The Acquisition of National Forests and Logging-Based Management by the Government-General of Korea (1911–1926)

This study analyzes the process through which the Government-General of Korea secured national forests and promoted logging-focused forest development, centering around the Yeongnimchang (Forest Management Bureau) between 1911 and 1926. In particular, it examines how forest resources were utilized for fiscal revenue generation after the repeal of the Special Forest Accounting Act in 1916. The findings reveal that the Government-General targeted the well-preserved national forests with superior tree cover as key sites for logging in order to maximize revenue. Following the repeal of the Special Forest Accounting Act in 1916, forest income was incorporated into state revenue, and the Government-General systematically capitalized on forest resources. Saito Otosaku was appointed as head of the Yeongnimchang, and forestry experts were hired to lay the groundwork for logging operations. However, due to the lack of detailed forest surveys, logging activities deteriorated the condition of national forests. In the case of privately owned forests, afforestation projects became increasingly reliant on local government funds due to financial constraints, leading to accelerated deforestation. Consequently, while logging activities contributed to short-term revenue increases, they had a negative impact on the long-term sustainability of forest resources. This study highlights how the Government-General’s forest management during 1911-1926 prioritized fiscal profits through the expansion of logging operations, resulting in inadequate long-term forest resource management.