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FORESTRY AND MOUNTAIN VILLAGES DEVELOPMENT PROMOTION ACT

Wholly Amended by Act No. 8353, Apr. 11, 2007

Amended by Act No. 8852, Feb. 29, 2008

Act No. 9177, Dec. 26, 2008

Act No. 10025, Feb. 4, 2010

Act No. 11352, Feb. 22, 2012

Act No. 10949, May 16, 2012

Act No. 11429, May 23, 2012

Act No. 11504, Oct. 22, 2012

Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013

Act No. 14270, May 29, 2016

Act No. 14659, Mar. 21, 2017

Act No. 15398, Feb. 21, 2018

Act No. 16200, Jan. 8, 2019

Act No. 16713, Dec. 3, 2019

Act No. 17098, Mar. 24, 2020

Act No. 17323, May 26, 2020

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS
 Article 1 (Purpose)
The purpose of this Act is to contribute to enhancing the quality of life for residents in underdeveloped mountain villages and promoting the balanced development of national land and the sound development of the national economy by promoting rights and interests of forest managers, strengthening the competitiveness of forestry and developing the underdeveloped mountain villages through structural improvement of forestry.
 Article 2 (Definitions)
The terms used in this Act are defined as follows: <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Dec. 26, 2008; Feb. 4, 2010; Mar. 23, 2013; May 29, 2016; Mar. 21, 2017; Jan. 8, 2019; Dec. 3, 2019>
1. The term "forestry" means any afforestation business (including the creation, management and operation of natural recreational forests, arboretums and gardens prescribed in the Forestry Culture and Recreation Act and the Act on the Creation and Furtherance of Arboretums and Gardens), forest product manufacturing business, forest product distribution and processing business, wildlife breeding business and other incidental businesses, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs;
2. The term "forest manager" means any person engaged in forestry, as prescribed by Presidential Decree;
3. The term "forest product" means any forest product provided for in subparagraph 7 of Article 2 of the Creation and Management of Forest Resources Act;
3-2. The term "special forest product" means any cultivated mountain ginseng and other forest products (including dried products) prescribed by Presidential Decree, subject to special management in terms of the protection of consumers and improvement of quality;
3-3. The term "wood-cultivated ginseng" means a plant cultivated in a mountainous district prescribed in subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Mountainous Districts Management Act, which belongs to the genus Panax in the family of wild sarsaparilla and passed the quality inspection prescribed in Article 18-4 of the Act;
3-4. The term “forestry machinery and equipment” means machines, equipment and tools used in the forestry sector, prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs;
4. The term "forestry successor" means any person who has the will and capacity to engage in forestry for the succession and development of forestry, meeting the requirements prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs;
5. The term "model manager of forests" means any person who sets an example for others in forest management, meeting the requirements prescribed by Presidential Decree;
6. The term "mountain village" means any area provided for in subparagraph 2 of Article 3 of the Framework Act on Forestry;
7. The term "mountain village development district" means any area designated pursuant to Article 28 (1) of the Framework Act on Forestry;
8. The term "specialized mountain village development project" means any project to ensure stable income for residents of mountain villages and to improve the quality of their life by developing mountain villages in an eco-friendly manner, with the use of forests and forest resources specific to mountain villages.
 Article 3 (Basic Principles of Forestry Management and Mountain Village Development)
(1) Forestry management shall be carried out according to the following basic principles so as to maintain a balance between forest preservation and use:
1. Forests shall be systematically managed according to classification of mountainous districts under Article 4 of the Management of Mountainous Districts Act;
2. Forests shall be developed and managed in order to maintain the self-purifying capacity of natural ecosystems, biodiversity, wildlife habitat conditions and natural landscape features;
3. Forests shall be developed and managed in order to promote health and recreation for citizens;
4. Forests shall be reasonably managed in order to increase productivity and the production of value-added products in forestry.
(2) Mountain villages shall be developed according to the following basic principles:
1. Mountain villages shall be developed into a hub of forest management to actively promote the preservation and proliferation of forest resources;
2. Mountain villages shall be developed in an eco-friendly manner in consideration of impacts on the environment including the conservation, etc. of forest ecosystems and animals and plants;
3. Mountain villages shall be developed to ensure the succession and development of the culture and tradition of their own.
 Article 3-2 (Foresters' Day)
(1) November 11 of every year is designated as Foresters' Day to inform citizens of the importance of forestry and mountain villages and enhance the pride and confidence of foresters.
(2) The State and local governments shall endeavor to perform projects, such as an event appropriate for Foresters' Day designated under paragraph (1).
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 24, 2020]
 Article 4 (Financial Support)
For the purposes of the structural improvement and promotion of forestry, the State and local governments may provide loans or subsidies for operators of the following projects to cover all or some expenses incurred in performing such projects. In such cases, the characteristics of forestry, such as the public nature of forests, need for long-term investment and low profitability, shall be taken into consideration: <Amended on Jul. 25, 2011>
1. Forestry planting or growing;
2. Production of seedlings for forestry;
3. Production, distribution, use, processing or storage of forest products;
4. Development, maintenance or management of forest roads;
5. Support to facilities or equipment to forest managers to help them settle down into mountain villages;
5-2. Development and distribution of, and education about machinery or equipment used for forestry;
6. Acquisition of forests to enlarge the scale of forestry management;
7. Other projects prescribed by Presidential Decree, with respect to forestry management and increase in forestry income.
CHAPTER II STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENT OF FORESTRY INDUSTRY
 Article 5 (Improvement of Ownership Structure)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the heads of local governments shall formulate and implement policies necessary to increase productivity of the forestry industry, including the improvement of forest ownership structure.
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the heads of local governments may provide necessary support for private forest owners when they seek to exchange or purchase forests to increase their forest holdings.
 Article 6 (Improvement to Management Structure)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the heads of local governments shall formulate and implement policies on collaborative or proxy forestry management to promote efficient management of private forests, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 22, 2012>
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the heads of local governments shall formulate and implement policies on the concurrent, professional or commercialized management of forestry to increase competitiveness through optimum-scale forestry management, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
 Article 7 (Improvement of Distribution Structure)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the heads of local governments may take necessary measures to improve the distribution structure of forest products, including the establishment, operation, etc. of forest product distribution facilities, if deemed necessary to facilitate the supply and demand of forest products and promote the direct transactions and price stability of forest products.
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the heads of local governments may provide facility funds and other necessary support for those who establish and operate forest product distribution facilities, such as an integrated facility for gathering wood, if deemed necessary to improve the distribution structure of forest products. <Amended on Oct. 22, 2012>
(3) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the heads of local governments may allow those provided with support under paragraph (2) to provide information on the distribution of forest products, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Oct. 22, 2012; Mar. 23, 2013>
 Article 8 (Support for Developing and Promoting Different Sources of Income concerning Forest Products)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Special Metropolitan City Mayor, Metropolitan City Mayor, Do Governor or the Governor of a Special Self-Governing Province or the Mayor of a Special Self-Governing City (hereinafter referred to as "Mayor/Do Governor") may formulate and implement policies to support the development and promotion of different sources of income concerning forest products other than earth and stone upon designating items and areas, if deemed necessary to increase forest income. <Amended on Jul. 25, 2011>
(2) The designation of items and areas subject to support for the sources of income concerning forest products under paragraph (1), the revision and revocation of such designation and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
 Article 9 (Support for Combined Management of Forests)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may provide support necessary for combined management of the production of wood and short-term income business so that forest managers may secure a sustainable and stable forest income.
(2) To facilitate support under paragraph (1), the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor shall develop and disseminate various management models, crops suitable for forest land, mountainous district-specific cultivation techniques, etc.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jul. 25, 2011]
