Songgye, a traditional knowledge system for sustainable forest management in Choson Dynasty of Korea

Throughout the history of the world, the best-orchestrated and publicly cohesive reforestation event occurred in South Korea. One of the best-known causes for such a success was the leadership of the government at that time, in particular the president Park Chung Hee. However, from forestry point of view, it evolved from Songgye, a traditional method of forest management evolved in late Choson Dynasty of Korea in reaction to rapid privatization of national forests by the elite class and government officials. Songgye was a unique social institution to promote sustainable use of local forests by local citizens. The primary goals of Songgye were to determine the annual amount of harvest and assign certain areas for specific uses and activities. Songgye also organized various activities within the community to prevent wild fires and illegal logging and smuggling, besides setting up rules and regulations to control activities as well as infringements. Songgye, remembered today as a cultural reminiscence, played a significant role in the success of reforestation of denuded landscapes after colonization and war.