• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.377-380
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• 2001

Herbivory is an important selective forces on plants by reducing the ability of the plant to compete with its neighbors and to produce offspring. Oak nut weevil(Mechoris ursulus Roelofs) females lay eggs in unmatured acorns and cut off the branch of oviposited acorns. To investigate the influences of branch-cutting behavior of oak nut weevils on oak production, we surveyed the horizontal and vertical distribution ranges of damaged oaks and depth of sites of overwintering larvae and quantified the amounts of biomass and acorn removed by the weevils on deciduous oak species. All of the endemic oak species in Korea were damaged by oak nut weevils in all of the study sites including Mt. Halla and Mt. Seorak. The upper limit of vertical distribution of damaged oaks by the weevils raried from 700 m to 900 m. Mostly their larvae were found in soil from 8.1 cm to 10.0 cm depth in winter. Percentage of annual net primary productivity($720g{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}day^{-1}$) of oak species removed by the weevils was about 7%, which is higher than the percentage removed by all the herbivores in typical temperate forest(5%) and equivalent to that by all the herbivores in tropical forest. The predation percentage of annual acorn production by oak nut weevil was 27% in Q. mongolica and 33% in Q. acutissima. This results indicate that the branch-cutting behavior of oak nut weevil may be the most important factor regulating oak population and affecting other predators dependent on acorns.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.308-316
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• 2018

Background: Genus Sasa, dwarf bamboos, are considered to be species that lower biodiversity in the temperate forests of East Asia. Although they have a long interval, they, the monocarpic species, have a unique characteristic of large-scale synchronized flowering. Therefore, once they have flowered and then declined, it may be an opportunity for suppressed surrounding species. A previous study reported that Sasa borealis showed specialized flowering nationwide with a peak in 2015. However, this was based on data from a social network service and field survey at Mt. Jeombong. Therefore, we investigated S. borealis in the forests of five national parks in order to determine whether this rare synchronized flowering occurred nationwide, as well as its spatial distribution. Results: We found a total of 436 patches under the closed canopy of Quercus mongolica-dominated deciduous forests in the surveyed transects from the five national parks. Of these patches, 75% occupied a whole slope area, resulting in an enormous area. The patch area tended to be larger in the southern parks. Half (219 patches) of the patches flowered massively. Among them, 76% bloomed in 2015, which was consistent with the results of the previous report. The flowering rate varied from park to park with that of Mt. Seorak being the highest. The culms of the flowering patches were significantly taller (F = 93.640, p < 0.000) and thicker (F = 61.172, p < 0.000). Following the event, the culms of the flowering patches declined, providing a good opportunity for the suppressed plant species. The concurrent massive flowering of the mature patches was believed to be triggered by some stress such as a spring drought. Conclusion: We confirmed that the rare synchronized flowering of S. borealis occurred with a peak in 2015 nationwide. In addition, we explored that S. borealis not only monopolized an enormous area, but also dominated the floors of the late-successional Q. mongolica-dominated deciduous forests. This presents a major problem for Korean forests. As it declined simultaneously after flowering, there are both possibilities of forest regeneration or resettlement of S. borealis by massively produced seeds.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.113-117
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• 2016

The biodiversity of endophytic fungi on Thuja koraiensis in Mt. Hwaak, Seorak, and Hambaek, Korea was investigated. For the 202 isolates collected from the host trees, internal transcribed spacer rDNA region sequences-based analysis identified 32 taxa; 61.5% of the isolates belonged to Dothideomycetes, 27.0% belonged to Sordariomycetes, and 11.5% belonged to Leotiomycetes. This composition rate is somewhat different from that reported in previous studies for endophytic fungi inhabiting trees of the family Pinaceae. In particular, Phyllosticta spinarum in Dothideomycetes is a dominant species among the diverse endophytes of T. koraiensis. Therefore, further critical research is required for this species.

• Plant Resources
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.217-224
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• 2005

We tested the hypothesis that alpine plants have special physiological and biochemical mechanisms in addition to their structural adaptation in order to survive under extreme conditions. The photosynthetic organs of Pinus pumila were used to examine the seasonal changes in sugar concentration, antioxidative enzyme, and lipid peroxidation. The concentrations of sucrose, glucose, fructose and reducing sugar were the highest in the leaves in April. But sugar contents in buds and inner barks did not respond sensitively on temperature change. Meanwhile superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity responded sensitively on the change of temperature and SOD in all tissues maintained high activity in April. Meanwhile anthocyanin content increased rapidly in June but the increase of anthocyanin content was not enough to prevent their tissues from the damage by the exposure of high temperature or other stress. In conclusion, under low temperature condition, P. pumila increased the concentration of soluble sugars and SOD activity in their tissues in order to overcome extreme environmental condition. But in summer, these stress defense system against high temperature might be disturbed slightly. This results in the increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in three tissues by lipid peroxidation.

