Do Regional Differences in Forest Distribution Affect Residents’ Preferences for Forest Ecosystem Services?

This study investigates how residents of Jeollabuk-do, South Korea perceive and emphasize forest ecosystem services, focusing on whether the distribution of forests between the eastern mountainous areas and the western lowlands influences their preferences. We applied the Choice Experiment (CE) method to gauge willingness to pay (WTP) for seven key forest ecosystem services and a tax-related attribute. Between 10 and 14 August 2023, we conducted an online survey with 400 participants (out of 4177 invited). Only 20% of respondents were aged 50 or older, despite this age group making up nearly half of the region’s population. On the surface, no significant statistical differences appeared between the two areas regarding overall preferences, perhaps unsurprising, given their shared administrative framework and cultural background. However, a closer look at marginal WTP values uncovered clear regional priorities: residents in the eastern region placed a higher value on erosion control (KRW 23,559–33,109), while those in the west assigned greater priority to biodiversity improvement (KRW 30,225–43,961). Although the sheer distribution of forests may not drastically reshape general preferences, the specific forest characteristics of each area still shape what people care about most. These insights underscore the significance of tailoring forest ecosystem management policies to fit local needs, such as prioritizing erosion control in hilly regions and enhancing biodiversity in flatter areas.