Survey of the Nation's Most Successful Afforestation Site
Featuring Japanese Cypress and Cedar Trees
The Jeollanam-do Forest Research Institute began exploring natural habitats of forest resources on the Jangseong Chukryeongsan hiking trail on the 21st. Provided by Jeonnam Province
The Jeollanam-do Forest Research Institute, together with Jangseong County, began exploring the natural habitats of forest resources at the entrance of the Chukryeongsan (621m) hiking trail in Jangseong on the 21st.
Chukryeongsan is the nation's most successful afforestation site, where the renowned forester Lim Jongguk cultivated and managed Japanese cypress and cedar trees for 21 years starting in 1956. It is famous as an optimal location for forest bathing and has been selected as a beautiful forest to be preserved for the 22nd century due to its high natural value, attracting many visitors.
The two institutions plan to promote the results of their survey on the flora in the Chukryeongsan area to enhance understanding of forests and raise awareness of the value of forest resources in the Jeonnam region.
Since the enforcement of the Nagoya Protocol, the Jeonnam Forest Research Institute has been conducting forest resource explorations in major forests since 2013 to build a database of native forest resources in Jeonnam.
As a result, they discovered for the first time the natural habitat of a tree known as 'Tongjohwa' in Gudo, Wando, proposed the Korean name 'Wandosulgutnamu,' and published a paper on it. Survey results from Sangwangsan in Wando, Illimsan in Boseong, and Gamagol in Damyang were also published in academic journals.
In addition, they published books on rare plants of Namdo (2015), endemic plants of Namdo (2016), old trees of Namdo (2017), uses of Namdo plants (2018), rare plants of Jeonnam (2019), and two field guides in 2024: one on the plants of Illimsan in Boseong County and the other on the plants of Gamagol in Damyang County.
They have also developed a new income crop for forestry by propagating yellow-fruited raspberry specimens collected during forest resource explorations and applying for the variety registration of 'Goldmoon' in 2023.
By operating a forest bio-extract bank utilizing warm-temperate forest resources, they are leading technology transfer through the development of health functional foods with anticancer properties, cosmetics, and bio-materials based on substance analysis.
Director Oh Deuksil said, "Through forest resource exploration, we will survey the native plants of Chukryeongsan, create specimens from collected plants, hold academic presentations and specimen exhibitions, and continue to promote the beauty and value of local forest resources."
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