• Mycobiology
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.317-325
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• 2022

Endophytic fungi occupy various ecological niches, which reinforces their diversity. As few studies have investigated the endophytic fungi of alpine conifers, we focused on four species of alpine conifers in this study-Abies nephrolepis, Pinus pumila, Taxus cuspidata var. nana, and Thuja koraiensis-and examined them for endophytic fungi. A total of 108 endophytic fungi were isolated. There were four taxa in A. nephrolepis, 12 in P. pumila, 18 in T. cuspidata var. nana, and 17 in T. koraiensis; these were divided into five classes: Agaricomycetes (3.2%), Dothideomycetes (29.0%), Leotiomycetes (15.0%), Sordariomycetes (41.9%), and Orbiliomycetes (1.6%). The most prevalent fungi were Sydowia polyspora (22.7%) and Xylariaceae sp. (22.7%) in P. pumila, Phomopsis juglandina (16.1%) in T. cuspidate var. nana, and Thuja-endophytes sp. 1 (70.0%) in T. koraiensis. However, there was no dominant species growing in A. nephrolepis. Some host plants were analyzed using next-generation sequencing. We obtained 4618 reads for A. nephrolepis and 2268 reads for T. koraiensis. At the genus level, the top three endophytic fungi were Ophiostomataceae_uc (64.6%), Nectriaceae_uc (15.5%), and unclassified organism (18.0%) in A. nephrolepis and Nectriaceae_uc (41.9%), Ophiostomataceae_uc (41.8%), and Magnaporthaceae_uc (9.2%) in T. koraiensis. Our results show that there are different communities of endophytic fungi among different host plants, even if the host plants are in the same region. Such ecological niches are important in terms of the ecological restoration of alpine conifers.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.49-58
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• 2001

This study aims to compare and analyze the environment of natural parks and Ulleung island using the plant taxa classified by five degrees based on their distributional ranges. The scores differentially given based on the importance of each degree; taxa belonging to the fifth degree are given to 20 scores each, fourth 10, third 5, second 3.3, and first 2.5, respectively. The total assessed scores were ranked as Mt. Halla, Seorak, Jiri, Deokyu, Is. Ulleung, Mt. Sobaek, Odae, Palgong, Chink, Taebaek, Songni, Juwang, Gaya, Duryun, Gaeryong, Bukhan, Naebyeon, Worak, Naejang, Cheongryang, Naeyeon, Myeongii, Jokye, Mudeung, Wolchul, Geumo, Juheul, Biseul, Hwangmae, Jangan, Seonun, Moak, Seonam, Chilgap, and Gibaek, in order, respectively. It is suggested that the natural environments assessing more than 1,000 of total scores such as Mt. Halla and Mt. Deokyu are regarded as the most excellent ones, and those between 700 to 1,000 of total scores such as Is. Ulleung and Mt. Odae are regarded as relatively excellent ones. Natural parks scored between 500 to 700 such as Mt. Palgong and Mt. Gaya are regarded as good ones and parks scored between 300 to 500 such as Mt. Duryun and Mt. Mudeung are regarded as normal ones. The area assessed less than 300 of total scores such as Mt. Wolchul and Mt. Gibaek are regarded as the most inferior ones. The total scores of the national parks are generally higher than those of the provincial and county parks. In addition, Ulleung island has a total of 882.9 scores. Therefore, according to the IUCN the Ulleung island should be included in the criterion of the preservative model of natural ecosystem, suggested by Ministry of Environment. At the same time, Ulleung island should be included to the superior model of natural scenery resources by its uniqueness of topography, geography and natural environments. Ulleung island is assessed as having relatively excellent natural environments as compared with other national parks, suggesting that the island should be designated as a new national park.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.1-12
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• 2009