 Article 9-2 (Support for Education and Training on Forest Management)
(1) To increase forestry income and invigorate forest management, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor shall formulate and implement a plan to support the business affairs concerning education, training, consultation, advice and guidance (hereinafter referred to as "education, training, etc.") on an increase in forestry income and forest management for forest managers and other persons intending to manage forests. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
(2) To efficiently provide education, training, etc., the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may designate institutions specialized in education, training, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "specialized educational institutions") according to the criteria and procedures prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
(3) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may entrust education, training, etc. to specialized educational institutions and may subsidize all or some expenses incurred therein, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
(4) If a specialized educational institution intends to be entrusted with education, training, etc., it shall report on its education and training programs to the Minister of the Korea Forest Service, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on May 29, 2016; Dec. 3, 2019>
(5) Within 30 days from the date of receiving a report under paragraph (4), the Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall notify the applicant whether the report is accepted. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019>
(6) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service fails to notify the applicant whether a report is to be accepted within the period prescribed in paragraph (5) or to notify the applicant of the extension of the period to handle petitions under the statutes or regulations governing civil petitions, the report shall be deemed accepted on the day following the date the period (where the handling period is extended or re-extended pursuant to the statutes or regulations governing civil petitions, referring to the relevant handling period) expires. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jul. 25, 2011]
 Article 9-3 (Revocation of Designation of Specialized Educational Institutions)
(1) Where a specialized educational institution designated pursuant to Article 9-2 (2) falls under any of the following cases, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may revoke the designation or order correction, as prescribed by Presidential Decree: Provided, That the designation shall be revoked in cases falling under subparagraph 1:
1. Where a specialized educational institution has obtained the designation by fraud or other improper means;
2. Where a specialized educational institution ceases to meet the standards prescribed in Article 9-2 (2);
3. Where a specialized educational institution fails to open educational courses within two years from the date of designation under Article 9-2 (2) or does not operate for at least two years;
4. Where a specialized educational institution operates educational and training programs differently from those reported pursuant to Article 9-2 (4).
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall not re-designate persons whose designation as a specialized educational institution is revoked pursuant to paragraph (1) (in cases of corporations, including the representatives thereof) as a specialized educational institution within one year from the date on which the designation is revoked: Provided, That any person whose designation is revoked on the grounds under paragraph (1) 1 shall not be designated as a specialized educational institution within two years from the date on which the designation is revoked.
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 26, 2020]
 Article 10 (Support for Forest Product Processing Business)
(1) To facilitate the supply-demand balancing and price stability of forest products, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may provide necessary support, including processing facility funds for forest product processing business operators.
(2) Methods of and persons eligible for support under paragraph (1) and other matters necessary for support shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jul. 25, 2011]
 Article 11 (Preferential Purchase of Products to Promote Sustainable Forest Management)
(1) To promote sustainable forest management, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor shall devise necessary policies, such as promoting the sale of products made of indigenous materials.
(2) To promote the sale of products under paragraph (1), the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may request public institutions to take necessary measures, such as preferential purchasing of such products.
(3) The heads of public institutions shall, upon receipt of a request under paragraph (2), comply with such request unless extenuating circumstances exist.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jul. 25, 2011]
 Article 12 Deleted. <May 23, 2012>
 Article 13 (Contract for Reserve of Standing Timber)
(1) If necessary to increase timber resources and, thus, ensure a long-term and stable supply of timber by protecting and fostering standing timber in forest land, a Mayor/Do governor may conclude contracts with forest owners (excluding the owners of forests subject to mortgages or other restrictions on rights to standing timber; hereinafter the same shall apply) to refrain from felling standing timber for a specified period (hereinafter referred to as "standing timber reserve contracts"). <Amended on Oct. 22, 2012>
(2) The scope of forests and the accumulation and age of standing timber for which standing timber reserve contracts may be concluded, and other necessary matters, shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013>
(3) A Mayor/Do governor may revise or cancel a standing timber reserve contract if the relevant standing timber is damaged by a forest fire, flood, blight or harmful insects, etc. or otherwise there arises any cause prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Oct. 22, 2012>
(4) A Mayor/Do governor may reimburse a forest owner who has concluded a standing timber reserve contract for all or some of the expenses incurred in fulfilling the contract. <Amended on Oct. 22, 2012>
(5) With respect to the reimbursement of expenses under paragraph (4), a Mayor/Do governor may have the relevant forest owner take out an insurance policy and place a mortgage on the standing timber for which a standing timber reserve contract is concluded, pursuant to the Standing Timber Act. <Amended on Oct. 22, 2012>
(6) Matters necessary for the conclusion, change and cancellation of standing timber reserve contracts, the procedures for establishing mortgages and taking out insurance policies, etc. shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013>
 Article 14 (Public Notice of Timber Reserve Forests)
If a standing timber reserve contract is concluded, the Mayor/Do governor shall publicly notify the owner, location, size, etc. of a forest within which the relevant standing timber is located (hereinafter referred to as "timber reserve forest"), as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The same shall also apply where a standing timber reserve contract is revised or canceled pursuant to Article 13 (3). <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Oct. 22, 2012; Mar. 23, 2013>
 Article 15 (Restrictions on Activities)
No change in the form and quality of a forest, felling of standing timber, or extraction or gathering of forest products shall be made within a timber reserve forest: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply to any of the following cases: <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Oct. 22, 2012; Mar. 23, 2013>
1. Where standing timber is cut for uses designated by the Mayor/Do governor in case of emergency, such as a war or other equivalent disaster;
2. Where necessary for the prevention of disasters, such as a landslide or forest fire and the restoration of damaged areas, the protection of standing timber against blight or harmful insects, subject to the consent of any person prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs;
3. Where necessary for the removal of dead trees, the gathering of branches and leaves, and for other cases prescribed by Presidential Decree.
 Article 16 (Use of Forests and Support)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may provide support for the owner of a public or private forest who intends to perform any of the following projects to the extent that such projects do not impede the purpose of classifying mountainous districts pursuant to Article 4 of the Management of Mountainous Districts Act:
1. A project to develop a forest bathing field;
2. A project to develop a parking and recreational complex on forest land;
3. A project to develop a suburban wooden housing complex;
4. Other projects prescribed by Presidential Decree as necessary to promote the development of forestry.
(2) The scope of support under paragraph (1) and other matters necessary for support shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jul. 25, 2011]
 Article 17 (Nurturing Successors to Forestry)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor shall select successors to forestry and provide them with necessary assistance to lead the development of forestry in the relevant community, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor shall select model managers of forest and provide them with necessary support, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(3) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service or a Mayor/Do Governor may revoke the selection of a forestry successor or a model manager of forests under paragraph (1) or (2) if he or she falls under any of the following cases: Provided, That the selection shall be revoked in cases falling under subparagraph 2, 4 or 5:
1. Where the forestry successor or model manager of forests ceases to meet the selection requirements;
2. Where the forestry successor or model manager of forests dies;
