Korean Fir

Ecology and habitat

The Korean fir is endemic to South Korea and occurs in four populations: on the Gaya, Chiri and Togyu mountains, across the mainland of Halla and on the island of Jeju. This species grows between 1000 and 1900 m in shallow mountain soils with little humus. The climate is cool temperate with wet summers. Abies koreana can occur in pure stands but more is often found in open conifer dominated woodland with some hardwood species, and is less prominent.

Threat

The range of the Korean fir is ever decreasing and the quality of its habitat is under threat. Rejuvenation is insufficient. Climate change is probably an important cause of its decline along with exotic pathogens and competition from exotic pines and bamboe (Sasa). The four populations lie too far from each other to ensure healthy gene flow. Despite the species being designated a ‘protected’ status in the 1990s, 30 – 40% of the population in Togyu (10% of the National Park) have succumbed to the development of a ski resort. In order to conserve the species as well as the genetic diversity, more understanding is needed regarding the germination and survival of the seedlings.