Man donates forest land worth W100b

Renowned forest manager Sohn Chang-geun has donated to the state a vast stretch of forest land in Gyeonggi Province, about twice the size of Mount Nam in Seoul, the Korea Forest Service said Thursday.

Sohn, 83, decided to hand over 662 hectares of forests and fields ― estimated to be worth 100 billion won ($88.6 million) ― to “resist the unceasing temptation to develop the forests” and keep them intact for generations to come, his deputy said.

Sohn, acclaimed for his past donations to social causes, completed the legal process of transferring his ownership of the forest land last month, while showing hesitance to publicize the deed.

Sohn has managed the forests since 1960, planting some 200 trees including nut pines and larches. For his efforts in preserving them, he received a presidential citation in 1966.

The KFS designated him an “exemplary forest manager” in 1991.

To uphold Sohn’s wishes, the KFS plans to draw up a state management program to preserve the forests and enhance their biodiversity, and use them for public purposes, officials said.

In 2008 Sohn donated 100 million won to the National Museum of Korea. In 2010 he also donated to the museum Sehando (National Treasure No. 188), a prominent work of Kim Jeong-hui, a distinguished calligrapher of the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)