This study aims to identify factors and paths affecting payment for forest ecosystem service based on evidence from the voluntary forest carbon market in South Korea. The study was built based on the theory of planned behavior and institutional theory. The survey was conducted to 24 private forest owners, 21 workers of local governments, 9 of public institutes, and 6 of private companies. Partial least squares structural equation model was applied to verify the hypothetical structural model displaying the effects among the constructs of subjects’ recognition, intention, and behavior in participating in the forest carbon offset project. Results showed that raising awareness of forest carbon offset (FCO) is essential for revitalizing the forest carbon market. In addition, it was found that forest managers’ expectations for FCO were practical operations. Moreover, with the presence of intent to participate in the FCO, the FCO market could be revitalized only by increasing the intention of use in the management aspect and by increasing the commitment of the owner and CEO to this project. The detailed theoretical and managerial implications based on the findings are discussed in the paper.

This study is aimed to compare the strengths and weaknesses of three approaches—analytic hierarchy process analysis, sentiment analysis, and floating population analysis—in estimating the social demands for local forest ecosystem services (ES) in South Korea: Gariwangsan and Yeoninsan. The results were as follows: First, the survey respondents of Gariwangsan and Yeoninsan believed that the cultural ES category was the most fundamental one that should be maintained, whereas they thought the supporting ES category needed the least maintenance. Second, both forests had a high frequency of sentiment words related to the cultural ES category, followed by the regulating ES category, such as air and water quality improvement. Third, the spatiotemporal distribution of the floating populations in both forests was concentrated in their valleys and mountainous areas, indicating the finer-scale demands for the cultural and regulating ES category. Fourth, the research shows the areas that are high in demand and those that are not; this result helps forest management. In conclusion, none of the three methodologies was superior to the other two, as they each captured distinct ES demands. To investigate ES demands in a multifaceted way, we suggest applying the three approaches in tandem.

In South Korea, Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) collates greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories. However, the settlement category lacks a clear definition of land use and activity data. This study proposed a method for examining the settlement spatial extent and constructing activity data to estimate GHG emissions and absorption as a pilot calculation, as well as to provide data for land use classification. Utilizing cadastral maps (CDMs), settlement spatial extents were determined, with settlements occupying approximately 11% of the total land area in 2019, or 9% excluding overlaps. Activity data for settlements were established through a sampling method and analysis of aerial orthoimages from 2000 and 2019. After removing overlaps with digital forest type maps and smart farm maps, settlement activity data covered approximately 18.47% based on CDMs, or 12.66% excluding overlaps. In 2019, CO₂ emissions and absorptions were estimated at 622.16 ktCO₂yr⁻¹ based on CDMs and 242.16 ktCO₂yr⁻¹, excluding overlaps. To enhance GHG inventory calculation consistency and compliance with TACCC principles, clear spatial extents for settlements must be established. This entails constructing activity data and assessing GHG inventories accordingly. GHG inventory statistics should also inform future nationally determined contributions.