International Journal of Human & Disaster

Overview

International Journal of Human & Disaster (IJHD) is an international academic journal that analyzes disasters and risks from a human-centered perspective, focusing on life protection and disaster risk reduction. The journal’s primary objective is to academically elucidate the impact of disasters on human life and health, social structures, and institutions, and to conduct theoretical and empirical research aimed at mitigating disaster risks.

IJHD recognizes disasters not as simple natural events but as complex phenomena involving the interaction of humans, the environment, and social systems. Accordingly, IJHD actively encourages an interdisciplinary approach, acknowledging the close connection between disaster research and various academic disciplines. This approach aims to comprehensively analyze the structural causes of disaster risk and its impact on humans and ecosystems.

The journal broadly covers international disaster issues, focusing on disaster risk reduction and resilience as key research areas. Furthermore, it includes areas directly related to human life and health, such as forests, environmental risks due to climate change, infectious diseases, and public health crises. This reflects the critical awareness that forest and environmental management, as well as the response capacity of health systems, play a key role in disaster prevention and mitigation.

International Journal of Human & Disaster places human and life at the center of its research, delving deeply into the human, social, and health dimensions of disaster situations. These research findings provide an academic foundation that can be linked to policymaking, institutional improvement, and field practice. Ultimately, the journal aims to establish itself as an international academic journal that simultaneously achieves academic rigor and public value in the field of disaster research.

Aims & Scope

Publishing Schedule

• A Study on the Terrorism Response System in National Disasters: A Perspective on the Outbreak of War in Northeast Asia

  Purpose: Terrorism, such as sabotage, leads to national disasters such as war, and the response system has changed over time. As defined by William Sturgiss Lind immediately after the end of the Cold War in 1989, it has changed from people, weapons, and information to irregular threats encompassing all of these. Now, with the 4th Industrial Revolution, it is expected that false information such as videos, images, texts, and voices will be utilized through artificial intelligence (AI) deep-fake technology, and quantum computers, biotechnology and gene editing, robotics and AI drones, and artificial neural networks will develop into new threats. Method: This study is an English extension of a paper published in Korean, and expands the national terrorism response system from the perspective of civilian cooperation to the perspective of war following a national disaster. Results: This study first identified relative poverty and radicalization as the causes of sabotage terrorism that lead to national disasters. Furthermore, it categorized the network structure of terrorist organizations through recent Internet use into security maintenance, belief systems, support groups, and organizational structure. Second, it proposed a plan to introduce CPTED, voluntary neighborhood watch groups, and detective activities as a basis for national disaster response systems, citing beneficiary pays theory, pooling theory, and economic reductionism. Furthermore, from a Northeast Asian perspective, it discussed the need for national disaster preparedness in Northeast Asia in light of the Russia-North Korea military alliance. Conclusion: First, based on the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, national counterterrorism strategies are categorized into a "threat-based approach" and a "vulnerability-based approach." Second, by revisiting the case of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), we introduce the social conflict surrounding counterterrorism agencies' intelligence activities and the dilemma of the conflicting values of "threat intelligence" and "personal information." Third, we examine the relationship between counterterrorism agencies and domestic politics, drawing on the examples of the FBI and CIA and proposing a model for the U.S. Office of the National Intelligence Service (ODNI).

  2026.01.12

  Keyword:National Disasters, Sabotage, Counter-Terrorism, Civilian Cooperation, Russia-North Korea Military Alliance
  Abstract PDF Links
• Analysis and Recommendations for Ginsenoside Content according to Environmental Conditions of Wild-Simulated Ginseng in Pyeongchang, Korea

  Purpose: Korean Wild-simulated Ginseng is designated as a Specially Managed Forest Product by the Korea Forest Service. However, systematic research and standard cultivation guidelines often differ from the actual cultivation practices. Therefore, this study conducted an experimental study to determine the effects of ginsenoside content on the environmental conditions of wild Ginseng cultivation sites in the Pyeongchang region of Korea. Method: Ten 10-year-old Wild-simulated Ginseng samples were collected from each of four Pyeongchang cultivation sites. Six factors were examined to determine the location of Wild-simulated Ginseng: slope, slope direction, elevation, tree type, diameter at breast height, and tree height. Soil physicochemical properties were analyzed according to topographic conditions, including pH, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, exchangeable calcium, exchangeable magnesium, exchangeable sodium, and cation exchange capacity. Results: Soil physicochemical properties of Wild-simulated Ginseng cultivation sites generally showed higher ginsenoside content in broadleaf areas than in coniferous areas. Statistical analysis results showed statistically significant differences between coniferous and broadleaf regions in cultivation sites A, B, and C, while cultivation site D showed little difference between coniferous and broadleaf regions. Ginsenoside content analysis revealed high levels of Re, Rb1, and Rg1, in that order, confirming the main components of Pyeongchang cultivated Ginseng. Conclusion: These research results suggest that selecting cultivation sites similar to the optimal growth environment for Wild-simulated Ginseng is essential for producing high-quality Wild-simulated Ginseng. We hope that the comparative analysis of ginsenoside content across different cultivation sites presented in this study can contribute to the production of high-quality wild Ginseng and increased income for forestry workers.

