산림치유 수요의 결정요인과 확충방안

Abstract

This study, using forest therapy research project database obtained from a survey, examined forest therapy participants’ preferences, and estimated forest therapy participation experiences and numbers of actual and intended participation. Based on the results, suggestions were provided on how to strategically increase forest therapy participation. The main reasons for participating in forest therapy were diversion or relaxation and mental or physical health betterment, and there was a strong preference toward family-oriented and life-cycle based programs. It was found that preferred programs were herbal therapy, exercise therapy, and mental therapy, with mental therapy being most preferred. Age was shown to influence the preferences of participants more than gender, occupation, and physical health. The regression analysis on determinants of forest therapy participation reveals that the number of participation increased with older age, more knowledge of forest therapy, better recognizing disease-healing effects, and more outdoor activities. Accordingly, there seems to be a need to increase knowledge about forest therapy and promote disease-healing effects based on the medical evidence. As a further suggestion, forest therapy programs can include outdoor activities. Targeting non-participants in particular, promoting the location of healing forests and enhancing its accessibility seem to be a useful strategy to increase their participation. Programs must be operated to meet the motivation to participate in forest therapy; The significant variations in preferred programs by age shows the importance of developing programs tailored to each age group.