Floristic Characteristics of Vascular Plants in Taebaeksan National Park: Study on 10 Different Vegetation Habitats

We investigated the flora of Taebaeksan National Park using 10 different habitat vegetation assessments. We identified 788 taxa comprising 109 families, 370 genera, 717 species, 13 subspecies, and 56 varieties. They included six endangered species designated by the Ministry of Environment and 47 Korean endemic taxa. The floristic target plants included 15 grade V taxa and 54 grade IV taxa. The Red Data plants included five taxa classified as “Endangered (EN),” and 11 taxa as “Vulnerable (VU).” A total of 28 taxa were naturalized, and one taxon was an invasive alien plant. Among the 10 assessed vegetation habitats, F8 showed the highest richness with 219 taxa. It is suggested that plant diversity assessments be comprehensively conducted not only with the use of vegetation types but also with location and topographical characteristics. To conserve and maintain plant diversity in Taebaeksan National Park, grasslands, shrublands, and mixed subtree areas need to be evaluated as a priority above 1,400 m. Therefore, we propose to assess all the unique plant habitats distributed in Taebaeksan National Park and implement an appropriate conservation management plan.