• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.40 no.1 s.106
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• pp.126-152
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• 2005

In recent years, there are some confusions related to the definition and existence of mountain ranges, which have been described in current geography text books. We contend that these confusions came from the lack of understanding on the geomorphological processes that form the mountain system in Korea. This research attempts to clarify the definition of mountain ranges and offer geological and geomorphological explanations about the formation of them. Based on the analyses of the social and cultural causes underlying the recent debates on the existence of mountain ranges, we tried to identify the relationships among the definition of mountain ranges, geological structure of Korea, and the forming processes of mountain ranges. The current and past mountain range maps were compared with geological structures, geological maps, surface curvature, and hill shade maps. The latter two maps were derived from a Digital Elevation Model of the Korean Peninsular. The results show that we are able to prove the existence of most mountain ranges, which provides a useful framework to understand the geological evolution of Korean peninsular and formation of mountainous landscape of Korea. In terms of their morphological continuity and genesis, however, we identified five different categories of mountain ranges: 1) Uplift mountain ranges(Hamkyeong Sanmaek, Nangrim Sanmaek, Taebaek Sanmaek), which were formed by the uplift processes of the Korean Peninsular during the Tertiary; 2) Falut mountain ranges(Macheonryeong Sanmaek, Sobaek Sanmaek, Buksubaek Sanmaek), whirh were directly related to the uplift processes of the Korean Peninsular during the Tertiary; 3) Trust mountain ranges(Jekyouryeong Sanmaek, Kwangju Sanmaek, Charyeong Sanmaek, Noryeong Sanmaek), which were formed by the intrusion of granite and consequent orogenic processes during the Mesozoic era; 4) Drainage divide type mountain ranges, which were formed by the erosion processes after the uplift of Korean Peninsular; 5) Cross-drainage basin type mountain ranges (Kangnam Sanmaek, Eunjin Sanmaek, Myelak sanmaek), which were also formed by the erosion processes, but the mountain ranges cross several drainage basins as connecting mountains laterally We believe that the current social confusions related to the existence of mountain ranges has partly been caused by the vague definition of mountain ranges and the diversity of the forming processes. In order to overcome theses confusions, it is necessary to characterize the types of them according the genesis, the purpose of usages and also the scale of maps which will explains the mountain systems. It is also necessary to provide appropriate educational materials to increase the general public's awareness and understanding of geomorphological processes.

• Journal of Korean Society of Disaster and Security
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.99-104
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• 2023

In recent years, the occurrence of abnormal weather has increased rapidly, increasing the frequency of torrential rain. As a result, stable water resource management is difficult, and human and material damage is increasing. Various measures are being established to reduce damage caused by torrential rains, but small-scale mountain catchments are relatively difficult to manage due to lack of basic plan. In this study, the risk of flooding was evaluated using the rainfall-flow model in the Yeonhwa-dong catchment national park among national parks in Korea. The Yeonhwa-dong catchment of Mt. Sobaeksan was simulated to cause flooding when rainfall of more than 50 years occurred, and it was confirmed that there was a high risk of water resource structures, safety facilities, and trails.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.12 no.12
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• pp.694-701
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• 2012

This study set put to measure the environmental radiation for mountainous regions of National Parks where Integrated Environmental Radiation Monitoring Network is not installed. For the measurement method, the space dose was classified at 1 meter high from the surface and the index dose at the surface. The measured radiation energy measured gamma, alpha and beta rays. For selection of national parks, we selected 10 national parks which are within the same distribution in the southern part and central part of the nation. For measurement equipment, INTERCEPTOR$^{TM}$(Thermo, USA, 2006) was used for gamma rays. As for the results of the measurements, for the space gamma dose, a high level was measured at a sea level of 500 meter in national parks with an altitude of less than 1,000 meter. It was found that the value was more than $0.23{\mu}Svh^{-1}$ especially in Bukhan Mountain, Gyeryong Mountain and Wolchul Mountain. In national parks with an altitude of more than 1,000 meter, $1.77{\mu}Svh^{-1}$ was measured at 1,500 meter at Seorak Mountain. Therefore, this is 10 times greater than the background standard dose. The national parks were there were no significant changes in dose were Naejang Mountain, Sobaek and Jiri Mountains. For the measurement of the index dose, a high dose level was measured at middle altitudes of 500 meter and 1,000 meter. For measurement according to the composition types of crust, high doses were recorded at national parks composed of rocks and a lower environmental radiation level was measured at Hanra Mountain where volcanic activities have occurred.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.63-87
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• 1995

