea Forest Service, the competent Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of the competent Si/Gun/Gu pursuant to Article 32 of the former Forestry Act as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed the entrustment of creation or management under this Act.
Article 4 (Transitional Measures concerning Plans to Create Forest Bath)
A forest bath for which the development has been completed or is in progress as at the time this Act enters into force shall be governed by the former Forestry Act, notwithstanding Article 20 (2).
Article 5 Omitted.
Article 6 (Relationship with other Statutes)
A citation of the former Forestry Act or the provisions thereof by other statutes as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed a citation of this Act or the relevant provisions thereof in lieu of the former provisions if this Act has provisions corresponding thereto.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 8752, Dec. 21, 2007>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 8852, Feb. 29, 2008>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10116, Mar. 17, 2010>
(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
(2) (Transitional Measures) A natural recreation forest designated pursuant to the former provisions as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed a natural recreation forest designated pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 13.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10459, Mar. 9, 2011>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures)
(1) A person accredited for an education course for mountaineering guides under the former Article 7 (2) 3 as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed a person accredited for an education course for mountaineering guides among the education courses for forest path guides under the amended provisions of Article 7 (2) 3.
(2) Mountain trails being developed under the former Article 23 as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed mountain trails among forest paths being developed under the amended Article 23.
(3) Forest paths being developed or the development thereof has been completed as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed that seeking of opinions from interested parties and the designation and public announcement of forest path routes under the amended provisions of Article 23 (1) and (2) have been completed.
(4) The Korea Mountaineering Support Center under the former Article 27-2 (1) as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed the Korea Mountaineering and Trekking Support Center under the amended provisions of Article 27-2 (1).
ADDENDUM <Act No. 10845, Jul. 14, 2011>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10940, Jul. 25, 2011>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 4 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 11430, May 23, 2012>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
(1) This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
(2) Omitted.
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 12731, Jun. 3, 2014>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Incompetent Person, etc.)
An incompetent person under the adult guardianship and quasi-competent person under the limited guardianship pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 11-2 (3) 1 shall be regarded to include a person for whom the declaration of incompetency or quasi-incompetency remains valid under Article 2 of the Addenda of the partial amendment to the Civil Act (Act No. 10429).
ADDENDA <Act No. 13026, Jan. 20, 2015>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Evaluation of Appropriateness on Natural Recreation Forests, etc.)
The amended provisions of Article 21-2 shall begin to apply from any person who applies for the designation of a natural recreation forest or the approval of a plan to create a forest bath, etc. on or after this Act enters into force.
ADDENDA <Act No. 13255, Mar. 27, 2015>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 5 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 14268, May 29, 2016>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, that the amended provisions of Article 20-2 shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning Article 11 of the Act on Report on Real Estate Transactions, Etc.)
Article 11 of the Act on Report on Real Estate Transactions, Etc.” referred to in the amended provisions of Article 20-2 (1) 6 shall be construed as “Article 118 of the National Land Planning and Utilization Act” until January 19, 2017.
ADDENDA <Act No. 14518, Dec. 27, 2016>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Articles 11-2 and 18 (2) shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 15394, Feb. 21, 2018>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Formulation, etc. of Basic Plan)
The amended provisions of Articles 4 and 22-3 shall begin to apply from the cases where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service formulates or alters a basic plan or basic plan for forest paths or the Mayor/Do Governor formulates or alters a regional plan after this Act enters into force.
Article 3 (Applicability to Announcement of Plan to Create Natural Recreation Forest, etc.)
The amended provisions of Articles 14 (5) and 20 (6) shall begin to apply from the cases where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the Mayor/Do Governor formulates or alters a plan to create a natural recreation forest or plan for development of a forest bath, etc., or approves such plan or approves any alteration of such plan after this Act enters into force.
Article 4 (Applicability to Legal Fiction of Authorization, Permission, etc. under Other Acts)
The amended provisions of Article 20-2 shall begin to apply from the cases where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service formulates or alters a plan to create a natural recreation forest or plan for development of a forest bath, etc., and files an application for approval of a plan to create a natural recreation forest or plan for development of a forest bath, etc. or approval of any alteration of such plan with the Mayor/Do Governor after this Act enters into force.
Article 5 Omitted.
Article 6 (Relationship to Other Acts)
Where the former provisions of the Forestry Culture and Recreation Act have been cited by other Acts and subordinate statutes as at the time this Act enters into force, in which case provisons corresponding thereto exist in this Act, the relevant provisions of this Act shall be deemed cited in lieu of the former provisions thereof.
ADDENDA <Act No. 16596, Nov. 26, 2019>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 10 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 16708, Mar. 3, 2019>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Article shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Administrative Disposition on Manufacturers)
The administrative disposition imposed on a training institution of forest healing instructors under the amended provisions of Article 11-4 (4) 3 shall apply beginning with the first violation committed after this Act enters into force.
Article 3 (Applicability to Evaluation of Appropriateness on Natural Recreation Forests, etc.)
The feasibility assessment of a forest path creation plan under the amended provisions of Article 23 (1) shall begin to apply to a forest path creation plan formulated after this Act enters into force.
Article 4 (Applicability to Fees for Issuing Certificates of Forest Healing Instructors)
The amended provisions of Article 31-4 (1) shall begin to apply from the first application for issuance of a qualification certificate of tree doctor, etc. to be filed after this Act enters into force.
Article 5 (Transitional Measures concerning Penalty Provisions)
The previous provisions of this Act shall apply to cases of imposing penalties on violations committed before this Act enters into force.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 17013, Feb. 18, 2020>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation. Provided, That the amended provisions of Article 11-5 and subparagraph 1-2 of Article 33 shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation; and the amended provisions of Articles 5, 16, 18 (3), 19, 21, 22-3, and 35 (1) shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. The amended provisions of Articles 11-2 (4), (6), and (7) and 35 (5) 3 through 6 of the Act shall enter into force on June 4, 2020.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 17421, Jun. 9, 2020>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.