Climate change and other factors have decimated stands of Korean firs on Hallasan Mountain, so eight organizations have banded together to try and preserve this one-of-a-kind tree. Mike Laidman has more.

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World’s only Korean fir forest on Hallasan Mountain

While it has pointy needles, it’s still a handsome tree. The Korean fir, while unknown to many around the world, closely resembles a typical Christmas tree.

The one and only forest of these Korean firs exists on Hallasan Mountain.

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Over 46% of Korean firs on Halla have died


But now, due to ever-changing weather conditions, like drought and typhoons, the number of trees has been dropping rapidly. More than 46% of the Korean firs on the slopes of Hallasan Mountain are dead, and the species has been designated as “endangered” by the IUCN.

[INTERVIEW]
Koh Jung-kun / Jeju World Natural Heritage Center
In the past two or three years, many Korean firs have been discovered dead in higher areas, like near the Seongpanak Trail, which is 1,700-1,800 meters above sea level.
< 고정군 / 세계유산·한라산연구원 녹지연구관 >
특히 성판악 등산로, 해발 1,700~800m 일대 지역인 경우는 최근 2~3년 사이에 많은 고사목들이 새롭게 발생한 상태라고 볼 수 있습니다.



Now eight organizations, including the Jeju Provincial Office, the Korea Forest Research Institute, and the National Arboretum have stepped in, and signed an MOU to preserve the tree.

Together, they will research the Korean firs themselves, their habitat, and harvest seeds.

[INTERVIEW]
Nam Sang-hyun / Korea Forest Research Institute
I believe this collaboration will bring about great synergy if the eight organizations share their knowledge.
< 남성현 / 국립산림과학원장 >
8개 기관이 공동으로 오늘 협약을 계기로 해서 함께 지혜를 모으고 추진한다면 굉장한 시너지 효과가 있지 않겠나 생각합니다.

Measures have also been set to manage the Korean firs via a more systematic approach.

And with other Jeju plant species being recognized for their value, such as the
Jeju broadleaf bamboo, researchers are recognizing the need to restore the Korean firs’ habitat to preserve it.

[INTERVIEW]
Jo Yong-chan / Korea National Arboretum
It is necessary to revive the culture that led to the cultivation of land suitable to the Korean fir. Such practices were common long ago at higher elevations on Hallasan Mountain.
< 조용찬 / 국립수목원 박사 >
과거부터 행해졌던 한라산 고지대에서 산상 방목 같은 문화 활동을 부분적으로 도입해서 구상나무가 다시 성장할 수 있는
/// 배경을 만드는 것이 시급하다고 생각합니다.

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Moon Ho-seong

But some say that it is impossible to preserve the Korean fir against the growing threat of climate change. And others suggest alternatives, like creating special laws to protect the Korean fir.

[INTERVIEW]
Lee Joong-hyo / National Institute of Ecology
Appropriate laws would help promote better research and provide the necessary funding for this research.
< 이중효 / 국립생태원 박사 >
법으로 제정되면 안정적으로 연구나 사업이 진행될 것이고 그에 맞는 재정적인 지원이 될 것으로 생각됩니다.

[reporter]
Mike Laidman

Already, almost half the Korean firs on Hallasan Mountain have withered and died. But with a careful and dedicated approach by concerned parties, they still might be saved.

Mike Laidman, KCTV