THE ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE OF SOUTH KOREA'S MOUNTAINS: A CONTINGENT VALUATION STUDY

摘要

To address the lack of awareness on environmental values, this study estimates the environmental value of mountain ranges (Jeongmaek) connected to the Baekdudaegan mountain system in South Korea. Seven Jeongmaek are studied during 2011-2016 using a questionnaire survey and the contingent valuation method. Based on willingness to pay (WTP) for biodiversity, this study finds that the lowest estimated WTP was KRW 5813 for Geumbuk and Hannam-Geumbuk Jeongmaek, and the highest value was KRW 120,471 for Hanbuk Jeongmaek. These differences in WTP appear to be significantly determined by education level and number of visits of respondents.