• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.517-522
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the morphological and anatomical characteristics of needle and the genetic diversity of Pinus pumila Regel which is a unique and the southern peripheral population in South Korea. ANOVA test showed that there were significant differences among individuals within population in all 8 needle characteristics. Average characteristics of 66 individuals were 53.59 mm in needle length, 0.78 mm in needle width, 68.98 in needle index, 0.65 mm in needle thickness, 4.56 ea. in maximum stomata row, 3.80 ea. in minimum stomata row, 8.36 ea. in total stomata row and 1.71 ea. in resin canals, respectively. Resin canal per needle of this species ranged from one to three, depending on external type. Especially, arrangement types were 69.47% in two resin canals and 30.45% in a single resin canal. A total of 78 bands was generated from 9 selected I-SSR primers. The estimates of genetic variation were 61.5% in proportion of polymorphic bands (P), 1.698 in effective number of alleles ($A_e$), 0.388 in expected heterozygosity ($H_e$) and 0.567 in Shannon's information index (S.I.), respectively.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.399-409
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• 2009

Many researches have shown that NDVI provides a potential methods to derive meaningful metrics that describe ecosystem functions. In this paper we investigated the use of the MODIS NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) to monitor vegetation phenology dynamics of Northern plateau region, North Korea, during last 9-years (2000~2008). The findings of this paper can be summarized as follows. First, the length of growing season ranged from a low of 128 days in 2003 to a high of 176 days in 2000 and 2005. On the average of the last 9 years, the highest NDVI of 0.86 was marked on 28 July. Greenup onset occurs at the start of May, while the senescence begins between late September and October. Second, these annual vegetation cycles were compared with Seorak and Jiri Mountain regions of South Korea which have similar vegetation condition. Greenup onsets in South Korea were observed earlier than those of North Korea and the average time lag between the South and North Korea in Greenup was about 16 days which is a time-resolution of remotely sensed data. Sub-alpine conifers of such areas may be severely affected by the large of phenological characteristics due to the global warming trend.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.253-258
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• 2015

In South Korea, Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel (dwarf stone pine) has been designated as a critically endangered species by the Korea Forest Service. We have difficulties in obtaining the seeds of P. pumila because P. pumila grows only in the Daecheongbong area (1550–1700 m above sea level) of Mt. Seorak and almost all of its cones are damaged by birds and rodents. For establishing an ex situ conservation stand of P. pumila, this study was conducted to figure out the effects of wet cold (cold stratification, prechilling) and GA₃ treatment on the germination of P. pumila seeds. After cold stratification (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 months), prechilling (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 months) and GA₃ treatment (0, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 ㎎/L), seeds were placed on petri-dishes at 25℃ under light condition. The percentage of germination, mean germination time and the germination rate were investigated. The results showed that both of the cold stratification and prechilling were effective in improving germination performances. However, there were no significant differences in performances between the two cold treatments. Within each treatment, the germination performances improved with the period of treatment. However, after three months of treatment, the performances showed no significant improvement. The gibberellin treatment was also effective in improving seed germination of P. pumila. The percentage of germination reached 79.0% in the seeds treated with 100 ㎎/L of GA₃. However, the germination performances decreased at high concentration of GA₃ treatments (over 2000 ㎎/L). In conclusion, cold stratification (over 3 months) or 100 ㎎/L of GA₃ treatment was considered to be the appropriate method for seedling production of P. pumila.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.413-421
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• 2022

This study was conducted to identify the vegetation structure of the Abies nephrolepis forests by analyzing species composition in Mt. Doota and Mt. Cheongok in the Gangwon region with the phytosociological method. In order to perform a field investigation, 18 survey areas with an area of about 400 m2 were set up for the stands where A. nephrolepis grow wild. Communities were classified through TWINSPAN and visualized using DCA (Detrended Correspondence Analysis). Species diversity analysis, importance value analysis, and DBH class analysis were employed to identify the characteristics of each community. As a result, the A. nephrolepis forests in Mt. Doota and Mt. Cheongok have been classified into 4 communities; GroupI, II, III and IV. GroupIis Quercus mongolica-A. nephrolepis competitive forest dominated by Q. mongolica and A. nephrolepis in the order. Group II is A. nephrolepis-Betula ermanii competitive forest dominated by A. nephrolepis, Sorbus commixta, and B. ermanii in the order. Group III is dominated by A. nephrolepis, but is expected to have competition between A. nephrolepis and Q. mongolica in the future due to the mass occurrence of Q. mongolica saplings. A. nephrolepis, S. commixta, and Q. mongolica are the dominant species in Group IV, and A. nephrolepis is the major dominant species in all layers. The species diversity of the A. nephrolepis forests in Mt. Doota and Mt. Cheongok is lower than other A. nephrolepis forests in Mt. Seorak, Maruguem, and Mt. Odae. It is necessary to establish conservation measures and to continuously monitor the A. nephrolepis forests in Mt. Doota and Mt. Cheongokis due to the harsh environment and the competition that may occur between A. nephrolepis and deciduous trees such as Q. mongolica in the future.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.316-323
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• 2022

