South Korea Plants 36 Million Trees to Fight Climate Change by 2035
South Korea has initiated a significant tree-planting campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and engage the public. The Korea Forest Service (KFS) will plant 36 million trees this year across 18,000 hectares—an area 60 times larger than Seoul's Mount Namsan. This effort supports the country's 2035 climate targets under the Paris Agreement.
The project builds on South Korea's history of large-scale reforestation. In the 1960s and 1970s, under President Park Chung-hee, the country restored over 2.12 million hectares of forest. Now, the KFS is partnering with public institutions, private firms, and citizens to expand green cover.
Beyond rural areas, the government will create 187 new urban forests. These spaces aim to improve air quality in crowded cities. The campaign also includes planting trees for industrial wood and supporting bee populations.
Forests already make up 97% of Korea's carbon sinks. Once mature, the newly planted trees could absorb around 130,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year.
The initiative aligns with Korea's climate commitments and encourages public involvement. By 2035, the additional trees should help reduce national greenhouse gas emissions. The KFS will continue expanding forests in both rural and urban regions.
