Korea Forest Service holds its first 'Forestry Workers’ Day' event on Oct. 30

Marking the first Forestry Workers’ Day, Korea Forest Service (KFS), led by Minister Park Chong-ho, held a ceremony on Oct. 30 at the KW Convention Center's Daejeon branch in Seo-gu, Daejeon, to thank forestry workers for their hard work and to remind them of the importance of forestry and mountain villages.

The Nov. 1, the first day of the annual forest cultivation period (Nov. 1 ~ 30), was designated as the Forestry Workers’ Day to console forestry workers and to inform the public of the value of forestry and mountain villages.

Although it was the first ceremony this year, only about 50 people attended the ceremony due to the COVID-19 epidemic and followed the quarantine rules thoroughly.

It was carried out as a simple ceremony to award a certificate of meritorious merit to distinguished forestry workers.

Under the topic of "Hidden Heroes, Hope for the Future, Forestry Men" in our society, the forestry worker’s day was designed to publicize the importance of forestry workers who cultivate healthy, green forests in the era of COVID-19 and climate crisis.

At the ceremony, the government awards were given to nine forest project contributors who contributed to the development of forestry, and the certificates of forestry distinguished families were presented to eight families who have devoted themselves to growing forests for more than three generations.

The Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Merit, the highest honor of the ceremony, was awarded to Lee Man-gyu, CEO of Manseok Agricultural Cooperative Corporation, and Choi Won-kyu, chairman of the Chungnam Provincial Council of the Korea Forest Management Association.

CEO Lee Man-gyu has been recognized for his contributions to the development of the local community since 1992 by cultivating short-term forestry products to generate more than 100 million won a year through processing and distribution, and by promoting chestnut picking events every year to help farmers with local companies to present a win-win model for local businesses and forestry workers.

Chairman Choi Won-gyu was recognized for his contribution to the local community through the operation of forest product experience learning class in connection with the region, free supply of firewood fuel for vulnerable groups, and the promotion of the public interest functions of forests through forest management.

"We are pushing for various support policies so that forestry workers who have devoted themselves to cultivating mountains for a long time will not be left out," said Park, head of the Korea Forest Service. "I hope the Nov. 1 Forestry Workers’ Day will serve as an opportunity to publicize the importance of forestry and forestry workers."