도서지역 어부림의 가치와 활용 - 경상남도 남해군 물건리 방조 어부림을 대상으로 -

Abstract

This study, which examines the windbreaks and fish shelter forest in Mulgeonri, Namhaegun, a popular fish shelter forest on the southern coast of Korea, aims to assess its natural and humanistic value and explore its potential utility as a spatial resource for regional development. The fish shelter forest is a traditional village forest that is found on the southern coast of Korea and serves as a windbreak, a breakwater that stops tides and waves, and a fishing bank. It not only protects coastal villages from the sea, but also serves as a resting place and a place of faith where people offer prayers and make wishes. Moreover, old and healthy forests possess significant ecological value. However, as the definition, structure, form, and function of fish shelter forests have yet to be clearly distinguished, many of them are termed as evergreen forests, windbreak forests, etc. In particular, the windbreak and fish shelter forest in Mulgeonri, Samdongmyeon, Namhaegun is the most popular forest of this type in Korea and it has been extensively studied. However, insufficient research exists regarding its spatial value and its possible utility as a resource for regional development. The forest in Mulgeonri, which forms a long strip from the south to the north on the inlet located east of the main island of Namhaegun, is about 1.5 ㎞ long and has an area of approximately 23,438㎡. The forest protects the village from natural hazards such as winds and typhoons that blow from the sea to the east of Mulgeonri. The forest also holds significant value for humans, because it serves both as a spiritual place where residents have wished for peace and good harvests and as a resting place that the residents consider familiar and comfortable. Additionally, the forest is a healthy, independent ecological forest with autochthonous trees that stand 10m tall or more, such as Zelkova serrata, Aphananthe aspera, Chionanthus retusus, and Cornus walteri. However, since there is no organized management of the forest, the presence of some naturalized plants and invasive species has been observed, and measures need to be taken to manage its condition. This survey, which inquired into the possible uses of the forest in Mulgeonri, returned positive findings. Over 90 out of the 100 respondents were willing to return to the forest and to recommend it. The results suggest that the village has a good chance of facilitating its own development by tapping into the resources provided by the forest. In conclusion, the windbreak and fish shelter forest in Mulgeonri has great value and utility as a space that serves as an amalgamation of nature, history, and culture. It should therefore be preserved and tended to in the manner that befits such a unique natural treasure.