South Korea faces surge in pine wilt disease amid calls for national funding

South Korea is facing a significant surge in pine wilt disease, with infected trees in the Jeonnam-Gwangju region increasing more than fourfold in a single year. Nationally, the number of infected trees has risen to approximately 1.77 million, a nearly 20% increase from the previous year.

In response to the crisis, Yeongcheon City has announced a shift in its long-term management strategy. Moving away from uniform control methods, the city will prioritize removing dead trees near residential areas and roads while designating high-value pine forests—such as those near cultural heritage sites and temples—for intensive protection and preventive treatment. In areas where damage is too severe, the city plans to transition to different tree species to improve forest health.

Lawmaker Lee Kae-ho has called for the central government to cover 100% of control costs, arguing that the current system, which requires local governments to fund 30%, places an undue burden on municipalities with low financial independence. Experts also note that climate change is exacerbating the spread by lengthening the activity periods of disease-carrying insects, necessitating more flexible control schedules and customized regional responses.