3. Where the forestry successor or model manager of forests is sentenced to imprisonment without prison labor or a heavier punishment for a violation of this Act, the Management of Mountainous Districts Act, the Forest Resources Creation and Management Act, or the State Forest Administration and Management Act;
4. Where the forestry successor or model manager of forests wishes his or her selection to be revoked;
5. Where the forestry successor or model manager of forests is selected as such by fraud or other improper means.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jul. 25, 2011]
 Article 17-2 (Support for Forestry-Related Education)
(1)  For the purpose of nurturing human resources that meet the demand of the forestry sector, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may support forestry-related education, including forestry practical training, forestry entrepreneurship education, etc., conducted by schools related to forestry and forests.
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may conduct projects for promoting the creation of jobs and business start-up in the forestry sector.
(3) Matters necessary for the methods, etc. for providing the educational support referred to in paragraph (1), promotion projects referred to in paragraph (2), etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017]
 Article 18 (Training of Forestry Technicians)
(1) To secure forestry-related technical personnel, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service or the Mayor/Do Governor may formulate and implement policies to train technicians and enhance their status, such as job placement, employment stabilization and improvement of labor conditions, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Jul. 25, 2011>
(2) Deleted. <Mar. 21, 2017>
[Title Amended on Mar. 21, 2017]
CHAPTER III MANAGEMENT OF SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS
 Article 18-2 (Production of Special Forest Products)
(1) Any person intending to produce special forest products (including production of seeds and seedlings of special forest products; hereinafter the same shall apply) shall report thereon to the Minister of the Korea Forest Service, attaching the results of examination of production feasibility conducted by an institution or organization specializing in quality control of forest products prescribed by Presidential Decree (hereinafter referred to as "specialized institution"): Provided, That the results of examination of production feasibility need not be attached in cases prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
(2) Upon receipt of a report under paragraph (1), the Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall examine whether the results of examination of production feasibility satisfy the criteria prescribed by Presidential Decree and notify the person who has filed the report of whether the report is accepted, within 10 days from the date the report is received. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
(3) Where a person who has reported pursuant to paragraph (1) intends to make any modification to important matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs among reported details, he or she shall report thereon to the Minister of the Korea Forest Service. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 3, 2019>
(4) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall notify a person who has filed a report on changes under paragraph (3) of whether such report is accepted, within two days from the date of receipt of the report. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019>
(5) If the Minister of the Korea Forest Service fails to notify the person who has filed a report of whether the report is accepted within the period provided in paragraph (2) or (4) or of the extension of a processing period under statutes or regulations governing the processing of civil petitions, the relevant report shall be deemed to have been filed on the day immediately following the end of the said processing period (referring to the corresponding processing period if the processing period has been extended or re-extended under statutes or regulations governing the processing of civil petitions). <Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019>
(6) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may fully or partially subsidize producers for the expenses incurred in conducting an examination of production feasibility to make a report or an alteration report pursuant to paragraph (1) or (3), as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017; Dec. 3, 2019>
(7) Matters necessary for the reporting, modifications to reported matters or acceptance of the reporting under paragraphs (1) through (5) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Mar. 21, 2017; Dec. 3, 2019>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 4, 2010]
 Article 18-3 (Confirmation of Production Process)
(1) Any person producing special forest products (hereinafter referred to as "producer") shall keep and manage records of the production process of such special forest products, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(2) No producer shall use agricultural chemicals or fertilizers prescribed by Presidential Decree in the process of producing special forest products.
(3) Producers shall obtain confirmation from a specialized institution in each period prescribed by Presidential Decree, with respect to the correctness of the production process recorded in accordance with paragraph (1).
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 4, 2010]
 Article 18-4 (Quality Inspections)
(1) Any producer intending to distribute or sell special forest products or any person importing special forest products (hereinafter referred to as "importer") intends to clear such products, his or her products shall undergo the quality inspections conducted by a specialized institution prior to customs clearance. In such cases, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may fully or partially subsidize producers for the expenses incurred in relation to quality inspections, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>
(2) When a person whose products have undergone the quality inspections pursuant to paragraph (1) is dissatisfied with the results of the inspection, he or she may raise an objection to request re-inspection of the relevant products, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(3) The standards and procedures for and the term of validity of the quality inspections under paragraphs (1) and (2) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 4, 2010]
 Article 18-5 (Order of Destruction)
(1) Where certain products are found to be in violation of Article 18-3 (2) or fail to meet the quality inspections standards under Article 18-4 (3) as a result of quality inspections under Article 18-4 (1) and (2), the Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall order the relevant producer or importer to destroy or return such products in accordance with the following classifications:
1. For producers: Destruction of all or some special forest products cultivated within an area of production reported;
2. For importers: Destruction or return of all or some special forest products the importation of which is reported.
(2) A producer or importer who receives an order for destruction or return under paragraph (1) shall destroy or return the special forest products as ordered.
(3) Destruction under paragraph (2) shall be made in the presence of the relevant public officials in such a way as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(4) Where a producer or importer fails to comply with an order of destruction or return under paragraph (2), the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may destroy relevant special forest products by applying mutatis mutandis the Administrative Vicarious Execution Act.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 4, 2010]
 Article 18-6 (Quality Labelling)
(1) Where a producer or importer intends to distribute, sell, or clear special forest products meeting the standards for quality inspections under Article 18-4 (3), he or she shall package them according to the standards prescribed by Presidential Decree. The foregoing shall also apply to a person reselling the special forest products purchased (hereinafter referred to as "seller").
(2) When a producer, importer or seller intends to distribute, sell, or clear special forest products, he or she shall put labels bearing the results of quality inspections under Article 18-4 (1) and (2) on conspicuous parts of such products (hereinafter referred to as "quality labeling").
(3) The details and methods of quality labeling and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 4, 2010]
 Article 18-7 (Distribution Management of Special Forest Products)
(1) Where it is deemed necessary for the quality control of special forest products, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may request a specialized institution, a Special Self-Governing City Mayor, or the head of a Si (including the head of an administrative Si prescribed in the Special Act on the Establishment of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Development of Free International City; hereinafter the same shall apply), Gun or Gu (referring to the head of an autonomous Gu; hereinafter the same shall apply) to collect products on the market for inspections and examinations on the following matters or peruse relevant documents: <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017; Dec. 3, 2019>
1. Whether such products have undergone the quality inspections conducted under Article 18-4 (1) or (2);
2. Whether such products meet the quality inspections standards prescribed in Article 18-4 (3);
3. Whether such products satisfy the standards and quality labeling requirements prescribed in Article 18-6 (1) and (2).
(2) No person who owns, occupies or manages special forest products shall refuse, interfere with, or evade the collection, inspection, examination or perusal under paragraph (1), without good cause.
(3) No person shall put labels or advertisements feared to lead people to misunderstand or confuse those other than special forest products that have undergone a quality inspection prescribed in Article 18-4 as or with special forest products. <Inserted on Jan. 8, 2019>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 4, 2010]
