This study aimed to analyze road density within forest protected areas in South Korea and to provide insights into improving the effectiveness of forest conservation and management. While roads are essential infrastructure for forest management, their presence within protected areas can fragment ecosystems and degrade habitats. In particular, identifying the discrepancy between conservation objectives and actual management practices requires assessment based on internationally recognized standards. Accordingly, this study analyzed variations in road density by IUCN protected area categories and evaluated whether current management practices align with the conservation goals of each category. The results showed that the average road density across South Korea’s forest protected areas was 19.6 m/ha. This value is substantially higher than the range suggested in previous studies for sustainable timber forest management in Korea(5.12–14.01 m/ha). Even Category Ⅰa areas, designated for the highest level of protection, recorded a road density of 52.6 m/ha, indicating a level of development inconsistent with their strict conservation objectives. Similarly, Category Ⅵ areas, intended for the sustainable use of natural resources, exhibited a relatively high road density of 29.1 m/ha. These findings suggest that road networks are excessively developed within protected areas, regardless of their designated protection level. Such elevated road densities pose significant threats to biodiversity by accelerating habitat fragmentation and increasing ecological disturbance within protected areas. Therefore, it is imperative to implement policies for the closure and ecological restoration of unnecessary roads. Furthermore, legal standards governing protected areas should be revised to better reflect ecological requirements and to ensure effective biodiversity conservation.