Results
Title

Analysis of Forest Utilization Patterns to Improve Life Satisfaction and Policy Directions.

Authors

Lee, Mijin; Lee, Jeonghee

Abstract

Interest in the balance between work and life and improving the quality of life is expected to steadily increase the number of users of forest welfare facilities. In this study, the "2023 Forest Recreation and Welfare Activity Survey" was used to analyze how characteristics of forest visits, such as visit frequency, the number of visited areas, expenditures, and the presence of companion animals, affect life satisfaction based on three visit types: daily (less than 4 h), day (more than 4 h), and overnight (more than 1 night). A hierarchical regression of 9437 respondents revealed that age, occupation, education, spouse, children, household income, and type of residence, excluding sex, were significantly correlated with life satisfaction. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed that for daily visitors, both visit frequency and companion animals increased life satisfaction. For day visitors, visit frequency, the number of visited areas, expenditures, and companion animals enhanced life satisfaction. For overnight visitors, visit frequency and expenditures positively impacted life satisfaction. Across all visit types, the frequency of forest visits consistently increased life satisfaction. This study statistically clarified how the characteristics of each visit type affect life satisfaction. The findings provide foundational data for future policies and research on forest recreation and welfare.

Subjects

LIFE satisfaction; QUALITY of work life; INCOME; SUSTAINABLE living; PETS

Publication

Sustainability (2071-1050), 2025, Vol 17, Issue 8, p3689

ISSN

2071-1050

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.3390/su17083689