 Article 18-8 (Disclosure of Information)
The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall disclose the following information or have specialized institutions disclose such information, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
1. Details of confirmation of production process under Article 18-3;
2. Results of quality inspections under Article 18-4 (1) and (2);
3. Details of an order for destruction or return under Article 18-5.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 4, 2010]
 Article 18-9 (Statistical Surveys)
(1) In an effort to formulate policies necessary for the management of quality and development of special forest products efficiently, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may conduct statistical surveys on the production, distribution, consumption, etc. of special forest products. In such cases, the relevant provisions of the Statistics Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the compilation of statistics.
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may, if necessary, request the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies, the heads of local governments, the heads of public institutions prescribed in Article 4 of the Act on the Management of Public Institutions, and business operators of the relevant industries to present necessary materials and information. In such cases, the head of any relevant central administrative agency, in receipt of a request to present materials or information, shall comply therewith, except in extenuating circumstances.
(3) The scope and methods of statistical surveys prescribed in paragraphs (1) and (2), and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jan. 8, 2019]
 Article 18-10 (Promotion of Export)
(1) In order to promote the internationalization of special forest products and the export of related products, the State or local governments may provide necessary budget to a person who intends to install and operate a special forest product distribution center.
(2) For the purpose of promoting the internationalization of special forest products and the export of related products, the State or local governments may conduct the following:
1. Exchange of information, technology and human resources in relation to special forest products;
2. Holding of international conferences, exhibitions, etc. in relation to special forest products;
3. Consulting services for overseas export of special forest products.
(3) Other matters necessary for promoting export, etc. shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Mar. 21, 2017]
CHAPTER III-II QUALITY CERTIFICATION OF FORESTRY MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
 Article 18-11 (Mechanization of Forestry)
The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall formulate and implement a plan for developing, distributing, educating on, and utilizing forestry machinery and equipment (hereinafter referred to as "plan for mechanization of forestry"), which shall contain the following details, in order to increase productivity in forestry; and a Mayor/Do Governor may, where necessary, establish a plan for mechanization of forestry which matches with regional characteristics:
1. Goals and directions of long-term measures for mechanization of forestry;
2. Matters relating to expansion of forestry machinery and equipment;
3. Matters relating to institutional improvement, including enhancing the statutes related to forestry machinery and equipment;
4. Matters relating to nurturing human resources related to forestry machinery and equipment and education and training thereof;
5. Matters relating to research and development of forestry machinery and equipment;
6. Matters relating to promoting use of forestry machinery and equipment;
7. Matters relating to quality certification of forestry machinery and equipment;
8. Other matters necessary for promoting the development, and distribution of, and education about forestry machinery and equipment.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017]
 Article 18-12 (Quality Certification of Forestry Machinery and Equipment)
(1)  The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may certify the quality of forestry machinery and equipment (hereinafter referred to as “quality certification”) to enhance the safety management by forest workers and to improve forestry productivity.
(2)  A person who intends to obtain quality certification shall apply for quality certification to the Minister of the Korea Forest Service, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(3) The standards, procedures, methods, effective periods, etc. of quality certification shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017]
 Article 18-13 (Indication of Quality Certification)
(1) A person who has obtained quality certification may indicate quality certification on the surface, etc. of the forestry machinery and equipment which has obtained quality certification, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
(2) No person who has not obtained quality certification shall use a quality certification mark or any mark similar thereto.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017]
 Article 18-14 (Cancellation of Quality Certification)
Where a person who has obtained quality certification falls under any of the following, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may cancel the relevant quality certification: Provided, That the Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall cancel the relevant quality certification in cases falling under subparagraph 1:
1. Where he or she obtains quality certification by fraud or other improper means;
2. Where he or she ceases to meet the criteria for quality certification prescribed in Article 18-12 (3).
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017]
 Article 18-15 (Designation of Quality Certification Institutions)
(1) In order to efficiently conduct duties related to quality certification, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may designate a person who has secured humans resources and facilities necessary for quality certification services as an institution for quality certification.
(2) A person who intends to be designated as a quality certification institution shall apply to the Minister of the Korea Forest Service, and when any change to important matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs arises after obtaining designation as a quality certification institution, it shall report thereon: Provided, That it shall not be entitled to apply for designation until two years passes after its designation as a quality certification institution is canceled pursuant to Article 18-16.
(3) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may fully or partially subsidize a quality certification institutions for the cost incurred in conducting quality certification services within the budget.
(4) The standards and procedures for designating a quality certification institution, the scope of quality certification services, and other relevant matters shall be determined by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017]
 Article 18-16 (Cancellation of Designation of Quality Certification Institutions)
(1) Where a quality certification institution falls under any of the following, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may cancel its designation or order it to suspend all or part of its quality certification services for a fixed period not exceeding six months: Provided, That where a quality certification institution falls under subparagraph 1 or 2, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall cancel the designation thereof:
1. Where it is designated as a quality certification institution by fraud or other improper means;
2. Where it provides quality certification services during the period of suspension of services;
3. Where it continues to provide quality certification services without making an alteration report prescribed in Article 18-15 (2);
4. Where it fails to meet the standards for designation prescribed in Article 18-15 (4);
5. Where it provides quality certification services, in violation of the scope of quality certification services prescribed in Article 18-15 (4);
6. Where it fails to perform quality certification services for at least one year without a just cause.
(2) Detailed standards for cancelling designation and suspending quality certification services pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017]
 Article 18-17 (Reporting and Inspections Related to Quality Certification)
(1) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service deems it necessary to manage quality certification, he or she may require a quality certification institution or a person who has obtained quality certification to report matters or submit data concerning its or his or her business affairs, or may order the relevant public officials to visit its or his or her office, etc. to inspect facilities, equipment, etc. or examine related books of account or documents.
(2) A quality certification institution or a person who has obtained quality certification shall not refuse, interfere with or evade the reporting, submission of data, inspection or examination prescribed in paragraph (1) without a just cause.
(3) When an inspection or examination prescribed in paragraph (1) is to be conducted, a person subject to such inspection or examination shall be notified of the date and time of the inspection or examination, the purposes and subject matters thereof, etc. in advance: Provided, That this shall not apply in cases of emergency or where prior notice may defeat the purposes of such inspection or examination.
(4) The relevant public official who conducts an inspection or examination under paragraph (1) shall carry identification indicating his or her authority and present it to relevant persons, and show a document stating his or her name, the time and purposes of visit, etc. to relevant persons.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017]
CHAPTER IV DESIGNATION OF FORESTRY PROMOTION ZONES
 Article 19 (Designation of Forestry Promotion Zones)
