Ecological Characteristics and Changes to the Forest in the Rear Garden at Changdeokgung, a World Cultural Heritage Site

Soil acidification and declining organic matter threaten the biodiversity of Changdeokgung Palace Complex’s Rear Garden. Research analyzing soil characteristics, vegetation structure, and historical data from 1986–2018 reveals significant ecological instability, with the forest transitioning from Pinus densiflora to Quercus aliena dominance but lacking stable understory layers. High densities of Acer pseudosieboldianum, Acer palmatum, and Sorbus alnifolia disrupt ecosystem stability, necessitating targeted vegetation management. The study underscores the need for heritage site conservation strategies rooted in ecological succession and historical context to mitigate urbanization-driven degradation.

Park, S.-C., Han, B.-H., Kwak, J.-I., & Kim, J.-Y. (2021). Ecological Characteristics and Changes to the Forest in the Rear Garden at Changdeokgung, a World Cultural Heritage Site. Forests, 12(6), 774. https://doi.org/10.3390/f12060774