Korean Air has marked the 20th anniversary of its ‘Korean Air Forest’ initiative in Baganuur, Mongolia. The reforestation effort was launched in 2004 to combat desertification caused by open-pit coal mining operations in the area. The project was temporarily paused for four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed planting activities in May 2024.
Since its inception, annually, a contingent of 100 to 200 airline staff participates in Korean Air’s afforestation endeavor known as the Korean Air Forest. This initiative was temporarily put on hold in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions, during which local forestry experts and residents tended to the forest. This year, 112 volunteers from the airline, including new recruits, resumed planting activities for a two-week period starting on May 20th.
Over the past 20 years, Korean Air has planted over 125,300 trees representing 12 species, covering an area of 44 hectares. The forest has become a natural barrier against dust and debris from nearby coal mines, and a habitat for diverse wildlife. Korean Air’s efforts have been recognized with awards from the Mongolian government and Ministry of Environment and Tourism for its contributions to environmental conservation.
In 2019, an automated watering system was implemented, ensuring optimal growth conditions. Consequently, the trees have seen a remarkable 95% growth rate, with the tallest tree reaching 12 meters. Spanning 2 kilometers in length and 222 meters in width, the forest serves as a natural barrier against dust and debris from nearby coal mines. Moreover, the ecosystem is rebounding, welcoming various wildlife such as insects, skylarks, rabbits, and foxes that now call the Korean Air Forest home. Additionally, it serves as a venue for local students’ outings and educational trips.
Korean Air actively contributes to the Mongolian community by donating computer labs to seven schools in the area and providing medical support in collaboration with Inha University Hospital. In 2006, Baganuur District was lauded by the Mongolian government as a model city for green space development, with the Korean Air Forest recognized as an exemplary eco-friendly volunteer project. In 2009, Korean Air was honored with the Medal of Excellence by the Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism for its contributions.