Background: We developed a habitat suitability index (HSI) model for Pedicularis hallaisanensis, a Grade II Endangered Species in South Korea. To determine the habitat variables, we conducted a literature review on P. hallaisanensis with a specific focus on the associated spatial factors, climate, topography, threats, and soil factors to derive five environmental factors that influence P. hallaisanensis habitats. The specific variables were defined based on the collected data and consultations with experts in the field, with the validity of each variable tested through field studies. Results: Mt. Seorak had a suitable habitat area of 2.48 km² for sites with a score of 1 (0.62% of total area) and 0.01 km² for sites with a score of 0.9. Mt. Bangtae had a suitable habitat area of 0.03 km² for sites with a score of 1 (0.02% of total area) and 0 km² for sites with a score of 0.9. Mt. Gaya showed 0.13 km² of suitable habitat for sites with a score of 1 (0.17% of total area) and 0 km² for sites with a score of 0.9. Lastly, Mt. Halla showed 3.12 km² of suitable habitat related to sites with a score of 1 (2.04% of total area) and 4.08 km² of sites with a score of 0.9 (2.66% of total area). Mt. Halla accounts for 73.1% of the total core habitat area. Considering the climatic, soil, and forest conditions together with standardized collection sites, our results indicate that Mt. Halla should be viewed as a core habitat of P. hallaisanensis. Conclusions: The findings in this study provide useful data for the identification of core habitat areas and potential alternative habitats to prevent the extinction of the endangered species, P. hallaisanensis. Furthermore, the developed HSI model allows for the prediction of suitable habitats based on the ecological niche of a given species to identify its unique distribution and causal factors.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.483-490
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• 2020

This study aims to construct an ecological community and lay the foundation for sustainable development in the Korean Peninsula by promoting cooperation between the South and North Korea in the non-political and no-military natural environment sector under the rapidly changing inter-Korean relations. It analyzed South Korea's aid and international cooperation projects in natural environmental sectors in North Korea and examined North Korea's national plan and the cooperation projects that North Korea proposed to the international community to identify potential cooperation projects. It selected 15 potential cooperation projects and 6 crucial factors to be considered in prioritizing the projects through case studies and the first expert survey (five persons). The six crucial factors were i) urgency, ⅱ) linkage between North and South Korea (ecological community in the Korean Peninsula), ⅲ) contribution to sustainable development (prosperity), i) North Korea's acceptability, ⅴ) cooperation conditions and budget, and ⅵ) project sustainability. The second expert survey (14 persons) focused on prioritizing the 15 potential inter-Korean cooperation projects in line with six crucial factors. The 15 potential inter-Korean cooperation projects in the natural environment were comprehensively reviewed and scored based on the six crucial factors. The resulting priority projects were identified as follow: i) Mt. Seorak - Mt. Keumgang International Peace Park, ⅱ) support and cooperation for agro-forestry, ⅲ) joint conservation projects for internationally important migratory birds (such as Black-faced Spoonbills and Cranes), iv) inter-Korean ecotourism linkage and promotion, and ⅴ) establishment of integrated information system on leading ecosystems and biodiversity in the Korean Peninsula. The priority cooperation projects presented in this study are based on the perception of experts engaged in inter-Korean natural environmental cooperation in consideration of existing cooperation cases and conditions. For the actual implementation of these potential projects, a systematic approach, including the formation of consensus between North and South Koreas and the creation of a cooperative network with suitable partners suitable for each project's characteristics, would be needed.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.98 no.6
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• pp.733-739
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• 2009

This study was carried out to analyze the relationship between major climatic factors (monthly temperature, precipitation) and radial growth of Korean Pine (Pinus koraiensis) in Inje-gun(Mt. Seorak), Sanchung-gun and Namwon-si(Mt. Jiri). Radial growth measurements were crossdated and correlated with climate variables. The climatic factors used were monthly mean temperature and monthly precipitation from August of previous year to September of the current year. In Inje-gun, radial growth was negatively correlated with monthly mean temperature in April, May, June, and August of the current year and was positively correlated with precipitation in August, October of the previous year and in April, August of the current year. Sanchung-gun showed a negative correlation with monthly mean temperature in September of the previous year and August of the current year but positive correlation in January of the current year. In contrast, precipitation in September of the previous year and August of the current year showed a positive influence. The results suggest that high temperature together with low precipitation may thus cause water stress and thereby limit radial growth in this region. In Namwon-si, the climategrowth relationships show that radial growth was negatively correlated with monthly mean temperature in August, October of the previous year and June of the current year. But August of the previous year and May, August of the current year in precipitation was positively correlated with radial growth. In the study areas, precipitation plays an important role for the radial growth of Kroean Pine (Pinus koraiensis). The results suggest that precipitation is important in the radial growth because water deficit in trees would take place in response to high temperature in the study area. Also there was some differences with study areas in the effects of both climatic variables probably as a result of different stand structure and geographical conditions and micro-climate.

