Last deglaciation hydroclimatic environment on the central inland of the Korean Peninsula based on pollen and microscopic charcoal records

This study presents a multiproxy reconstruction of terrestrial hydroclimate variability, natural fire occurrence, and vegetation dynamics from the Gonggeomji paleolake in central South Korea, covering the last deglaciation (ca. 17–10 ka). Pollen-based quantitative estimates of mean annual temperature and precipitation, combined with palynomorph assemblages, sedimentary charcoal, and lithological data, reveal strong linkages between climate forcing, ecological change, and fire regimes. During Heinrich Stadial 1, cold and dry conditions—driven by weakened Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and an intensified East Asian winter monsoon—fostered the dominance of boreal conifer forests, reduced vegetation cover, and increased fire frequency and soil erosion. The Bølling-Allerød interstadial was marked by rapid warming, higher humidity, and expansion of warm-temperate deciduous forests. This trend was briefly reversed during the Younger Dryas, which brought cooler conditions and renewed fire activity, although moisture levels remained moderate. Postfire ecological recovery followed a classical successional sequence, with bryophytes and herbs preceding arboreal taxa. These patterns indicate strong ecological resilience under favorable hydroclimatic conditions. The Gonggeomji record highlights the role of both high-latitude and tropical forcings in modulating East Asian monsoon dynamics on multi-centennial timescales. This study provides important insight into vegetation–climate–fire interactions and contributes a valuable inland Korean perspective to global last deglaciation climate reconstructions.