An Analysis of Tourists’ Satisfaction with Ecotourism in Chukryeongsan Recreational Forest

Background and objective: This study aimed to suggest appropriate directions for ecotourism in recreational forest by examining the relationship among ecotourism selection attributes, leisure satisfaction and quality of life (QoL).Methods: First, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify the key determinants of ecotourism selection attributes, leisure satisfaction and QoL in Chukryeongsan Recreational Forest. Second, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to assess the goodness-of-fit of the proposed research model. Third, the hypotheses of relationships among ecotourism selection attributes, leisure satisfaction, and QoL were tested using structural equation modeling.Results: Ecotourism selection attributes—educational effect, ecological exploration facilities, convenience facilities —had significant effects on tourists' leisure satisfaction, with the exceptions of forest therapy and natural scenery. Additionally, certain ecotourism selection attributes, including educational effect, forest therapy, natural scenery, were positively correlated with tourists' QoL, whereas ecological exploration facilities and convenience facilities showed no significant correlation. Furthermore, tourists' leisure satisfaction was found to be positively associated with QoL.Conclusion: The findings suggest that sufficient exploration infrastructure and environmental interpretation are essential for advancing leisure satisfaction. Moreover, the effects of forest therapy and environmental education in recreational forests are necessary to improve QoL by promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. Highly satisfying leisure experiences can revitalize individuals, infusing their lives with renewed energy and vitality, and ultimately contributing to a healthier QoL.