Did you know how South Korea turned from ashes to forests after the Korean War?
Here’s the secret behind that incredible transformation, Singmogil!
Quick Summary
- April 5th is Singmogil (식목일), or Arbor Day in Korea.
- This day is dedicated to tree planting and forest conservation.
- It was a public holiday until 2006. Since then, it’s been a symbolic day for Koreans.
When you visit Korea, you’ll be surprised at how it is a perfect country to go hiking.
I grew up running around and walking up the hill in the back of the village with my family.
The mountains I remember always had many trees, flowers, lush forests, and greenery.
But there was not so much greenery when my parents grew up.
Just 60 years ago, all the mountains in Korea were barren.
How Did Singmogil Get Started?
©National Archives of Korea
The story of Korea’s barren mountains goes back a long way.
For centuries, Koreans used ondol (traditional floor heating), which relied on firewood, meaning trees were constantly cut down to keep homes warm.
On top of that, the remaining forests were heavily exploited for timber during the Japanese occupation.
So, the government of South Korea’s first President, Syngman Rhee, established Singmogil in 1948.
One year later, it became a public holiday to promote tree planting and environmental consciousness.
Then, the Korean War (1950-1953) happened.
To make matters worse, the war led to severe deforestation, triggering landslides and other natural disasters.
Singmogil became even more vital.
Why Is Singmogil Important?
In response to deforestation, the South Korean government launched an extensive reforestation campaign.
Singmogil also played an important role in national reforestation efforts.
From students to civil servants, Koreans of all ages actively joined in this annual, nationwide tree-planting campaign.
I remember planting a little sapling in the park with everyone as an elementary student.
These efforts helped restore forests, making South Korea a model for successful reforestation.
Singmogil is in the center of:
- Reforestation and Environmental Restoration: It was vital to restore forests after the war.
- Public Awareness on Sustainability: It encourages people to care for the environment.
- Combatting Climate Change: Tree planting helps reduce carbon dioxide levels and mitigates the effects of global warming. We also hope to purify the air and fight the growing problem of fine dust.
What Happened to Singmogil?
Singmogil was a public holiday for many decades.
But it was removed from the list of national holidays in 2006 under the administration of then-President Roh Moo-hyun.
The government wanted to reduce the number of public holidays and enhance productivity.
So, Singmogil along with Constitution Day (제헌절) was excluded.
Despite losing its public holiday status, Koreans still try to celebrate Singmogil across the country.
Now, tree-planting campaigns and environmental activities are organized by schools, local governments, and corporations.
Will Singmogil Become a Public Holiday Again?
In recent years, there have been increasing calls to reinstate Singmogil as a national holiday.
Many lawmakers and environmental activists argue that climate change and deforestation remain pressing global issues.
So, it’s more important now than ever to dedicate a day to environmental conservation.
Additionally, some believe that reinstating Singmogil as a public holiday would help refresh public interest and participation in tree planting.
Whether Singmogil regains its status as a public holiday or not, its importance will remain strong.
Especially after the recent wildfires in North Gyeongsang Province, Singmogil feels more urgent than ever.
As a reminder that reforestation isn’t just symbolic, but it’s essential in restoring our environment and combating climate change.
