DAEJEON — The Korea Forest Service has selected its first-ever list of 10 outstanding forest genetic resource reserves, aiming to underscore the importance of conserving forest biodiversity and to share the ecological value of the reserves with the public.
The 10 sites are Gombae Pass on Mount Jeombong in Inje and Mount Balwang in Pyeongchang, both in Gangwon State; Mureung Valley in Donghae, Gangwon State; Seonginbong Peak in Ulleung and Sogwang-ri in Uljin, both in North Gyeongsang Province; Anmyeondo Island in Taean, South Chungcheong Province; Bulhoesa Temple in Naju, Cheongwan Mountain in Jangheung and the black pine forest of Jungnim in Jindo, all in South Jeolla Province; and Suak Oreum in Seogwipo, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. Each site has distinctive ecological features, including the alpine vegetation and wildflowers of the Baekdudaegan mountain range, the old-growth island forest of Ulleungdo and the Geumgang pine forest in Uljin.
The agency screened candidate sites nationwide, weighing their ecological conservation value, forest scenery and public appeal. It combined expert assessments with an online survey conducted through the government's public opinion platform, reflecting both professional judgment and public input.
Forest genetic resource reserves are designated and managed under the Forest Protection Act, covering forests rich in biodiversity and high in conservation value, such as habitats of rare and useful plants and old-growth forests. They play a central role in protecting habitats for a range of forest species and conserving forest genetic resources in situ.
The Korea Forest Service said it plans to continue identifying outstanding reserves and expand the number of sites the public can learn about and visit.
"We hope this will give the public an occasion to recognize anew the value of forests — precious habitats where diverse forest species live and natural heritage that must be preserved for future generations," said Park Young-hwan, director of the forest environment protection division at the Korea Forest Service.