Hag Mo Kang

Geographic information system-based identification of suitable cultivation sites for wood-cultivated ginseng

Wood-cultivated ginseng, including roots in its dried form, is produced in forest land without using artificial facilities such as light barriers. To identify suitable sites for the propagation of wood-cultivated ginseng, factor combination technique (FCT) and linear combination technique (LCT) were used with geographic information system and the results were superimposed onto an actual wood-cultivated ginseng plantation. The LCT more extensively searched for suitable sites of cultivation than that by the FCT; further, the LCT probed wide areas considering the predominance of precipitous mountains in Korea. In addition, the LCT showed the much higher degree of overlap with the actual cultivation sites; therefore, the LCT more comprehensively reflects the cultivator’s intention for site selection. On the other hand, the inclusion of additional factors for the selection of suitable cultivation sites and experts’ opinions may enhance the effectiveness and accuracy of the LCT for site application.

Geographical indication and development plans in South Korea: a study on dried persimmons

ABSTRACT As a result of the 1994 “WTO/TRIPs Agreement”, and based on adherence to the 1999 Agricultural and Fishery Products Quality Control Act, geographical indication (GI) has been implemented in South Korea since 2000. As of the end of 2014 there were a total of 95 products registered for GI, including 32 forestry products, 53 agricultural products, and 11 fishery products. There are four registered regions for dried persimmons in a single product, which is the most of any of the 51 regions (32 forestry products) registered for GI. Accordingly, this study investigates the opinions of dried persimmon-producing farmers and purchasers to increase profits for farmers and to suggest plans for the advancement of the GI system (GIs). However, a large number of dried persimmon farmers and purchasers are not familiar with GIs. Consequently, we were able to conclude that there is a need to continually publicize the importance and aims of introducing GI, perhaps by opening a website or developing a smartphone application. Furthermore, producers must improve the product quality and the government requirements to implement quality control strategies for GI-registered dried persimmons, and to conduct thorough management and supervision of the illegal distribution of dried persimmons that misappropriates GI.

Changes and development plans in the mountain villages of South Korea: Comparison of the first and second national surveys

Owing to the geographic disadvantages of mountain villages, the social, cultural, and economic conditions of mountain villagers are inferior to those of urban dwellers in South Korea. Thus, in 1995, the The government of South Korea launched a mountain village development support program to promote agriculture and forestry, balance national land development, and preserve cultural heritage. The program was effectively implemented, improving the income, population size, and living conditions of villagers in addition to setting up a system for stable project implementation. However, concerns were raised about long-term development planning, the creation and marketing of specialty brands, facility management/operation, and follow-up support. The government conducted surveys of mountain villagers in 2003 and 2014, obtaining basic data to address these issues. This study evaluates the outcomes of these two surveys, suggesting areas requiring focused action, concentrating on village development projects, forest resource distribution and use, demographic trends, the economy, exchange with urban areas, green tourism, and master planning. We find that despite growth in the forest labor force, forest ownership is diminishing in terms of the number and scale of holdings. Consequently, it is necessary to commercialize forest resources, establish favorable settlement conditions, and expand government support for village-run projects. In addition, systematic forest management for older tree age classes would benefit the public and provide assets for future mountain village development. Our results are expected to provide baseline information for the establishment and efficient implementation of mountain village development policy.

Status and revitalization plans of the mulberry (Morus alba) industry for forest incomes

This study was carried out to improve the forest income for the long-term revitalization of the mulberry (Morus alba) industry in Buan-gun, Korea by providing improvement plans after gathering the general characteristics of production farms, awareness, distribution status, and marketing. The questionnaire survey was conducted from October to December 2010 through direct interviews with 59 farms that produce mulberries. The general characteristics of the farms and farm workers were gathered by the contents of the survey, such as gender, age, planted area, cultivation career, farming form, status of joining the producers’ group, main human resource, and securing labor. Also, the improvement plans for the long-term revitalization of the mulberry industry were considered through the contents of the survey, such as awareness of production farms, distribution status, and marketing. It was found that stable selling distribution networks, support for mulberry production, and local government strategies would be needed for the long-term revitalization of the mulberry industry in Buan-gun, Korea. Most of the production farms were suffering from an unstable market (59.3%). The cost for production was recognized as the biggest support demand (52.5%). The most serious problem in sales was the lack of sales facilities (49.2%), and the highest proportion of sales was through the local agricultural cooperative or direct dealing (35.6%). Promotion strategies should be established by local governments. In particular, the long-term revitalization of the mulberry industry should be considered by setting up marketing strategies for stable production, increasing output, and enhancing brand image.