무등산 도립공원의 등산로 이용현황과 등산로 선정요인 = Present Use of Trails and Influential Factors on Trail Selection - in Mudeung-san Provincial Park -

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Understanding of the reasons why users in recreation settings select particular trails may provide useful information for effective recreation resources management. This study investigated the present use of the major trails in Mudeung-san Provincial Park and the major influential factors on trail selection . This study was conducted in Mudeung-san Provincial Park stretching over Hwasun-gun and Damyang-gun of Chonnam Province and Kwang-ju city during August in 1996. Data were collected through on-site survey and mail-back questionnaire. 519(44.2%) out of 1173 survey samples were used for analysis. Reasons for selecting a particular trail were classified into 8 major factors. In overall, the order of the importance degree of the factors was 1) aesthetics of landscape, 2) safety(from physical and crime), 3) conditions for health, 4) quietness, 5) familiarity, 6) on the way to the destination, 7) convenience/social, 8) others` intention. There were differences in the degree of importance of each factor depending on trails, users` characteristics(eg., gender, age, group size, visit experience, etc.) and users` behavioral patterns. Recreation motivations were classified into 5 major factors. The order of the importance degree of the factors was 1) contacting with nature, 2) self-training, 3) solitude, 4) social interaction, 5) appreciating cultural properties. Regardless of trails, `contacting with nature` was the most important factor, and the degree of importance in the other 4 motivational factors showed only a little differences in order according to the trails. There were correlations between major factors for trail selection and recreation motivations. The results of this study may provide foundational information for establishing effective management strategies through better understanding of the present use of trails and influential factors on trail selection. It can be used for reducing the present social and ecological problems caused by use concentration on certain trails and providing users with better quality of diverse recreational experiences. This study discussed the findings, and suggested some management strategies based on these information.