(1) To facilitate the promotion of forestry, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service, a Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall designate an area which requires facilities for afforestation, forest cultivating and forest roads that form the infrastructure for forest production and other facilities for the distribution and processing of forest products, as a forestry promotion zone for each region in accordance with the following classifications, after consultation with the head of the relevant administrative agency: <Amended on Jul. 25, 2011; Mar. 21, 2017>
1. The Minister of the Korea Forest Service: State forest, public or private forests of at least one million square meters in size;
2. A Mayor/Do Governor: Public or private forests of at least 30,000 square meters but less than one million square meters in size;
3. The head of a Si/Gun/Gu: Public or private forests of less than 30,000 square meters in size.
(2) Requirements for designation of forestry promotion zones under paragraph (1) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
 Article 20 (Revision or Revocation of Designation of Forestry Promotion Zones)
If a forestry promotion zone designated under Article 19 (1) falls under any of the following cases, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service, or a Mayor/Do Governor, or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may revise or revoke the designation thereof in accordance with the classifications referred to in the subparagraphs of Article 19 (1): <Amended on Feb. 22, 2012; Mar. 21, 2017>
1. Where the purposes of designation are achieved;
2. Where deemed impossible to achieve the purposes of the designation due to any natural disaster or other unavoidable grounds;
3. Where necessary to install any facility prescribed in Article 12 (1) 1 through 13 of the Management of Mountainous Districts Act in a mountainous district located within the forestry promotion zone: Provided, That this shall not apply where any facility is installed in accordance with permission for and reporting on temporary use of a mountainous district prescribed in Article 15-2 of the Mountainous Districts Management Act;
4. Where necessary to revise or revoke the designation of the forestry promotion zone for the development of the relevant community and industries at the request of the competent Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu;
5. In other cases where any of the causes prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs arises.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jul. 25, 2011]
 Article 21 (Formulation of Forestry Promotion Plan)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall formulate a plan to promote the forestry industry within a forestry promotion zone in consultation with the head of the relevant administrative agency, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and then notify the competent Mayor/Do Governor thereof. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Dec. 26, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013>
(2) A Mayor/Do Governor shall formulate a regional promotion plan in accordance with the forestry promotion plan formulated under paragraph (1) and notify the head of a Si/Gun/Gu thereof. <Amended on Dec. 26, 2008; Mar. 21, 2017>
(3) Where details to be included in a forestry promotion plan or regional promotion plan under paragraphs (1) and (2) are included in forest mater plans or regional forest plans under Article 11 of the Framework Act on Forestry, a forestry promotion plan or regional promotion plan shall be deemed formulated regarding such details. <Newly Inserted on Feb. 21, 2018>
(4) A Special Self-Governing City Mayor and the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall formulate and implement an implementation plan in accordance with the regional promotion plan formulated under paragraph (2) after hearing opinions of the owners of private forests. In such cases, the implementation plan shall be construed as a forest management plan formulated under Article 13 of the Forest Resources Creation and Management Act. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017; Feb. 21, 2018; Dec. 3, 2019>
 Article 21-2 (Designation and Revocation of Designation of Specific-Use Timber Production Zones)
(1) If necessary to invigorate forestry, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may designate specific-use timber production zones, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(2) Specific-use timber production zones designated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be managed in a way that serves the purposes of the designation by exploiting, planting and cultivating forests, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
(3) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may revise or revoke the designation of a specific-use timber production zone, if it falls under any of the following cases: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
1. Where the purposes of designation of the specific-use timber production zone are accomplished, which makes it unnecessary to maintain such designation;
2. Where deemed impossible to attain the purposes of designation of the specific-use timber production zone because such zone is damaged by a natural disaster, etc.;
3. Where the specific-use timber production zone is used as a site for military installations or other facilities for official or public use prescribed by Presidential Decree or it is otherwise deemed inevitable to revoke the designation thereof in the interest of the public;
4. Where any cause prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs arises.
(4) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may take measures to have timber produced in specific-use timber production zones used for its designated uses, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 4, 2010]
CHAPTER V DEVELOPMENT OF MOUNTAIN VILLAGES
 Article 22 (Basic Direction of Development of Mountain Villages)
The State and local governments shall endeavor to develop mountain villages including the development of income sources for residents in mountain villages, the improvement of their residential environment, etc.
 Article 23 (Formulation of Master Plans for Development of Mountain Villages)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall formulate a master plan for the development of mountain villages (hereinafter referred to as "master plan") every 10 years after hearing opinions of the head of the competent central administrative agency and the Mayor/Do Governor.
(2) The master plan shall include the following matters: <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 3, 2019>
1. Matters concerning the comprehensive maintenance of forests, including the expansion of infrastructure for the development and management of forest resources around mountain villages;
2. Matters concerning the increase of income for residents in mountain villages through the production, processing and sale of agricultural, forest and fishery products and the utilization of forest recreational resources;
3. Matters concerning the development and maintenance of residential environment in mountain villages, including roads, houses, water supply and drainage systems, etc.;
4. Matters concerning the succession and development of culture and tradition indigenous to mountain villages;
5. Matters concerning the promotion of exchange with cities;
6. Matters regarding support for the settlement of urbanites in mountain villages;
7. Matters concerning the promotion of green and ecological tourism around mountain villages;
8. Other matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs concerning the development of mountain villages.
(3)  Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service deems it necessary for amending a master plan in view of changes in the social, economic, and local conditions of the mountain villages, he or she may amend the master plan. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017>
(4) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall formulate and implement an annual implementation plan based on the master plan (hereafter referred to as "implementation plan" in this Article) and endeavor to secure financial resources necessary therefor. <Inserted on Jan. 8, 2019>
(5) Where the Minister of the Korea Forest Service formulates or revises a master plan and implementation plan, he or she shall publish such plans, as prescribed by Presidential Decree, notify the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies and Mayors/Do Governors thereof, and submit such plans to the competent Standing Committee of the National Assembly. <Inserted on Jan. 8, 2019>
(6) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may, if necessary, request the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies or Mayors/Do Governors to present relevant materials. In such cases, the head of any relevant central administrative agency, in receipt of a request to present materials, shall comply therewith, except in extenuating circumstances. <Inserted on Jan. 8, 2019>
(7) A Mayor/Do Governor (excluding a Special Self-Governing City Mayor; the same shall apply in Articles 24, 25, and 28) shall formulate a mountain village development plan for the relevant Special Metropolitan City, Metropolitan City, Do, or Special Self-Governing Province (hereinafter referred to as "City/Do plan") in consideration of the characteristics of his or her jurisdiction in accordance with the relevant master plan. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017; Jan. 8, 2019; Dec. 3, 2019>
(8) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall formulate a plan for promoting the development of mountain villages for the relevant Si (including an administrative Si under the Special Act on the Establishment of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Development of Free International City; hereinafter the same shall apply), Gun or Gu (referring to an autonomous Gu) (hereinafter referred to as "Si/Gun/Gu plan") in compliance with the relevant City/Do plan, based on the characteristics of his or her jurisdiction. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017; Jan. 8, 2019; Dec. 3, 2019>
(9) Matters necessary for formulating, implementing, and amending master plans and implementation plans, and for formulating and implementing City/Do plans and Si/Gun/Gu plans shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017; Jan. 8, 2019>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jul. 25, 2011]
[Title Amended on Jan. 8, 2019]