The purpose of this research was to propose policy directions for the design and construction of nature-friendly park facilities (PF) in national parks. In order to do that, nature-friendliness evaluation indicators(NEIs) used in green building rating systems and related articles were reviewed. After the initial literature review was complete, NEIs for park facilities based on location, design, construction, operation, and management sectors were developed. Data was obtained through a questionnaire completed by 79 managers at 19 national parks in Korea in 2008. The answers were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, a t-test, a multi-dimensional analysis, and a factor analysis. This research found that: 1) The results indicated that based on relative weight calculation, the location condition was evaluated as the most important; 2) The evaluation results regarding the degree of nature-friendliness of park facilities showed that location condition was ranked higher than design and construction--in addition, the evaluated values of indicators related to energy efficiency were ranked the lowest; 3) the level of nature-friendliness of shelter was given the highest level, but resting facility was the lowest level; 4) Overall, park facilities at Mt. Seorak, Mt. Odae, and Taean Coast national parks showed high levels of nature-friendliness. But park facilities at Mt. Gyeongju and Mt. Songni national parks showed low levels of nature-friendliness. The results of this research shall contribute to the establishment of tailor-made management policies, the development of detailed guidelines for increased energy efficiency and visitor satisfaction, and the preservation of ecosystems and natural resources in Korea's national parks.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.108 no.4
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• pp.552-561
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• 2019

In korea, debris-flow disasters are induced by typhoon and localized torrential rainfall annually. These disasters are particularly severe in the Korean national park due to its geomorphological characteristics. This study was conducted to analyze the landslide characteristics and forest environmental factors of landslide areas located in rugged mountain range in the Korean national park (Mt. Seorak, Mt. Jiri, and Mt. Sobaek). Overall, landslides occurred at 474 sites. The average area of the landslide scar among these sites was 1,212 ㎡. The average landslide sediment was 1,389 ㎥, average landslide length was 75 m, and the average width was 12.9 m. The landslides frequently occurred in regions with igneous rock and coniferous forest. In addition, slope gradient degree (31°-40°), slope gradient direction (N), vertical slope (concave), cross slope (concave), altitude (401-800 m), position (middle), stream order (first order), forest type (mixed), parent rock (igneous), and soil depth (<46 cm). The relationship between landslide soil volume and environmental factors showed positive correlation. The variables of vertical slope (complex), altitude (<1,201 m), and soil depth (<46 cm) correlated significantly at 1 % level.

• Journal of Korean Society of Disaster and Security
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.1-11
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• 2019

This study selected the national park area of Mt. Seorak in Inje-gun, Gangwon-do, where a lot of debris flow occurred due to the heavy rainfall and conducted a field survey. In addition, topographic spatial data were constructed using the GIS technique to analyze watershed characteristics. For the construction of terrain data after the disaster, the debris flow occurrence section was scanned and the 3D topographic data was constructed using the terrestrial LiDAR. LiDAR terrain data are compared to digital maps(before disaster) to assess precision and topographic data before and after the disaster were compared and analyzed. Debris flow diffusion area was calculated using FLO-2D model and compared debris flow occurred section.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.103-118
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• 2018

Ecosystems in subalpine regions are recognized as areas vulnerable to climatic changes because rainfall and the possibility of flora migration are very low due to the characteristics of topography in the regions. In this context, habitat niche was formulated for representative species of arbors in subalpine regions in order to understand the effects of climatic changes on alpine arbor ecosystems. The current potential habitats were modeled as future change areas according to the climatic change scenarios. Based on the growth conditions and environmental characteristics of the habitats, the study was conducted to identify direct and indirect causes affecting the habitat reduction of Abies nephrolepis. Diverse model algorithms for explanation of the relationship between the emergence of biological species and habitat environments were reviewed to construct the environmental data suitable for the six models(GLM, GAM, RF, MaxEnt, ANN, and SVM). Weights determined through TSS were applied to the six models for ensemble in an attempt to minimize the uncertainty of the models. Based on the current climate determined by averaging the climates over the past 30years(1981~2010) and the HadGEM-RA model was applied to fabricate bioclimatic variables for scenarios RCP 4.5 and 8.5 on the near and far future. The results of models of the alpine region tree species studied were put together and evaluated and the results indicated that a total of eight national parks such as Mt. Seorak, Odaesan, and Hallasan would be mainly affected by climatic changes. Changes in the Baekdudaegan reserves were analyzed and in the results, A. nephrolepis was predicted to be affected the most in the RCP8.5. The results of analysis as such are expected to be finally utilizable in the survey of biological species in the Korean peninsula, restoration and conservation strategies considering climatic changes as the analysis identified the degrees of impacts of climatic changes on subalpine region trees in Korean peninsula with very high conservation values.