KOR
Encouraging Forest Welfare Experts
According to the Forest Welfare Promotion Act (Article 2), a forest welfare expert is a person who provides forest welfare services. In order to qualify as a forest welfare expert, one must complete a certain level of training courses set by the government.
The Korea Forest Welfare Institute aims to provide high-quality forest welfare services to the public by producing field experts through systematic education courses that provide training and issue certificates for becoming forest welfare experts, and by helping to improve professionalism through continuous management and support for reinforcement training and education.
Forest Education Expert
A national qualification that is granted after completing certain courses, based on the Forest Education Promotion Act.
The FoWI supports forest education experts to conduct education that helps various classes of people, including little children, to develop their relationships and roles with forests, cultivate ecological knowledge and provide opportunities to develop value for the forest environment.
Forest Interpreter
A person who provides citizens with interpretation, guidance, and education services so that citizens can obtain knowledge about forests and develop a proper sense of value through their activities related to forestry culture and recreation(Forest Education Promotion Act, Article 2)
Forest interpreters provide citizens with knowledge about the various wildlife that reside in forests and the importance of their roles in ecological preservation. The interpreters also assist in providing forest experience activities in natural recreation forests and arboretums, and can teach the public about the history and legends involving the forests.
Forest Guide for Little Children
A person who guides and educates little children so that the children can cultivate their emotions and grow up to be well-rounded individuals. (Forest Education Promotion Act, Article 2)
Forest guide for little children should play various roles in education, play, counseling, protection, and therapy as the only reliable person in the forest by not only understanding the knowledge of forest ecology and the emotions of little children but also combining expertise and experience in early childhood education.
Forest Trekking Guide
A person who provides citizens with interpretation, guidance, and education services so that they can enjoy mountaineering or trekking safely and comfortably. (Forest Education Promotion Act, Article 2)
Forest Trekking guides provide services to establish a safe and rewarding trekking culture by: breaking away from the current climbing pattern that focuses heavily on conquering the summit; teaching the public about the history and culture of forests; and helping everyone to trek safely.
Forest Therapy Instructor
The term forest therapy instructor under the Forestry Culture and Recreation Promotion Act (Article 11) refers to a person who develops, distributes, or guides forest therapy programs (experience programs such as contact with various elements of nature, observation, etc. / sports programs such as walking, trekking, gymnastics, etc. / recreation programs such as rest and play) in natural recreation forests, forest bathing, healing forests, and forest paths etc.
The Korea Forest Welfare Institute plans and develops a customized forest therapy program for each target utilizing forests to help citizens efficiently engage in forest therapy activities. Qualifications for forest therapy instructors are divided into level 1 and level 2, and they need to pass the evaluation test after completing education at a state-designated training institution. The minister of the Korea Forest Service may accredit persons who are qualified.
