This study investigates core habitat areas for two endangered forest species in Korea: the yellow-throated marten (*Martes flavigula*) and leopard cat (*Prionailurus bengalensis*). By overlaying the InVEST-HQ and MaxEnt models, the researchers identified priority conservation areas by analyzing gaps in currently protected areas. The InVEST-HQ model assessed habitat quality, with the majority of the most suitable areas (designated as grade 1) correctly identified. The MaxEnt model accurately captured the ecological characteristics of both species, identifying probable regions of occurrence. The core area (14.7%) was primarily distributed in forests such as the Baekdudaegan Mountains Reserve, with 12.9% outside protected areas and only 1.8% within protected areas. Conservation priority areas were defined as those with more than 95% forest cover, providing 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.This study investigates core habitat areas for two endangered forest species in Korea: the yellow-throated marten (*Martes flavigula*) and leopard cat (*Prionailurus bengalensis*). By overlaying the InVEST-HQ and MaxEnt models, the researchers identified priority conservation areas by analyzing gaps in currently protected areas. The InVEST-HQ model assessed habitat quality, with the majority of the most suitable areas (designated as grade 1) correctly identified. The MaxEnt model accurately captured the ecological characteristics of both species, identifying probable regions of occurrence. The core area (14.7%) was primarily distributed in forests such as the Baekdudaegan Mountains Reserve, with 12.9% outside protected areas and only 1.8% within protected areas. Conservation priority areas were defined as those with more than 95% forest cover, providing 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.