The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority recently welcomed a delegation of seven representatives from the Korea Forest Service and the National Institute of Forest Science for an international knowledge-sharing visit focused on the planning and management of long-distance national trails.
The group is currently developing one of South Korea’s most ambitious forestry and tourism projects – The Dongseo (or East-West) Trail – the country’s first true “coast-to-coast” 845km long-distance hiking trail.
During a meeting with officers from the National Park Authority and Natural England, discussions focused on key aspects of the National Trails model, including partnership-led governance, funding, measuring economic impact, volunteer involvement, and approaches to promotion. The meeting concluded with a guided walk along the Pennine Way National Trail to Hardraw Force, followed by a visit to the Dales Countryside Museum.
Lizzie Bushby, deputy chair and member champion for recreation management at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “We were delighted to welcome colleagues from the Korea Forest Service and the National Institute of Forest Science to the Yorkshire Dales. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to share best practice and strengthen international collaboration, showcasing how National Trails can support local communities, enhance visitor experiences, and contribute to sustainable economic growth”.
Sugwang Lee from the National Institute of Forest Science said: “I was deeply impressed by the warm hospitality and thoughtful preparation of the Yorkshire Dales team.
“Visiting England’s National Trails – one of the key benchmarking models for Korea’s National Forest Trails – was an invaluable opportunity to hear about and directly experience the accumulated expertise, and to meet the dedicated professionals behind it. The visit provided practical insights, particularly in terms of governance design and methodologies for measuring economic value. I sincerely hope that this exchange will serve as a foundation for an ongoing and growing partnership with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.”
