Jungmuncheon Stream, Jeju-do, South Korea

Environment

Environment

Affected by human activity

Affected by human activity

Pollution

Pollution

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Surrounding area

The surrounding area of Jungmuncheon Stream on Jeju-do Island is a picturesque and captivating landscape. Lush greenery, including diverse flora and towering trees, blankets the surroundings, creating a serene and natural atmosphere.

The stream meanders through valleys, occasionally forming gentle cascades and pools that add to its beauty. The area is known for its scenic beauty, with the stream flowing through rocky terrain and dense forests, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors – no wonder this place is a popular tourist attraction.

The natural surroundings are teeming with biodiversity, with various plant species, small animals, and birds. The area was selected as a Designated Natural Monument No. 378 in 1993 because of the rare plants it contains and its value for scientific research. A number of rare plants grows here as well. Tall trees, ferns and other interesting plants grow close to the banks of the stream, and makes this place even more beautiful.

Underwater landscape

Jungmuncheon Stream is a rather classical hillstream with rapid water flowing through rocks in all sizes – the water is relatively slow moving in dry season though. As the stream flows through its course, it carves its way through rocky terrain, creating a diverse and intriguing underwater environment. Underneath the crystal-clear water, you may find a variety of submerged rock formations, crevices, and small caves that provide shelter and hiding spots for aquatic life.

The underwater ecosystem of Jungmuncheon Stream is home to fewer aquatic species than compareable streams flowing into the sea of mainland Korea. Nevertheless you might spot small fish swimming gracefully among the rocks, or groups of freshwater gobies leaning against the current.

Invertebrates such as water insects, snails, and freshwater crustaceans can also be found, adding to the biodiversity of the stream. Caridina multidentata are not native to this area, but is probably released by aquarists.

The upstream of Jungmuncheon is composed of boulders and cobbles. As more downstream you move the more it consists of pebble, gravel and sand. The chosen area of this biotope is about middle of the stream, so there is not much sand, but rocks, pebbles and gravel in all sizes.

Fishlist:

• Rhynchocypris oxycephala (Leuciscidae)
• Rhinogobius giurinus (Oxudercidae)
• Plecoglossus altivelis (Plecoglossidae)
• Rhinogobius brunneus (Oxudercidae)
• Mugil cephalus (Mugilidae)

Crustaceans:

• Caridina multidentata (Atyidae)

Threats to ecology

Although there is numerous appreciable initiatives underway on Jeju-do Island, like the focus of suistainable tourism, nature conservation projects, UNESCO Global Geopark and a goal of being carbon free by 2030, there is still some serious threats to the ecology of the Island. Among these are:

1. Tourism Pressure: Jeju-do Island is a popular tourist destination, and the high volume of visitors can have ecological consequences. Increased foot traffic, waste generation, and infrastructure demands can put stress on sensitive habitats, coastal areas, and natural resources.
2. Urbanization and Development: The rapid urbanization and development on Jeju-do Island pose a significant threat to its natural ecosystems. Infrastructure expansion, construction projects, and increased human activity can lead to habitat loss, fragmentation, and disturbance to the native flora and fauna.
3. Invasive Species: The introduction of non-native species, such as plants, animals, and pests, can disrupt the balance of native ecosystems on Jeju-do Island. Numerous freshwater species has already been introduced to the island. Some reports even claim that the Rhinogobius giurinus is invasive.
4. Volcanic activity. Jeju-do Island is located in an active volcanic region, and as such, volcanic activity poses certain threats to the island’s environment and population.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat

Many -

Bibliography

• → Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity (2015) - Distribution Characteristics of Freshwater Fish in Jeju-do, Korea by Lee W.O. et al.
  ISBN S2287-884X(15)00012-6
  
• → Jeju Environmental Planning - Environmental Issues in the Jeju Island, Korea. by Yearn Hong Choi, Choong Suk Ko
  
• → Department of Geography Education, College of Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896 - Climate Change and Tourism Sustainability in Jeju Island Landscape by Song, W.
  
• → Journal of Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture - A Study of a Conservation and Management Plan for Natural Monument No. 27 Jeju Anguilla marmorata via Landscape Analysis and Food Source Analysis by Sang Woo Jung, Seok-Jun Son and Hosung Hwang
  

Sitography

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