The present study was undertaken to classify and describe the Quercus mongolica forest on Mt. Sobaek (36°50'∼ 37°07'N, 128°25'∼ 128°35'E), Korea by a reciprocal averaging methol (RA ordination) and the methodology of the ZM school of phytosociology. Atemporal vegetation tabel was prepared by the RA ordination. As a result it showed that the RA ordination on the first axis is very applicable for selecting the character and differential species of vegetation units of the Quercus mongolica forest. The phytosociological investigations were carried out in 34 stands on the mountain. The field data obtained were classified by the tabel comparison method. For the establishment of new vegetation units, the floristic composition of the Quercus mongolica forest was compared with those of the other vegetation units of the Mt. Sobaek, Considering the candidates of the character and differential species derived from RA ordination. As the result, the forest vegetation was classified into the following vegetation units; Fagetea crenatae Miyawaki et al. 1968 Acero-Quercetalia mongolicas Song 1988 em. Takeda et al.1994 Lindero-Quercetalia mongolicae Kim 1990 1. Lindero-Quercetum mongolicae assoc. nov. 1-1. quercetosum serratae subassoc. nov 1-2. typicum subassoc. nov. Rhododendro-Qurcion mongolicas Song 1988 em. Takeda et al. 1994. It is inferred that the Lindero-Quercion mongolicae and the Rhododendro-Quercion mongolicae corresponded to the cool-temperate forests of central and northern areas, respectively, in Korean Peninsula. Syntaxonomical synonyms were also rearranged based on the result of the present study. On the other hand, the RA ordination of stands and species on the first and second axes revealed some environmental gradients such as altitute, human impact and species richness between the vegetation units. However, the RA ordinations is considered to be less indicative for the gradients of the lower vegetation units than association. With the present study. some phytosociological problems in Korea were discussed here in detail from the floristic viewpoint.

• Atmosphere
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.171-182
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• 2008

In this study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of wind resources over Korea based on hourly observational data recorded over a period of 5 years from 457 stations belonging to Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The surface and 850 hPa wind data obtained from the Korea Local Analysis and Prediction System (KLAPS) and the Regional Data Assimilation and Prediction System (RDAPS) over a period of 1 year are used as supplementary data sources. Wind speed is generally high over seashores, mountains, and islands. In 62 (13.5%) stations, mean wind speeds for 5 years are greater than $3ms^{-1}$. The effects of seasonal wind, land-sea breeze, and mountain-valley winds on wind resources over Korea are evaluated as follows: First, wind is weak during summer, particularly over the Sobaek Mountains. However, over the coastal region of the Gyeongnam-province, strong southwesterly winds are observed during summer owing to monsoon currents. Second, the wind speed decreases during night-time, particularly over the west coast, where the direction of the land breeze is opposite to that of the large-scale westerlies. Third, winds are not always strong over seashores and highly elevated areas. The wind speed is weaker over the seashore of the Gyeonggi-province than over the other seashores. High wind speed has been observed only at 5 stations out of the 22 high-altitude stations. Detailed information on the wind resources conditions at the 21 stations (15 inland stations and 6 island stations) with high wind speed in Korea, such as the mean wind speed, frequency of wind speed available (WSA) for electricity generation, shape and scale parameters of Weibull distribution, constancy of wind direction, and wind power density (WPD), have also been provided. Among total stations in Korea, the best possible wind resources for electricity generation are available at Gosan in Jeju Island (mean wind speed: $7.77ms^{-1}$, WSA: 92.6%, WPD: $683.9Wm^{-2}$) and at Mt. Gudeok in Busan (mean wind speed: $5.66ms^{-1}$, WSA: 91.0%, WPD: $215.7Wm^{-2}$).

