This study analyzed core habitat areas for two endangered forest species, the yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula) and leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), using habitat quality models and MaxEnt models. By overlaying the InVEST-HQ and MaxEnt models, priority conservation areas were identified by analyzing gaps in currently protected areas. The core area (14.7%) was mainly distributed in forests such as the Baekdudaegan Mountains Reserve, while 12.9% was outside protected areas and only 1.8% was protected. Conservation priority areas were identified as those with more than 95% forest cover, offering an appropriate habitat for the two species. These findings can be used to identify priority conservation areas through objective habitat analysis and as a basis for protected area designation and assessment of endangered species habitat conservation, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. The study combined results from two models to identify the most suitable core areas likely to be used by the species and conducted a gap analysis with existing protected areas to identify priority conservation areas. The results highlight the importance of protecting areas with high forest cover for these species, especially in regions such as Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, and Gangwon. The findings suggest that current protected areas need reassessment to include more of the core habitat for these species. The study also emphasizes the need for comprehensive ecosystem conservation plans to protect existing forests and designate new protected areas, particularly in areas with high forest cover. The results provide an objective habitat analysis for these species, which can be used to inform conservation strategies and protected area designations. Future research should consider additional taxonomic groups and further develop habitat assessment methods.This study analyzed core habitat areas for two endangered forest species, the yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula) and leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), using habitat quality models and MaxEnt models. By overlaying the InVEST-HQ and MaxEnt models, priority conservation areas were identified by analyzing gaps in currently protected areas. The core area (14.7%) was mainly distributed in forests such as the Baekdudaegan Mountains Reserve, while 12.9% was outside protected areas and only 1.8% was protected. Conservation priority areas were identified as those with more than 95% forest cover, offering an appropriate habitat for the two species. These findings can be used to identify priority conservation areas through objective habitat analysis and as a basis for protected area designation and assessment of endangered species habitat conservation, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. The study combined results from two models to identify the most suitable core areas likely to be used by the species and conducted a gap analysis with existing protected areas to identify priority conservation areas. The results highlight the importance of protecting areas with high forest cover for these species, especially in regions such as Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, and Gangwon. The findings suggest that current protected areas need reassessment to include more of the core habitat for these species. The study also emphasizes the need for comprehensive ecosystem conservation plans to protect existing forests and designate new protected areas, particularly in areas with high forest cover. The results provide an objective habitat analysis for these species, which can be used to inform conservation strategies and protected area designations. Future research should consider additional taxonomic groups and further develop habitat assessment methods.