• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.107 no.2
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• pp.218-228
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• 2018

This study was carried out to investigate the recognition and requirements of mountain eco-tourism by surveying mountain villages'visitors. As a feasibility study to introduce new eco-tourism policies, the individual interview survey was conducted from June 17, 2015 to September 17, 2015 targeting 439 visitors in 57 mountain villages, where the Korea Forest Service designated them as mountain eco-villages and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has been operating the rural experience and recreation village business. As a result of the major analysis, the respondents'intention to participate in mountain eco-tourism was 3.65 by Likert 5-point-scale and the respondent's most preferred the number of visits was once a year(44.6%) or twice a year(30.1%). Also, the most preferred region was Gangwon-do(44.8%) and the average amount of expense willing to pay was 153,320 won. Lastly, the respondents said they expect development of regional tourism product(M=3.99) and mountain eco-tourism program(M=3.96) by requirements for mountain eco-tourism. This result shows that it is necessary to inspire public awareness regarding the value of mountain eco-tourism and to develop new policies or programs making people more attracted to mountain villages. Thus, it means that mountain eco-tourism can be utilized as a way to steer sustainable mountain village.