Arbor Day was earlier this month, and one of the trees that really needs help here on the island is the Korean fir. Local researchers began in 2013 to study how best to preserve the species, which climate change is threatening. Joseph Kim reports.



Report

The nation’s largest habitat of Korean fir is on Hallasan Mountain.

But the trees are withering and dying.

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Half of Korean firs on Halla have died over last 20 years

Nearly half of the Korean firs on the mountain have died over the past 20 years.

The tree is included among the Red List of Threatened Species put out by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature or IUCN.

Researchers have been conducting a study since 2013 to preserve the dying trees.

They’re now growing seedlings in a seedbed and later transplanting healthy young trees onto the mountain.

INTERVIEW
Kim Dae-shin / Researcher, Jeju World Natural Heritage Center
We’re investigating every possible contributor to the withering of Korean firs. We’re looking at the species itself, as well as the broadleaf bamboo that has overwhelmed the mountain. We’re also growing seedlings to restore the endangered species.
<인터뷰 : 김대신/제주도 세계유산본부 녹지 연구사>
"한라산 구상나무림의 고사원인을 찾기 위해 다각도로 노력하고 있습니다. 구상나무림에 대한 전수·부분적 조사뿐 아니라 조릿대 영향 등 여러가지를 연구하고 있습니다. 이에 발맞춰 지역별로 수집한 종자를 증식해서 생태적으로 복원할 수 있도록 준비하고 있습니다."

The Jeju World Natural Heritage Center is now growing about 25,000 Korean fir seedlings.

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Slow growth complicates preservation efforts

The species grow very slowly.

A three year old seedling is only 7 centimeters tall and a four year old one is just 10 centimeters.

Young trees grown for 5 years are transplanted to (어승생악) Eoseungsaengak, 700 meters above sea level to adapt to the outdoor climate.

But after another five year period in (어승생악) Eoseungsaengak, they will be finally planted on another part of Hallasan Mountain.

As this project requires commitment and dedication, it is constantly faced with unexpected difficulties.

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Trees to be planted at Yeongsil this year

The Jeju World Natural Heritage Center is planning to plant 1,000 trees near (영실) Yeongsil next month or later this year on a trial basis.

Along with the species, other endangered shrubs like the azalea and royal azalea will also be planted to restore the original forest of the mountain.

[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Kim Yong-min

Islanders are looking forward to seeing the beautiful Korean fir forest on Hallasan Mountain once again, and hoping researchers’ efforts are rewarded.

Joseph Kim, KCTV