Long-term Analysis of Land Use Change in Limestone Ecosystems of the Korean Peninsula (1980s-2020s)

Limestone regions in the Korean Peninsula are vital sources of raw materials for the cement industry but face conflicting challenges of economic development and environmental degradation due to large-scale open-cast mining. This study analyzed longterm land-use changes in limestone ecosystems using land cover maps from the 1980s to the 2020s. To ensure consistency in time-series analysis, a 30-meter standard grid system was established, integrating Level-1 and Level-3 land cover data to quantify spatiotemporal dynamics over the past 40 years. The analysis revealed distinct phases in forest area changes. From 1980 to 2000 (recovery phase), forest areas increased due to reforestation policies and rural exodus. However, this trend reversed after 2010 (accelerated degradation phase), with a sharp decline in forest cover. Specifically, approximately 35,704 ha of forest were lost during the recent decade (2010-2020). Deforested areas primarily transitioned into grasslands and barren lands, directly reflecting the impact of mining and quarrying activities. Meanwhile, urban areas increased approximately 3.1-fold over the 40 years, indicating continuous development pressure. This study confirms that limestone ecosystems have shifted from a recovery trend to a phase of rapid degradation since the 2010s. These findings suggest an increased risk of ecosystem collapse and highlight the urgent need for effective restoration mandates and the establishment of a robust ecological monitoring system.