Recognition Difference of Local Residents and National Park Managers on National Park Adjustment: A Case of 37 Cancellation Areas

Abstract

This study examined the recognition differences between local residents and national park managers on the adjustment of national parks which are conducted every ten years for the purpose of providing basic information for the park management, according to the Natural Parks Act. Both local residents and national park managers positively perceived the adjustment of national parks, but park managers showed concern towards the damage of natural resources resulting from the cancellation and adjustment of restricted development districts in Korean national parks. Local residents are more likely than park managers to recommend boundary adjustment in other national parks regarding the influence of parks adjustment on local change. While local residents recognized that the boundary adjustment of national parks improves the level of community management, park managers focused on damages on the local environment and the park landscape adjacent to the areas. The result shows the recognition differences of local residents and park managers. Further research into adjustment of national parks is necessary to diminish perception gaps among stakeholders and develop prediction indicators of cancellation effect in response to the future cancellation areas of national parks through the characteristics of cancellation communities, revitalization of local economy, and environmental change of local community.