Optimizing key parameters of the Vegetation Photosynthesis and Respiration Model (VPRM) is crucial for accurately calculating net ecosystem CO₂ exchange (NEE). The objectives of the present study were to use data measured in temperate broad-leaved Korean pine forest at Changbaishan (CBS) in 2005 to optimize four VPRM parameters, maximal light use efficiency (ε₀), half-saturation value of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR₀), and two respiration parameters (α, β), and to evaluate the simulation results using data measured in 2006. Using the optimized parameters, the VPRM was able to accurately simulate variation in net ecosystem CO₂ exchange (NEE) during the growing season of 2006. For 30 min NEE simulation, the mean bias was-1.81 μmol m^-2 s^-1, and the correlation coefficient was 0.72. In regards to daily variation, the peak NEE value was underestimated by 9%, and the correlation coefficient was 0.97. However, the VPRM was unable to accurately simulate NEE during the non-growing season. During this period, the mean bias for 30 min NEE simulation was 0.39 μmol m ^-2 s^-1, and the correlation coefficient was 0.10. In regards to daily variation during the non-growing season, the peak NEE value was underestimated by 82%, and the correlation coefficient was 0.50. Furthermore, we also found that the VPRM is better suited for simulating NEE on sunny days than on cloudy or rainy days. The present study facilitates application of the VPRM to studies of the NEE of temperate broad-leaved Korean pine forest and has important significance for improving simulation of regional terrestrial ecosystem NEE.