• Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.15-30
• /
• 2021

This study tried to reveal distribution of incision rate and the factors from fluvial terrace deposits on the western and eastern slopes in the Middle Sobaek Mountain Range, using OSL age dating and topographical analysis. An average incision rate of 0.220 m/ka was estimated in the western slope streams, while the streams on the eastern slope showed a lower average incision rate of 0.121 m/ka. These results seem to indicate that the study area experienced an asymmetric uplift. Patterns of incision rate in the study area were different from those in the Northern Sobaek Mountain Range, probably suggesting that the Sobaek Mountain Range experienced spatially different uplift patterns. Among the factors, which were considered to influence on distribution of incision rate in the study area (e.g., altitude of sampling point, distance from divide, distance from axis, channel width, and bedrock type), distance from axis showed the strongest relationship with incision rate. Therefore, uplift is thought to be the most significant factor in distribution of incision rate in the Middle Sobaek Mountain Range.

• Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.1-19
• /
• 2018

This study tries to identify distributional characteristics of stream incision rates at 23 points in the northern part of the Taebaek Mountains. Soyang-gang, Naerin-cheon, Odae-cheon, Dong-gang and upper reaches of Okdong-cheon Rivers closed to the Range show higher incision rates and the rates clearly decrease with distance from the Range. Therefore, the incision process in the northern part of the Range has been greatly influenced by uplift around the Range, and the Sobaek Mountain Range seem to play a role in the incision process. Limestone areas show lower incision rates due to degradation of terrace surface by dissolution. This study suggests that local hydrological, geological and geomorphological conditions can be regarded as an important factor in stream incision rates, although stream incision rates are greatly influenced by regional uplift.

• Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.41-51
• /
• 2020

This study tried to reveal incision rate distribution of streams on the northern part of the Sobaek Mountain Range with OSL age dating and geomorphic analysis, and factors influencing on the distribution were also discussed. With results from the previous studies, a total of 10 sites from 7 streams in the study area showed the rates ranging from 0.220 m/ka to 0.297 m/ka. Namhan-gang and Geum-cheon indicated the highest and lowest rates, respectively. Both sides in the northern section in the study area showed similar rates, while the western side in the middle section and the eastern side in the southern section showed higher rates than the other sides. Higher rates were also found from the eastern and northern sides where the Range runs N-S and E-W directions, respectively. Certain relationships with altitude and distance from the divide can be recognized from the rates and may be attributed to active incision with altitude and location of the uplift axis near the present divide. The rates on granite and sedimentary rock were higher than those on metamorphic rock, indicating that bedrock type is one of the important factors influencing on stream incision. Tectonic movement seemed to play some roles in the rates, because areas with lineaments showed lower rates. This study suggests that incision rate distribution of streams on the northern part of the Sobaek Mountain Range reflects various local geomorphic and geologic conditions.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.2 no.4
• /
• pp.73-90
• /
• 1969

