Why has inter-Korean forestcooperation been particularly prominent among numerous inter-Korean exchangeand cooperation projects? 2018, marked by the inter-Korean summits and theNorth Korea-U.S. summit, saw a significant improvement in inter-Korean relations,during which forest cooperation was actively pursued. NorthKorea aimed to realize comprehensive forest policies, including restoration andclimate change mitigation, which were materialized with the support and cooperation ofthe international community. This study therefore analyzes North Korea’s forestpolicies and cases of international cooperation to identify the mechanismsdriving inter-Korean forest cooperation. The findings indicate that NorthKorea’s recognition of forest protection and its extensive experience ininternational cooperation have been key drivers of inter-Korean forestcooperation mechanisms. This paper also provides policy implications forinter-Korean forest cooperation and offers directions and tasks for sustainableforest cooperation in the Korean Peninsula.

[Key Words] Inter-Korean Environmental Cooperation, Inter-Korean Forest Cooperation,Inter-Korean Relations, Sanctions against North Korea, International cooperation