 Article 24 (Surveys on Mountain Villages)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall conduct a basic survey on nationwide mountain villages every 10 years to formulate a master plan.
(2) A Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall conduct a detailed survey on mountain villages in his or her jurisdiction when he or she intends to establish a City/Do plans or Si/Gun/Gu plans, respectively.
(3) Matters necessary for the details, methods, etc. of basic surveys or detailed surveys under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(4) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service, a Mayor/Do Governor or the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may entrust basic surveys or detailed surveys to an agency or organization prescribed by Presidential Decree, if necessary to efficiently conduct such surveys.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Jul. 25, 2011]
 Article 25 (Establishment of Specialized Mountain Village Development Project Plans)
(1) Where the head of a Si/Gun/Gu intends to implement a specialized mountain village development project in a mountain village development district under his or her jurisdiction, he or she shall formulate a specialized mountain village development project plan (hereinafter referred to as "specialized plan") including the following matters and request for approval from the Mayor/Do Governor: <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
1. Objectives, direction-setting, and expected effects of the specialized mountain village development project;
2. Outline of the relevant project, such as the period and area of implementation of the specialized mountain village development project;
3. A plan to raise funds necessary to cover the specialized mountain village development project costs and an annual investment plan therefor;
4. Matters concerning the installation, management, and operation of facilities necessary for the specialized mountain village development project;
5. Matters concerning infrastructure available for the project, such as natural environment, regional history, culture, and human resources;
6. Other matters prescribed by Ordinance of the Special Metropolitan City, a Metropolitan City, a Do or Special Self-Governing Province (hereinafter referred to as "City/Do ordinance"), as necessary for implementing the specialized mountain village development project.
(2) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall hear the opinions of residents and relevant experts when formulating a specialized plan and reflect their opinions in the plan. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
(3) Upon receiving a request for approval of a specialized plan under paragraph (1), a Mayor/Do Governor shall consult with the heads of relevant administrative agencies before granting approval and shall give public notice upon granting approval, as prescribed by ordinance of the relevant City/Do. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
(4) Where a Mayor/Do Governor approves a specialized plan pursuant to paragraph (3), he or she shall notify the Minister of the Korea Forest Service of the approval thereof. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
(5) Paragraphs (1) through (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the alteration of a specialized plan: Provided, That the head of a Si/Gun/Gu may change minor matters specified by ordinance of a City/Do without approval from the competent Mayor/Do Governor. <Amended on Feb. 29, 2008; Mar. 23, 2013; Dec. 3, 2019>
[Title Amended on Dec. 3, 2019]
 Article 26 (Operators of Specialized Mountain Village Development Projects)
The head of a Si/Gun/Gu may directly implement a specialized mountain village development project or entrust all or part of such project to a person prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
[Title Amended on Dec. 3, 2019]
 Article 27 (Subsidization of Specialized Mountain Village Development Project Costs)
(1) The State or local governments may provide subsidies or loans to cover all or some expenses incurred in implementing a specialized mountain village development project. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
(2) If necessary for a specialized mountain village development project, the State or local governments may preferentially allocate the budget of projects related thereto. <Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019>
(3) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu may provide subsidies to cover all or part of the project costs preferentially to a person who implements a forest project prescribed by Presidential Decree to manage the forest within an area where a specialized mountain village development project is implemented. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
[Title Amended on Dec. 3, 2019]
 Article 27-2 (Special Cases of Application of State Forest Administration and Management Act)
(1) Notwithstanding Article 20 (1) of the State Forest Administration and Management Act, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may sell or exchange any State forest not subject to conservation in an area where a specialized mountain village development project is implemented to the operator of the mountain village development project (hereinafter referred to as "project operator") under Article 26 to the extent necessary.
(2) Notwithstanding Article 21 (1) of the State Forest Administration and Management Act, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may grant a use permit or lease to a project operator with regard to a national forest in an area where a specialized mountain village development project is implemented to the extent necessary, according to separate standards prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(3) Notwithstanding Article 22 (1) of the State Forest Administration and Management Act, a project operator who has been granted a use permit or lease of a state forest pursuant to paragraph (2) may install buildings or other permanent facilities in the state forest to implement the relevant project on condition that they be donated or removed or the forest be reinstated to the original state.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019]
 Article 27-3 (Designation of Mountain Village Revitalization Support Centers)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may designate any of the following institutions or organizations as a mountain village revitalization support center (hereinafter referred to as "support center") in order to facilitate the settlement of urbanites in mountain villages and revitalize the local economy of mountain villages:
1. The Korea Forestry Promotion Institute under Article 29-2;
2. A cooperative or a cooperative federation, as defined in subparagraph 1 or 4 of Article 2 of the Forestry Cooperatives Act;
3. Any other institution or organization that satisfies the requirements for experts, organization, etc. as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(2) The support center shall implement the following programs:
1. Provision of counseling, information, education and training to persons who desire to settle down in a mountain village;
2. Support for business start-ups and technology by utilizing local forest resources;
3. Support for the establishment of social enterprises, etc. based on mountain village areas;
4. Other projects prescribed by Presidential Decree for providing support to mountain village residents and revitalizing the local economy of mountain villages.
(3) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may fully or partially subsidize expenses incurred in implementing programs specified in the subparagraphs of paragraph (2).
(4) Where a support center designated pursuant to paragraph (1) falls under any of the following subparagraphs, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service may revoke the designation or order correction: Provided, That he or she shall revoke such designation in cases falling under subparagraph 1:
1. Where a support center has obtained the designation by fraud or other improper means;
2. Where a support center ceases to meet the requirements for the designation thereof;
3. If a support center fails to commence its business or suspend its business for at least one year without good cause;
4. When he or she files a false report with or submits false data to the Minister of the Korea Forest Service, or refuses, obstructs, or evades an inspection without good cause, in violation of Article 29-5.
(5) The detailed standards for procedures for designating support centers under paragraph (1) and for revoking designation of support centers and for issuing corrective orders under paragraph (4) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019]
 Article 28 (Utilization of State or Public Forest Products)
To administer forests in mountain village development districts, the Minister of the Korea Forest Service, Mayors/Do Governors, or the heads of Sis/Guns/Gus may transfer all or some of State or public forest products generated within the mountain village development districts gratuitously to residents in such districts, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
[Title Amended on Dec. 3, 2019]
 Article 29 (Follow-Up Management of Areas within Which Specialized Mountain Village Development Projects Are Operated)
(1) The State or local governments may, if necessary, subsidize expenses incurred in operating and managing facilities and equipment installed under specialized mountain village development projects and maintaining, improving, etc. jobs in mountain villages, for areas where such projects are complete. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017; Dec. 3, 2019>
(2) The head of a Si/Gun/Gu shall take measures necessary to efficiently manage and facilitate the use of facilities, equipment, etc. installed under a mountain village development project. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
[Title Amended on Dec. 3, 2019]
CHAPTER VI KOREAN FORESTRY PROMOTION INSTITUTE
 Article 29-2 (Establishment of the Korean Forestry Promotion Institute)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall establish the Korean Forestry Promotion Institute in order to increase forestry income and promote industrialization by providing forest managers with support in relation to information on forestry management and the production and circulation of forestry products and assistance of information, etc.