The area studied is a southwestern part of Okcheon geosynclinal zone which streches diagonally across the Korean peninsula in the mid-central parts of South Korea, and is bounded by Charyeong mountain chains in the north and by Sobaek mountain chains in the south. The general trend of the zone is of NE-SW direction known as Sinian direction. Okcheon system of pre-Cambrian age occupies southwestern portion of Okcheon geosynclinal zone, and Choseon and Pyeongan systems of Cambrian to Triassic age in northeastern portion of the zone. It was defined by the writer that the former was called "Okcheon Paleogeosynclinal zone" and the latter "Okcheon Neogeosynclinal zone," although T. Kobayashi named them "Metamorphosed Okcheon zone" and "Non-metamorphosed Okcheon zone" respectively and thought that sedimentary formations in both zones were same in origin and of Paleozonic age, and C.M. Son also described that Okchon system was of post-Choseon (Ordovician) and pre-Kyeongsang (Cretaceous) in age. According to the present study two zones are separated by great fault so that the geology in both zones is not only entirely different in origin and age, but also their geolosical structures are discontinuous. Stratigraphy and structure of Okcheon system are clearly established and defined by the writer and its age is definitely pre-Cambrian. It is clarified by present study that the meta-sediments in and at vicinity of Charyeong mountain chains are correlated to Weonnam series of pre-Cambrian age which occupies and continues from northeast to southwest in and at south of Sobaek mountain chains, and both metasediments constitute basement of Okcheon system. Pyeongan, Daedong and Kyeongsang systems were deposited in few narrow intermontain basins in Okcheon paleogeosynclinal zone after it was emerged at the end of Carboniferous period. Granites of Jurassic and Cretaceous ages and volcanics of Cretaceous age are cropped out in the zone. Jurassic granite is aligned generally with the trend of Okcheon geosynclinal zone, whereas Cretaceous granite lacks of trend in distribution. Many isoclinal folds and thrust faults caused by Taebo orogeny at the end of Jurassic period are also parallel with Sinian directieon and dip steeply to northwest. Charyeong, Noryeong, Sobaek, and Deogyu mountain chains are located in areas of anticlinorium, and Kyongsang system in narrow synclinal zones. Folds in Okcheon neogeosynclinal zone are generally of N 70-80W direction but deviate to Sinian direction at the western parts of the zone. This phenomena is interpreted by the fact that the folds were originated by Songrim disturbance at the end of Triassic period and later partly modified by Taebo orogeny. Thrust faults of Taebo orogeny coentinue from Okcheon paleogeosynclinal zone into neogeosynclinal zone, forming imbricated structure as previously described. Strike-slip faults perpendicular to Sinian direction and shear faults diagonally across it by 55 degrees also prevail in neogeosynclinal zone. It is concluded from viewpoints on geology and geological structure that l)Okchon geosyncline had changed its location and affected by numerous disturbances through geologic time, and 2)mountain chains in the area such as Charyeong, Noryeong, Sobaek, and Deogyu were originated as folded mountains. Differing from others, however, Sobaek range was probably formed at the time of Songrim disturbance and modified later by Taebo orogeny. It is cut by Danyang-Jeomchon fault at the vicinity of Joryeong near Munkyeong village and does not continue to southwest beyond the fault, whereas southwestern portion of erstwhile Sobaek range continues to Taebaek rangd northeastward from Deogyusan passing through Sangju, Yecheon, and Andong. From these evidences, the writer has newly defined the erstwhile Sobaek range in such a way that Sobaek range is restricted only to northeastern portion and Deogyu range is named for the southwestern portion of previous Bobaek range.

• The Korean Journal of Quaternary Research
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.17-34
• /
• 1989

The distribution characteristics of incised meander river are analysed concerning topography, geology, stream order and altitude. Additionally geomorphological development of the Korean peninsular is considered with incised meander. The main findings are as follows: 1. The incised meander is intensively distributed on the west and north slope of T'aebak and Sobaek mountain range, but sparsely distributed on the opposite slopes. 2. Geologically, the occurrence rate of incised meander is high orderly as follows: Joseon supergroup, Pyeongan supergroup, Daedong supergroup metamorphic rock, Gyeongsang supergroup, and granite. The incised meander is developed well on the following conditions: hard rocks against weathering, stratified structure, geologic arrange across the river channel and contacting zone of geological formations. 3. The higher stream orders are, the higher occurrence of incised meander is. 4. Comparing the altitude of present river bed with the summit level of restored map, it is supposed that the incised meander rivers have been dissected about 300-500m down ward. 5. Considering the distribution characteristic of incised meander, it is suggested that not only T'aebak mountain range but Sobaek mountain range is the axis of asymmetrical up-warping in the Korean peninsular. 6. Considering the distribution characteristic of incised meander on the restored map and the stream order, it seems that present incised meander channel was inherited from antecedent meander river that had flowed on High and Middle level erosion surface. But the channel pattern has been modified.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
• /
• v.40 no.1 s.106
• /
• pp.126-152
• /
• 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 Forest Science
• /
• v.108 no.4
• /
• pp.552-561
• /
• 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 Geographical Society
• /
• v.38 no.5
• /
• pp.686-700
• /
• 2003