• 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 Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.379-392
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• 2014

This study was performed to predict the future climate envelope of Pinus pumila, a subalpine plant and a Climate-sensitive Biological Indicator Species (CBIS) of Korea. P. pumila is distributed at Mt. seorak in South Korea. Suitable habitat were predicted under two alternative RCPscenarios (IPCC AR5). The SDM used for future prediction was a Maxent model, and the total number of environmental variables for Maxent was 8. It was found that the distribution range of P. pumila in the South Korean was $38^{\circ}7^{\prime}8^{{\prime}{\prime}}N{\sim}38^{\circ}7^{\prime}14^{{\prime}{\prime}}N$ and $128^{\circ}28^{\prime}2^{{\prime}{\prime}}E{\sim}128^{\circ}27^{\prime}38^{{\prime}{\prime}}E$ and 1,586m~1,688m in altitude. The variables that contribute the most to define the climate envelope are altitude. Climate envelope simulation accuracy was evaluated using the ROC's AUC. The P. pumila model's 5-cv AUC was found to be 0.99966. which showed that model accuracy was very high. Under both the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, the climate envelope for P. pumila is predicted to decrease in South Korea. According to the results of the maxent model has been applied in the current climate, suitable habitat is $790.78km^2$. The suitable habitats, are distributed in the region of over 1,400m. Further, in comparison with the suitable habitat of applying RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 suitable habitat current, reduction of area RCP8.5 was greater than RCP4.5. Thus, climate change will affect the distribution of P. pumila. Therefore, governmental measures to conserve this species will be necessary. Additionally, for CBIS vulnerability analysis and studies using sampling techniques to monitor areas based on the outcomes of this study, future study designs should incorporate the use of climatic predictions derived from multiple GCMs, especially GCMs that were not the one used in this study. Furthermore, if environmental variables directly relevant to CBIS distribution other than climate variables, such as the Bioclim parameters, are ever identified, more accurate prediction than in this study will be possible.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.36
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• pp.35-78
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• 2020

This study aims to reveal the overall Fengshui figuration and geomantic features of Daesoon Jinrihoe's Geumgangsan (Mt. Geumgang) Toseong Training Temple Complex from the Hyeonggi (Energy of Form) Theory in Fengshui. This study first looked at the mountain landscape viewable from the surface, examined the influence of Qi (Energy) flowing inside it, comprehended the flow of its vitality in terms of its strengths and weaknesses, and gauged the depth of the energy produced from mountain streams to determine fortune and misfortune. There is a special significance to this site due to Sangje's teaching that "⋯ it will be prosperous with 12,000 Dotonggunja (Dao-empowered Sages)," and it is also known as a efficacious grounds for cultivation among ascetics due to it housing the royal mausoleum of Dojeon (interpreted by some as Maitreya). Concerning this, this study explores the geomantic symbolism and growth-supporting land of Geumgangsan Toseong Training Temple Complex as it corresponds to Fengshui theory, and in keeping with this, the topography and conditions are likewise examined. The mountain range and its energy pathways (veins) harmonize with the pure water energy coming from the East Sea. The mountain terrain of Mount Geumgang, and the geomantic location, topography, and energy pathways that influence Daesoon Jinrihoe Geumgangsan Toseong Training Temple Complex are all explored. The Baekdudaegan Mountain Range extends through Mount Geumgang to Sinseonbong Peak, and one range extends to Geumgangsan Toseong Training Temple Complex whereas the other range extends through Sangbong Peak down to Misiryeong Valley and Mount Seorak. Thus, this study demonstrates that Daesoon Jinrihoe has always strongly considered the relationship between its temple complexes and their surrounding environment. The order has always selected locations that exhibit optimal conditions which suit the construction of sacred spaces. The determinations in this paper were made through an academic approach that drew upon various theories of Fengshui while examining Daesoon Jinrihoe's Geumgangsan Toseong Training Temple Complex. The in-depth analysis was specifically based on Hyeonggi Fengshui. At the same time, this study also looked into the surroundings of Geumgangsan Toseong Training Temple Complex. In particular, the mountains and flow of nearby bodies of water were comprehensively examined to show how the surrounding topography corresponds to the principles of Fengshui. An integral approach combining all major theories of Fengshui revealed that Geumgangsan Toseong Training Temple Complex starts from Sinseonbong Peak, and its energy flows through the main mountain range, going through numerous geographical changes of yin and yang. When the range flows down, the water flows accordingly, and where the water whirls, the mountains are shaped accordingly. Eventually, this energy reaches Geumgangsan Toseong Training Temple Complex. From the organic relationship between mountains and bodies of water, which can be said to be the essence of the order of nature, it can be judged that the most prominent geomantic feature of Geumgangsan Toseong Training Temple Complex corresponds to traditional theories of Fengshui in that it forms a configuration wherein optimal water energy supports the Virtuous Concordance of Yin Yang and harmonizes the Blue Dragon with the White Tiger.