(2) The Korea Forestry Promotion Institute shall be a corporation.
(3) Details necessary for the establishment of Korea Forestry Promotion Institute shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jul. 25, 2011]
 Article 29-3 (Projects of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute)
(1) The Korea Forestry Promotion Institute shall conduct the following projects: <Amended on May 29, 2016; Mar. 21, 2017>
1. Assistance to forestry managers regarding information on forestry management and information on the production and circulation of forestry products;
2. Deleted; <May 23, 2012>
3. Quality control of the special forest products under Articles 18-2 through 18-4 and 18-7;
3-2. Quality certification;
4. Experiments, analyses, surveys, appraisal and technological support related to forestry;
5. Assistance on the promotion of the commercialization of outcomes of forestry research as new technology and transfer of such technology;
6. Surveys, design and evaluation of forest resources and their location;
6-2. Development of overseas forest resources and international cooperation for forest;
6-3. Operation and management of the forest carbon offset system and securing carbon credits under Article 23 (1) 1 and 2 of the Act on the Management and Improvement of Carbon Sink;
7. Support projects for promoting job creation and business start-up in the fields related to forestry and mountain villages;
8. Other projects prescribed by Presidential Decree as necessary for promoting forestry and mountain villages.
(2) The State or the head of a local government may entrust or require the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute to perform the projects falling under the provisions of paragraph (1) on its behalf.
(3) The State or the head of a local government may contribute or subsidize some expenses incurred in establishing and operating the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute within budgetary limits, and may gratuitously transfer or lease State or public property or commodity to the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute or permit it to use or profit from such property or commodity, where deemed necessary for its establishment and operation, notwithstanding the provisions of the State Property Act, the Commodity Management Act, and the Public Property and Commodity Management Act.
(4) Matters necessary for the terms and conditions of and procedure for transfer, lease, use, making profits as provided in paragraph (3) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(5) Any person who applies for experiments, analyses, surveys, appraisal or technological support related to forestry pursuant to paragraph (1) 4, or requests the issuance, etc. of a performance certificate, shall pay fees to the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jul. 25, 2011]
 Article 29-4 (Operation of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall guide and supervise the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute on the following matters, and may have the said Institute to report on the matters regarding its business affairs, accounting and property or have an affiliated public official investigate its ledgers, documents, facilities and other things, if deemed necessary to do so:
1. Matters concerning business affairs in relation to Article 29 (3) 1;
2. Matters concerning the performance according to the management guidelines under Article 50 of the Act on the Management of Public Institutions;
3. Establishment and execution of project plans, and compilation of budget and settlement of accounts for each fiscal year;
4. Other matters prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(2) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may, upon the request from the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute, dispatch some of the public officials from the Korea Forest Service or an affiliated agency thereof to the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute.
(3) Except as provided in this Act, provisions concerning incorporated foundations referred to in the Civil Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Korea Forest Promotion Institute.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Jul. 25, 2011]
CHAPTER VII SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
 Article 29-5 (Reporting and Inspection)
The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may require a support center to submit a report or data related to its business or have public officials under his or her jurisdiction inspect affairs related to its business in order to supervise the business of the support center under Article 27-3 (2).
[This Article Newly Inserted on Dec. 3, 2019]
 Article 30 (Hearings)
The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall hold a hearing in advance when intending to take any of the following dispositions: <Amended on May 23, 2012; Mar. 21, 2017; Dec. 3, 2019; May 26, 2020>
1. Revocation of the designation of a specialized educational institution under Article 9-3 (1);
2. Revocation of a selected forestry successor or model manager of forests under Article 17 (3) 1, 3 and 5;
3. Cancellation of quality certification prescribed in Article 18-14;
4. Cancellation of designation of a quality certification institution or suspension of quality certification services prescribed in Article 18-16;
5. Revocation of the designation of a support center under Article 27-3 (4).
[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 26, 2008]
 Article 30-2 (Fees)
Any of the following persons shall pay a fee, as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs:
1. A person who applies for the examination of production feasibility referred to in Article 18-2 (1);
2. A person who applies for quality inspections referred to in Article 18-4 (1) and (2);
3. A person who applies for quality certification prescribed in Article 18-12 (2);
4. A person who applies for designation as a quality certification institution prescribed in Article 18-15 (2).
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017]
 Article 31 (Delegation and Entrustment of Authority)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may delegate part of his or her authority under this Act to Mayors/Do Governors or the head of an affiliated agency, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(2) A Mayor/Do Governor may re-delegate part of authority which has been delegated to him or her under paragraph (1) to the heads of Sis/Guns/Gus with the approval of the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs or the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries. <Amended on Dec. 3, 2019>
(3) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service may entrust part of his or her authority under this Act to forestry cooperatives prescribed in the Forestry Cooperatives Act or other persons prescribed by Presidential Decree.
 Article 31-2 (Legal Fiction as Public Officials for Purposes of Applying Penalty Provisions)
Any of the following persons shall be deemed a public official in applying the penalty provisions of Articles 129 through 132 of the Criminal Act:
1. Any executive officer or employee of a quality certification institution, who performs quality certification services provided for in Article 18-15 (1);
2. Any employee of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institution, who performs the business affairs provided for in Article 29-3 (1) 3, 3-2 and 4.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017]
CHAPTER VIII PENALTY PROVISIONS
 Article 32 (Penalty Provisions)
(1) The following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than three years or by a fine not exceeding 30 million won: <Amended on Jan. 8, 2019; Mar. 24, 2020>
1. A person who has distributed, sold, or cleared any special forest product without having the quality of such product inspected under Article 18-4 (1) or (2);
2. A person who has willfully committed an error in the quality inspections conducted under Article 18-4 (1) or (2), or given a false notice of the results of such quality inspections;
3. A person who has failed or neglected to fulfill the duty to destroy or return products prescribed in Article 18-5 (2);
4. A person who has distributed, sold, or cleared any special forest product without labeling its quality prescribed in Article 18-6 (2), or put a false label with respect to the quality of such products.
(2) A person who commits a crime prescribed in paragraph (1) or puts any label or advertisement, in violation of Article 18-7 (3), habitually shall be punished by imprisonment with prison labor for not more than five years or by a fine not exceeding 50 million won. <Inserted on Jan. 8, 2019>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 4, 2010]
[Previous Article 32 Moved to Article 33 <Feb. 4, 2010>]
 Article 33 (Penalty Provisions)
The following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for up to one year or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won: <Amended on Feb. 4, 2010>
1. Deleted; <May 23, 2012>
2. Deleted; <May 23, 2012>
3. Deleted; <Feb. 4, 2010>
4. Producers of special forest products without filing a report or having a report accepted under Article 18-2 (1).
[Moved from Article 32 <Feb. 4, 2010>]
 Article 34 (Administrative Fines)
(1) The following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 10 million won: <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>
1. A person who has failed to keep and manage records of a production process or makes a false entry of such production process, in violation of Article 18-3 (1);
2. A person who has distributed, sold, or cleared special forest products without packaging them according to the standards under Article 18-6 (1);
3. A person who has refused, interfered with, or evaded any collection, inspection, examination or perusal, in violation of Article 18-7 (2);
4. A person who has obtained quality certification by fraud or other improper means;
5. A person who has used a quality certification mark or any mark similar thereto, in violation of Article 18-13 (2);
6. A person who has refused, interfered with, or evaded the reporting, submission of data, inspection, or examination, in violation of Article 18-17 (2).
(2) Any of the following persons shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding five million won: <Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017>
