South Korea has achieved remarkable industrialization and democratization over the past half-century, rising to become one of the world's top ten economies through its advancements in shipbuilding, automotive, steel, semiconductors, smartphones, and K-culture. However, history continually poses new questions: What will South Korea rely on for its future prosperity? In the face of significant changes such as low birth rates, an aging population, regional decline, climate crises, carbon neutrality, and the AI revolution, we must seek new growth drivers.
One surprising answer may lie beneath our feet—or rather, above our heads: forests.
The discussion at the National Assembly on June 23, titled "K-Forest Quantum Jump Strategy Forum," highlights this perspective. Traditionally, forests have often been viewed as subjects of environmental protection or regulation. However, the global perspective has shifted, recognizing forests as strategic national assets. Today, forests are not merely natural landscapes; they serve as massive green factories that absorb carbon, warehouses for future industries, platforms for revitalizing local economies, and strategic assets for national survival.
In his keynote address, Kim Taek-hwan, head of the Future Transition Policy Institute, stated, "Today marks the first day of asserting forestry sovereignty," emphasizing the need to break down barriers between the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Forest Service to enhance the rights and income of 2.2 million forest owners and 610,000 forestry workers.
Approximately 63% of South Korea's land is covered by forests, a high percentage compared to global standards. Yet, we have long failed to fully appreciate the economic value of our forests, which may represent a significant national opportunity cost.
Countries with advanced forestry practices have long utilized forests as sources of national wealth.
Finland is a prime example, with over 75% of its land covered by forests. Major global paper companies like UPM and Stora Enso originated in Finland, which has expanded its forestry sector beyond logging to include biofuels, biochemicals, and eco-friendly building materials. The roots of Finland's economy are deeply intertwined with its forests.
Sweden also exemplifies effective forest management, balancing logging with reforestation to maintain forest volume. In Sweden, forests are both a protected resource and an economic foundation, with IKEA's wood supply chain operating under sustainable forestry management principles. Sweden demonstrates that it is possible to protect forests while generating revenue.
Germany presents another model, where the Black Forest symbolizes a nation rich in forestry. German forestry integrates production with culture, tourism, and ecological education, generating tourism revenue, sustaining local communities, and achieving environmental conservation. Germans view forests as spaces where economy and environment converge.
Austria and Switzerland share similar philosophies, where the Alpine forests are not just scenic resources but foundational to their tourism and mountain economies. A significant portion of the wood used in the world's leading eco-friendly buildings comes from their sustainable forestry policies.
Turning to North America, Canada is one of the largest forested countries, with about 38% of its land covered by forests. The forestry industry in Canada creates hundreds of thousands of jobs and is a crucial pillar of the national economy, linking wood, pulp, paper, bioenergy, and carbon industries. Recently, Canada has begun transforming its forests into new economic assets in conjunction with the carbon credit market.
The United States is no exception. The U.S. does not merely preserve national parks and public forests; it generates substantial economic benefits through the timber industry, forest tourism, recreation, and forest restoration. The U.S. Forest Service manages forests as both a regulatory body and a significant economic policy institution. National parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon are not only natural heritage sites but also key drivers of local economies.
Interestingly, these advanced countries share a common philosophy regarding forests.
They do not see nature and economy as opposing forces.
In South Korea, a binary mindset of development versus conservation still prevails. However, advanced nations have moved beyond this dichotomy, recognizing that development without conservation is unsustainable, and conservation without utilization is also unsustainable. Proper utilization of forests is essential for their longevity.
Park Eun-sik, head of the Korea Forest Service, remarked at the forum, "We should focus on the significant economic and environmental values of forests rather than categorizing them as either nature or resources," aligning with this global trend.
In the era of carbon neutrality, the value of forests becomes even more pronounced.
Forests are the largest carbon sinks on Earth. Trees absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and release oxygen. As the carbon credit market expands, the economic value of forests is likely to increase significantly. While countries rich in oil were once considered wealthy, in the future, nations with the capacity to absorb carbon may gain a competitive edge.
Moreover, the rise of AI presents new challenges.
Although artificial intelligence may seem like an invisible industry, it consumes vast amounts of energy. As data centers proliferate and AI computations increase, electricity demand surges, exacerbating carbon issues. Thus, forests become essential strategic assets for ensuring sustainability in the AI era.
The reason major U.S. tech companies are declaring carbon neutrality and investing heavily in forest restoration projects is rooted in this necessity. Forests are no longer just subjects of environmental activism; they are now central to corporate management.
Forests can also play a crucial role in addressing South Korea's regional decline.
Most of our forests are located in rural areas, not the capital region. By developing forest tourism, forest therapy, the timber industry, forest products, bio-industries, and forest culture industries, we can naturally create more local jobs. This will foster an industrial ecosystem that encourages young people to return. Revitalizing rural areas does not solely depend on large factories; forests can also be a source of industry.
In the industrialization era, South Korea's wealth came from factories. In the information age, it emerged from data. So, where will the wealth of the carbon-neutral and AI era come from?
I believe one answer lies in our forests.
South Korea is recognized globally as a successful reforestation nation, transforming a war-torn landscape into a green country admired worldwide. Now, we must take that success to the next level. We need to evolve from merely protecting forests to growing through them.
Forests are no longer a peripheral policy; they must be at the center of national strategy. If semiconductors, batteries, AI, and biotechnology are the future industries, then forests are the foundation that will sustain them. Forests embody nature and economy, environment and industry, and they represent the greatest asset we can pass on to future generations.
In the 21st century, South Korea must contemplate a new national vision. At the heart of that vision should be the concept of forest wealth. We must move beyond being a nation that merely protects forests to one that thrives through them—a nation where nature and economy coexist harmoniously, and where humanity, culture, and nature grow together. This is the new path South Korea must take.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.