Summary
Changdeokgung Palace Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ecosystem Conservation Area, stores approximately 7,905.26 tons of carbon across its canopy and sub-canopy layers. This finding underscores the significant ecological value of urban palace forests, particularly those dominated by large-diameter and ancient trees like Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino, which contributed the most to carbon storage despite being fewer in number. The study, conducted from 2020 to 2023 across 759 sample plots, used biomass allometric equations to quantify carbon storage in 7,988 trees, providing a baseline for assessing the functional value of historical landscapes. Dominant species varied by terrain, with xeric oaks thriving on ridges and slopes, while Quercus aliena Blume and others prevailed in valley areas. The research highlights the importance of preserving such forests not only for their cultural heritage but also for their critical role in urban carbon sequestration.
Citation
Youn-Choul, K., Bong-Ho, H., & Seok-Cheol, P. (2026). Carbon Storage Assessment of Changdeokgung Palace Forest Based on Biomass Allometric Equations†. Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture, 54(3), 64–77. https://doi.org/10.9715/kila.2026.54.3.064