• The Korean Journal of Quaternary Research
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.53-61
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• 2001

To examine the effects of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the tree growths of central Korea, tree rings of Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis) , Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) and yew (Taxus cuspidata) were analyzed. Korean pine and red pine samples were collected from 4 and 7sites in Sorak Mountain ranges, respectively ; yew from one site in Sobaek Mountain. Correlations between ring-width and monthly temperature data showed generally positive relationships for the Korean pine and yew chronologies, but negative ones for the red pine chronologies. In the analysis of correlation between ring-width and monthly S0 index data, only one Korean pine chronology at the lower Hangaerung valley site, and one red pine chronology at Baekdamjang shelter site showed significant relationships ; negative with April SOI for the former and positive with previous August-September SOI for the latter. The other chronologies at higher elevation sites did not indicate any significant correlations with SOI.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.82 no.1
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• pp.17-25
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• 1993

Tree-ring data of subalpine conifers growing in Korea were analyzed to evaluate the possibility of enhanced tree growths due to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide. A total of 64 trees of three species(Taxus cuspidata, Pinus koraiensis, Abies koreana) were sampled from three mountain ranges (Seolak, Sobaek, Chiri) at 1200~1750m(above sea level) and four chronologies were developed in spans of 209~412 years. No apparent growth increases were found in the graphs of chronologies. As comparing the growths of 1900-1949 and 1950-1989 period, only one chronology possessed higher mean growth in the post-1950 period. Growth increase found in the Pinus koraiensis chronology from Mt. Seolak was 8% but it could not be solely attributed to increased carbon dioxide concentration.

• Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.75-87
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the location characteristics of the rice paddy fields and to predict shrinking areas of them. The study area is in South Korea nationwide, and a 300×300m raster level is adopted as a spatial analysis unit. The binary logit model and spatial simulation model are employed for the analyses. As a result, population, industry, climate and nature, and accessibility play a significant role in determining rice paddy fields' locations. It is predicted that the shrinking rate will be high in Gangwon-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do until 2027. The hot spots are intensively shaped in the inland of Gangwon-do, eastern parts of Gyeonggi-do, and the borders of Gyeongsangnam-do and Jeollabuk-do between Charyeong and Sobaek mountain ranges. Using Gimcheon-si as an example, the study suggests fundamental policy implications for taking advantage of the simulation results from the lens of local agriculture. Several policy measures are proposed for improving management strategies for the rice paddy fields in the long run.

• 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 the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.86-94
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• 2006

This study was to analyze vegetation and soil characteristic, and ordination of Bupleurum euphorbioides community located in Mt. Seorak area, Mt. Sobaek area, and Mt. South Deogyu area. Bupleurum euphorbioides community was classified into Carex lanceolata subcommunity and Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. alpinum subcommunity, and Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. alpinum subcommunity was classified into Calamagrostis arundinacea and Carex breviculmis group. In the study sites, soil organic matter, nitrogen, available phosphorous, changeable potassium, changeable calcium, changeable magnesium concentration, cation exchange capacity, and soil pH were ranged from 9.0~15.2%, 0.32~0.47%, 3.0~8.6ppm, 0.3~0.9me/100g, 0.5~1.5me/100g, 0.2~0.6me/100g, 11.4~16.1me/100g, and 4.3~4.6, respectively. And, soil texture was sandy loam or loam. The Carex breviculmis group of Chrysanthemum zawadskii var. alpinum subcommunity was found in area of high elevation and had high exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg concentration. The Calamagrostis arundinacea group of Chrysanthemum zawadskii var.alpinum subcommunity was found in area of low elevation and had lower exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg concentration than in the other subcommunity. The Carex lanceolata subcommunity was found in area of medium elevation and had medium exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg concentration. The Carex lanceolata subcommunity was located in a path of top the mountain peak, and has been destroyed. We need any action to protect the subcommunity.