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영어

The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics and to estimate the value of the rural community forest (RCF) in North Chungcheongbukdo mountain villages. The study investigated the status and structure of this forest which is considered to be a cultural and physical treasure of the rural community. First of all, the origin of the rural community forest and the reason for the presence of the forest near the communityinvestigated in order to establish the the meaning of the term, "RCF". Secondly, characteristics, functions and types of RCF were assessed to show the value of an RCF. Thirdly, the ecological characteristics of the forest were analyzed in the context of rural activities. The research method was based on repeated visits to the rural community in North Chungcheongbukdo. On each visit, the theory of divination based on topography (Fungsu theory) was considered. Variables evaluated included the name, location, topography, size, accessibility, origin, rationale and the function of the forest built near the rural community. The description of topography and the analysis of trees (where and what kind of trees were planted) were made to find out the characteristics of the clusters of the trees in the forest and structural characteristics of the forest. Finally, a future management plan for the forest
was established by analyzing the history and culture of the community, present management of the forest, and the condition of the trees in the forest (how well the trees had grown).