Plant Community Types and Spatial Distribution of Conservation-Value Forest Vegetation in Limestone Regions, Korea

This study systematically classified and mapped the spatial distribution of plant communities of high conservation value in Korea’s limestone regions. We analyzed vegetation data from the 4th-5th National Ecosystem Survey and the Forest Site and Soil Map. Four major vegetation types were identified -montane deciduous broad-leaved forest, montane moist forest, montane coniferous forest, and calcareous vegetation- comprising 45 plant communities. Most communities corresponded to conservation grade II. Spatial analysis showed that montane coniferous forest occupied approximately 93% of the total vegetation area in limestone regions, followed by montane moist forest, montane deciduous broad-leaved forest, and calcareous vegetation. Among all communities, the <i>Pinus densiflora</i> community covered the largest area. Regionally, Gangwon- do exhibited both the largest area and the greatest diversity of vegetation types, followed by Chungcheongbuk-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Jeonbuk-do. Communities were typified by the dominant canopy species in existing vegetation, thereby reflecting the actual structure and distribution of limestone vegetation. <i>Pinus</i> and <i>Quercus</i> were identified as the principal dominants, indicating that general characteristics of Korean montane forests are also evident on limestone substrates. These findings provide fundamental baseline information for ecological restoration, environmental impact assessment, and conservation management, and in the long term will support the development of restoration strategies that incorporate potential natural vegetation.