Pink muhly grass, a relatively new plant species to Jeju, has recently been categorized as a threat to the ecosystem, and the province is uprooting the plant across the island.
However, the local government cannot force private properties to remove the plant. Concerns on possible ecosystem disturbance remain.
Todd Thacker reports.

Along a road outside the city center, planted pink muhly is being cut down.
A favorite with visitors, last year the province planted the exotic species all across the island.
However, recently scientists have classified the plant as an invasive species, one that can threaten the local ecosystem.
This means the plant now has to be removed.


Area residents are expressing bewilderment at the removal of the cheerful pink flowers since they beautified their neighborhoods.



On a hill near Jeju International Airport, a pink muhly field which was first planted in 2018 has also been obliterated.

The province oversaw the creation of around 2,300 square meters of pink muhly fields.
Most were planted before the National Institute of Ecology classified the plant as a level two ecological threat last December.



The level two designation means that at the moment the species poses a medium level of harm, one that requires careful monitoring to assess its ecological impact.



Experts warn that the fast-growing plant can disturb the ecosystem of native species.


The province has since banned the planting of pink muhly in public places and is running a program to replace it with other species.



However, when it comes to privately owned land and businesses like cafes, the province cannot force owners to remove the plant.
Only when the species is categorized as a level one ecological threat can authorities then compel them to replace their pink muhly plants.


With an estimated 10,000 square meters of pink muhly growing on private land here, only time will tell how this might impact local plant species and the larger Jeju ecosystem.
Todd Thacker, KCTV