Characteristics and Management of Old and Sacred Dangsan Forests in Korea

Abstract

The traditional village forests represent unique cultural landscapes in Korea with histories of more than several hundred years. These forests are known as Bibo Forests (village protector) and Dangsan Forests (sacred place). Although Dangsan Forests have diminished over the years, a considerable number still exist in rural villages. In the Korean peninsula, the Dangsan Forests have at least one of the three elements: Dangsan trees, stone towers, and a shrine. Major Dangsan tree species are Zelkova serrata, Pinus densiflora, Celtis sinensis, and Kalopanax pictus. A village ancestral ceremony called Dangsan ritual is performed once or twice a year, which provides motivation for the conservation of Dangsan Forests as sanctuaries. In Jeju Island, Dang is the place where Dangsan Forest is located. The background of the Dang is animism and shamanism. There are Simbangs in Jeju Island who perform the Dang ritual and serve as mediators to gods. Most of the Dang are ancient and unremarkable. This may be the reason why it has not generated much public attention. Additionally, the level of preservation for the Dangsan Forests has been low. In the inland region, many Dangsan Forests were abused for recreation. In Jeju Island, the Dangs have been disturbed recently by road construction. In order to restore the authenticity of the Dangsan Forests, it is necessary to provide maximum preservation and maintain the original features and functions. A social mechanism needs to be established to support the recovery of the authenticity of the Dangsan Forest. Public awareness needs to be promoted to claim the value of Dangsan Forest as a unique biocultural landscape of Korea.