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A Study on the Use Impact on the Trail in Gwanak Mountain, Korea  

Yoo, Ki-Joon (Division of Tourism, Sangji University)
Publication Information
Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology / v.25, no.1, 2011 , pp. 111-117 More about this Journal
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to establish trail use impact indicators, and evaluate the degree of use impact based on the understanding of the causality among the impacts on the spot. Theoretical reviews developed three indicators in terms of three ecological impacts, four physical impacts, and five sociological impacts, respectively. With this indicators, observation and questionnaire survey were employed on Gwanak Mountain Trail to measure the levels of impacts forementioned. As for the ecological impact, Some loss of ground cover vegetation was reveled near the trail due to trail use, however the level of disturbance by the naturalized and exotic plants was insignificant. Physical impacts such as soil hardness, enlargement of trail width were found intensified. The result of measuring sociological impacts showed visitors had expected higher level of crowding and encounters before their visit, therefore overall satisfaction level was positive, despite higher awareness level of actual crowding. Intensified continuing use of the trail is aggravating ecological and physical impacts on Gwanak Mountain trail, because of its location in a metropolitan area. Sociological impacts seem favorable at present, however if ecological and physical impacts were deteriorated, sociological impacts would also be affected. To maintain the quality level of use experience, managerial efforts to improve climbing culture as well as ecological and physical environment such as restoration of damaged areas are needed.
Keywords
IMPACT INDICATOR; ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS; PHYSICAL IMPACTS; SOCIAL IMPACTS; USE EXPERIENCE;
Citations & Related Records
Times Cited By KSCI : 4  (Citation Analysis)
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