Perceptual Differences in Forest Restoration in Forest Fire-Affected Communities - A Case Study of Uljin County, South Korea -

This study aims to empirically examine differences in perceptions of forest restoration among stakeholder groups in Uljin County, which was severely affected by the 2022 forest fire. A structured survey was conducted with local residents and forest officials to assess economic restoration needs, including preferences for tree species and non-timber forest products, as well as the perceived importance of forest ecosystem services, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). To understand how restoration priorities may vary depending on stakeholder composition, a scenario-based analysis was conducted by applying different weightings to each group. The results showed that regulating services were consistently ranked as the most important across all scenarios, with natural disaster prevention emerging as a top priority for all groups. In contrast, the perceived importance of provisioning, cultural, and supporting services differed by stakeholder group. This study provides an empirical foundation for designing forest fire restoration policies that reflect the diverse needs and values of local communities in a balanced and inclusive manner.