The Korea Forest Managers Association (Chairman Kim Gil-soo) is hosting the '2026 National Forest Managers Convention' from the 29th to the 30th at the Korean Studies Institute in Andong. Around 350 forest managers from across the country are gathering in one place.

Held in conjunction with the Andong International Maskdance Festival, this year's event is attended by Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo, Andong Mayor Kwon Ki-chang, Korea Forest Service Deputy Minister Lim Ha-soo, Southern Forest Service Head Lee Jong-soo, and Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Council Member Kim Dae-jin.

This annual convention serves as a gathering for forest managers to exchange ideas and find ways to increase their income. This year's event focuses on developing the forest industry into a major economic pillar, building upon the achievements of past afforestation efforts.

The convention also focuses on passing down the experience and expertise of senior generations to young foresters, while discussing ways to foster communication and cooperation across generations.

Following the opening ceremony on the first day, Kim Taek-hwan, president of the Future Transition Policy Research Institute, will deliver a special lecture titled "New Forest Wealth of Nations." On the second day, lectures and discussions on "Understanding Eco-Friendly Organic Agriculture" will follow.

"Through this Andong convention, forest managers from all over the country have gathered to ponder ways to improve income and transform forestry into a profitable industry," said Kim Gil-soo, Chairman of the Korea Forest Managers Association. "We will expand association-level support to boost the income of forest managers."

Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo emphasized, "We must now turn our forests—which have become a precious national asset through afforestation—into 'profitable mountains,' opening an era of the forest industry where foresters can secure stable incomes."

Established in 1973, the association currently has approximately 1,300 members across nine regional branches nationwide. It has continuously engaged in activities to develop the forestry sector, such as disseminating forest management techniques and proposing policies to the government.

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]