In Korea, aside from their official administrative names, aliases of each province or some regions are widely used not only today but also during the Joseon period when the provincial system as local administrative system was firmly implemented. Of aliases, the most representative were Giho, Gwandong, Hoseo, Haeseo, Honam, Yaeongnam, Gwanseo, and Gwanbuk representing the eight provinces (precisely, Gyeonggi and seven provinces) of Chosun Dynasty, as well as Yeongdong and Yeongseo that represent the east and the west of Gangwon-do. These aliases are mostly based on topographical features and physiographical elements, and compared to the official names of eight provinces which depended solely on city names. Of aliases, some appeared in literature during 13-l4th centuries, and all provincial aliases seem to have been widely used after the late 15th century. Aliases continued to be used for 500 to over 700 years. Aliases of eight provinces, geographically, played not lesser role than their official names. Aliases of the eight provinces and regions during the Chosun Dynasty that have been handed down are considered as holding their places' cultural and historical backgrounds, and have become important enough to be accepted as a unit of geographical regional division. The origin and meaning of aliases of each province have been partially disclosed to the geographical circle and the general public. However, the details should be reviewed. First of all, Gwan in Gwanbuk, Gwanseo and Gwandong, as well as Yeong in Yeongnam, Yeongdong and Yeongseo, are each considered as meaning Sobaek Mountain Range and Taebaek Mountain Range with many borderline areas (borders) and military strategic hubs. Also, Ho in Honam, Hoseo, and Giho, are considered as based on the Geum River and Eurimji, and Haeseo are considered as meaning the west of the Gyeonggi Bay, and having relevancy with the first letters of Haeju and Seoha (Pungcheon).

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
• /
• v.53 no.3
• /
• pp.224-243
• /
• 2020

The rock-cut relief of two Buddhas seated side-by-side in Wonpungri is a large Buddha sculpture in relief on the side of a cliff in Wonpung-ri, Goesan. This Buddha sculpture is from the Buddhist scripture Sutra of the Lotus. <法華經> Two seated Buddhas statues were prevalent in the Balhae Kingdom, but this was not popular in Silla and Goryeo. In the main text, the time that the two seated Buddhas in Wonpung-ri was created is identified as being during the 10th century. King Gwangjong created a Buddha statue for political purposes. The relief of two seated Buddha image carved on a cliff is located on an important traffic route over the Sobaek Mountain Range. After King Gwangjong took the throne, he paid close attention to the reigning powers of Jincheon and Cheongju because the people of Jincheon and Cheongju were engaged in a power struggle against Gwangjong. The huge relief of two seated Buddhas statue shows the authority of King Gwangjong. In particular, the people of Jincheon and Cheongju had to see this Buddha statue when crossing the Sobaek Mountain Range. The image contained in the relief of the two seated Buddhas features many characteristics of the sculpture style of the Balhae Kingdom. After the fall of Balhae, many of the Balhae people settled in Mungyeong. Balhae people from Mungyeong participated in the production of the relief of the two seated Buddhas. Through the relief of the two seated Buddhas, King Gwangjong wanted to show the people of Jincheon and Cheongju that the Balhae people were supporting him. The relief of two seated Buddhas reflects the historical situation of the King Gwangjong era in the late 10^th century and the style of sculpture.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
• /
• v.50 no.2
• /
• pp.199-226
• /
• 2020

Hwangmaesan Mt. (1,108 m) is rich in forest biodiversity and is a part of the Sobaek mountain range located in Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsang-do in Korea. Unfortunately, the biodiversity and ecosystem integrity of Hwangmaesan Mt. have recently been threatened by heavy human disturbances. We conducted thirteen field surveys between March and October of 2019 to investigate the vascular flora in Hwangmaesan Mt. Through this extensive survey, we found 628 taxa consisting of 106 families, 349 genera, 554 species, 16 subspecies, 48 varieties, and 10 forma. Based on a comparative analysis between the present findings and former flora reports, our results showed an increase by 28 percent in the number of taxa observed. Of the 628 taxa, dicotyledons made up the largest group (477 taxa, 76.0%) followed by monocotyledons (120 taxa, 19.1%). Endemic plants consisted of 16 taxa, with rare plants designated by the Korea Forest Service numbering 14 taxa. Ten taxa were listed on the Red list by the Ministry of the Environment. The floristic target species designated by the Ministry of the Environment numbered 75 taxa, whereas there were 42 taxa of invasive plants.