A Study on the Development of a Long-Term Management Monitoring Framework for Forest Leisure Sports Facilities Based on the Green Flag Award Criteria

Background and objective: As demand grows for climate change mitigation and the enhancement of the socio-environmental values of forests, interest in forest leisure sports (FLS) has also increased substantially. Consequently, while discussions on expanding FLS facilities have gained momentum across South Korea, systematic long-term management strategies for these facilities remain underdeveloped. In particular, empirical studies on evaluation indicators for long-term monitoring are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to analyze user perceptions using the Green Flag Award (GFA)—an internationally recognized standard for green infrastructure—and establish a monitoring and evaluation framework for the sustainable management of FLS facilities.Methods: A survey was conducted among users of forest welfare complexes and prospective FLS facility sites in Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea. The questionnaire was structured based on the 27 criteria of the GFA to assess perceived importance and long-term management needs. A total of 125 valid responses out of 135 collected were analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Statistical techniques included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis.Results: The results indicated that users perceived both long-term management (M = 4.16) and the introduction of evaluation indicators (M = 3.88) as highly important. Among the GFA criteria, "Safe Equipment and Facilities" (M = 4.54) and "Personal Security" (M = 4.52) received the highest importance ratings. The perceived importance of long-term management exhibited a strong positive correlation with all eight main-criteria (Sections 1-8; S1-S8). Exploratory factor analysis restructured these criteria into three factors: Community Involvement and Integrated Management (F1), User Convenience and Safety Management (F2), and Environmental Conservation and Natural/Ecological Stewardship (F3). Lastly, multiple regression analysis revealed that F3 was the most significant factor affecting users’ willingness to participate in regular monitoring activities (<i>β</i> = 0.306).Conclusion: To ensure the sustainable long-term management of FLS facilities, it is essential to establish a participatory monitoring framework that reflects user perceptions. This study suggests simplifying evaluation indicators, expanding user involvement in management decision-making processes, and establishing a co-management structure based on partnerships between users and the public-sector stakeholders. This research is significant as it proposes a governance-centered participatory monitoring framework and detailed management strategies for FLS facilities as a form of green infrastructure.