1. A person who has failed to report any change to important matters, in violation of Article 18-2 (3);
2. A person who has used agricultural chemicals or fertilizers banned as prescribed by Presidential Decree in production process, in violation of Article 18-3 (2).
(3) Administrative fines prescribed in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be imposed and collected by the Minister of the Korea Forest Service, Mayors/Do Governors or the heads of Sis/Guns/Gus, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>
[This Article Newly Inserted on Feb. 4, 2010]
ADDENDA <Act No. 8353, Apr. 11, 2007>
(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
(2) (General Transitional Measures concerning Disposition, etc.) An act done by or in relation to an administrative agency under the previous provisions as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed an act done by or in relation to an administrative agency corresponding thereto under this Act.
(3) (Transitional Measures concerning Penalty Provisions) In applying penal provisions to any act done before this Act enters into force, the previous provisions shall prevail.
(4) (Relationship with Other Statutes) A citation of the former Forestry and Mountain Villages Development Promotion Act or a provision thereof by any other Act or subordinate statute in force as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed a citation of this Act or the corresponding provision of this Act in lieu of the provision, if such provision corresponding thereto exists in this Act.
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. 9177, Dec. 26, 2008>
(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Article 20 shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
(2) Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10025, Feb. 4, 2010>
(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force on January 1, 2011: Provided, That the amended provisions of Article 18-9 shall enter into force on September 1, 2010.
(2) (Transitional Measures concerning Reporting on Production of Special Forest Products) A producer producing special forest products as at the time this Act enters into force shall file a report thereon under the amended provisions of Article 18-2 (1) within one year from the date on which this Act enters into force.
(3) (Transitional Measures concerning Quality Inspections, Quality Labeling, etc.) A person intending to re-sell special forest products purchased before this Act enters into force shall undergo a quality inspection of such products pursuant to the amended provisions of Article 18-4 (1) and (2) within three months from the date on which this Act enters into force, and distribute and sell such products after packaging them according to the standards and labelling their quality under the amended provisions of Article 18-6 (1) and (2).
(4) (Transitional Measures concerning Penalty Provisions) In applying penalty provisions to any act done before this Act enters into force, the previous provisions shall prevail.
ADDENDA <Act No. 10949, Jul. 25, 2011>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force after six months after the date of its promulgation: Provided, That the amended provisions of Articles 8 (1) and 23 (3) regarding the Mayor of a Special Self-Governing City and a Special Self-Governing City shall enter into force on July 1, 2012.
Article 2 (Preliminary Acts for Enforcement of This Act)
Preliminary acts done in order to establish the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute under this Act shall be done before this Act enters into force.
Article 3 (Preparation for Establishment of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute)
(1) The Minister of the Korea Forest Service shall appoint not exceeding seven incorporators to manage the affairs related to the establishment of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute under this Act, within three months from the date of promulgation of this Act.
(2) Incorporators shall prepare articles of incorporation of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute, and obtain approval from the Minister of the Korea Forest Service.
(3) Upon obtaining approval from the Minister of the Korea Forest Service under paragraph (2), incorporators shall file for registration for establishment of the Korea Forest Promotion Institute under their joint signatures, and then transfer the duties to the head of the Korea Forest Promotion Institute.
(4) Incorporators shall be deemed dismissed when the transfer of the duties prescribed in paragraph (3) is completed.
(5) Expenses incurred in preparing for the establishment of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute shall be borne by the Government.
Article 4 (Transitional Measures concerning Forest Product Quality Control Association)
(1) The Forest Product Quality Control Association established under the previous provision of Article 18-9 as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed dissolved simultaneously with the establishment of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute, and all property and rights, obligations of the Forest Product Quality Control Association shall be comprehensively succeeded to the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute.
(2) The title of the Forest Product Quality Control Association entered in the registry of all property and articles comprehensively succeeded to the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute pursuant to paragraph (1) and other official documents shall be deemed transferred to the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute simultaneously with the establishment thereof.
(3) The value of the property deemed that of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute shall be the book value on the date preceding the registration date of establishment under Article 3 (3) of the Addenda.
(4) Any act done by the Forest Product Quality Control Association before this Act enters into force shall be deemed an act done by the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute, and any act done with respect to the Forest Product Quality Control Association shall be deemed an act done with respect to the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute.
(5) Any executive officer or employee (referring to full-time working executives and employees; hereinafter the same shall apply) shall be deemed appointed or employed as an executive officer or employee of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute. In such cases, the term of office of such executive officer shall be calculated from the date of his/her appointment as an executive officer of the Forest Product Quality Control Association, and the retirement age of employees shall be determined separately by the articles of incorporation.
(6) A citation of the Forest Product Quality Control Association in other statutes as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed a citation of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute in lieu of the Forest Product Quality Control Association.
Article 5 (Special Cases concerning Employment of Employees of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute)
(1) Any public official of the Korea Forest Service or its affiliated agencies whose status has changed as an employee of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute shall be deemed employed by the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute.
(2) Any employee of the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute employed as prescribed in paragraph (1) shall be deemed retired from the status as a public official.
(3) When any public official is employed by the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute as prescribed in paragraph (2), his/her age of retirement shall be in accordance with the age of retirement applied for his/her grade under the State Public official Act as at the time of his/her retirement.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11352, Feb. 22, 2012>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 14 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11429, May 23, 2012>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force one year after the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 5 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 11504, Oct. 22, 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)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 14270, May 29, 2016>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force two months after its promulgation: Provided, That amended provisions of Article 9-2 (4) shall enter into force six months after its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measure concerning Accreditation for Programs of Education, Training etc.)
Programs of education, training etc. accredited by the Minister of Korea Forest Service under former Article 9-2 (4) before amended provisions of Article 9-2 (4) enters into force shall be deemed programs of education, training etc. reported to the Minister of Korea Forest Service under amended provisions of Article 9-2 (4).
Article 3 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 14659, Mar. 21, 2017>
This Act shall enter into force six months after its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 15398, Feb. 21, 2018>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Formulation of Forestry Promotion Plan)
Amended provisions of Article 21 (3) shall apply beginning with the first forestry promotion plan or regional promotion plan formulated after this Act enters into force.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 16200, Jan. 8, 2019>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 16713, Dec. 3, 2019>
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 9-2 (5) and (6), 18-2 (2) and (4) through (7) shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Applicability to Notification of Programs Including Education and Training on Forest Management)
The amended provisions of Articles 9-2 (5) and (6) and 18-2 (2), (4) and (5) shall begin to apply to cases where a report is filed after this Act enters into force.
Article 3 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 17098, Mar. 24, 2020>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 17323, May 26, 2020>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.