  2026.01.12

  Keyword:Pyeongchang Area, Wild-Simulated Ginseng, Environmental Conditions Ginsenosides, Content, Korea
  Abstract PDF Links
• A Study on the Current Status and Regeneration Directions of Rural Mountain Villages in Gyeongsangbuk-do

  Purpose: A mountain village refers to a settlement in a mountainous region, defined by the Forest Basic Act as an area where forest land covers at least 70% of the administrative district, with low population density and arable land ratio. Mountain villages in Gyeongsangbuk-do face challenges such as population decline and aging, with a high proportion of elderly residents exceeding the national average. Moreover, most new settlers are in their 50s and 60s, increasingly choosing these areas for their natural environment. This study aims to propose strategies for regenerating mountain villages into sustainable residential and stay environments. Method: Survey results indicate a shared recognition among residents and visitors of the need for regeneration. Residents prioritize community revitalization and policies encouraging population inflow, while visitors highlight the need for improved accommodations and residential infrastructure. Based on these findings, three regeneration models are proposed: (1) the population influx model, promoting sustainable settlement and better living conditions; (2) the forest healing model, enhancing recreational and therapeutic functions of forest resources; and (3) the community happiness model, fostering economic and social sustainability. Results: Each model suggests specific pilot projects. The population influx model is demonstrated by Dumari Mountain Village in Pohang, focusing on new accommodation facilities and forest-based pro-grams. The forest healing model is exemplified by Jukpari Mountain Village in Yeongyang, utilizing its birch forest for healing spaces and residential improvements. The community happiness model applies to Noryuri Mountain Village in Sangju, aiming at facility renovations and community-led economic development. Conclusion: Beyond environmental improvements, mountain village regeneration must ensure economic and communal sustainability. Active support from both central and local governments, along with coordinated efforts from the Korea Forest Service and related institutions, is essential. This study provides a foundation for future policies in Gyeongsangbuk-do, contributing to strategies for countering regional population decline and fostering sustainable rural development.

  2026.01.12

  Keyword:Rural Mountain Village, Rural Mountain Ecological Village, Rural Mountain Village Regeneration, Rural Mountain Village Resident Satisfaction, Gyeongsangbuk-do
  Abstract PDF Links
• The Influence of Forest Trail Usage Behavior and Spatial Characteristics on Forest Trail Satisfaction and Behavioral Intention

  Purpose: More and more people are seeking forests to escape the complexities of urban competition and soothe their weary minds by walking along forest trails. This study aimed to provide basic data for providing better opportunities for forest trail users by identifying the spatial characteristics and usage patterns of forest trails, as well as their satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Method: Data for this study were collected from March to April 2025. The self-administered questionnaire was administered by respondents, who were asked to check their responses. A total of 300 questionnaires were collected, but 35 were excluded due to statistical limitations. A total of 265 valid questionnaires were used for analysis. The analysis was conducted using the statistical programs SPSS 28.0 and Amos 28.0, including frequency analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis, initial probability analysis (IPA), and path analysis. Results: Forest trail spatial characteristics had a positive effect on satisfaction with forest trail use, while forest trail usage behavior had no effect on satisfaction with forest trail use. forest trail usage satisfaction had a positive effect on behavioral intention, while forest trail spatial characteristics had a positive effect on behavioral intention. forest trail usage behavior did not appear to influence behavioral intention. Conclusion: As significant differences were found among forest trail users' usage behavior, spatial characteristics, forest trail satisfaction, and behavioral intentions, it is expected that policy measures can be suggested to meet the expectations of forest trail users in terms of creating future forest trails and operating them appropriately.

  2026.01.12

  Keyword:Forest Trail Usage Behavior, Forest Trail Spatial Characteristics, Forest Trail Usage Satisfaction, Forest Trail Behavioral Intention, Hamjisan Forest Trail
  Abstract PDF Links
• A Study on the Activation of Korean Disaster Safety Network (K-SafeNet)

  Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present a plan to respond well to disasters by using the Korean disaster safety communication network. The only well-established Korean disaster safety communication network in the world will be used to minimize damage to people's lives and property by exerting synergy between agencies dispatched to the disaster site by allowing various related agencies to respond to disasters in a linked manner. To ensure this, research should be conducted to make the best use of the Korean disaster safety communication net-work. Method: In order to suggest a way to make good use of the disaster safety communication network, research methods such as literature research, on-site inspection, and opinion collection were applied. The literature survey studied the actual state of domestic and foreign construction related to the disaster safety communication net-work, and the research method was applied so that the current state of use of the disaster safety deep-seated network could be confirmed through on-site surveys and opinion collection, and problems could be analyzed to suggest alternative measures. This is a research conducted in the direction of strengthening the field utilization of the disaster safety communication network. Results: As a result of the previous study, it was identified that the Korean disaster safety communication net-work has a well-established infrastructure and is partially utilized by disaster officials, but some of them are not properly utilized due to a lack of understanding of wireless communication between various organizations through group communication. To overcome this, communication procedures for group wireless communication should be established, disaster management should be performed using the disaster safety communication net-work, and disaster safety communication network training scenarios should be developed for each type of disaster so that they can be actively implemented. Conclusion: Once established, the disaster safety communication network is not complete in itself. In order for a well-established disaster safety communication network to function properly, it is necessary to develop a group wireless communication procedure for the disaster safety communication network and continue communication training in accordance with the developed communication procedure. To ensure this, continuous communication training should be conducted by actively utilizing the disaster safety communication network communication training scenario developed through this study. Since these efforts are not made in a moment, disaster management activities of disaster management officers should be established as a culture. Continuous and in-depth re-search should be continuously conducted to this end.

  2024.08.31

  Keyword:Disaster Safety Communication Network, Communication Procedures, Mutual Communication, Communication Training Scenarios, Professional Education
  Abstract PDF Links

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