Forest researcher and subtropical forest expert Hwang Ho-rim will release his sixth book, 'Understanding Subtropical Forests' (Book Tree Publishing), on August 12, compiling 25 years of field research.
Hwang, an adjunct professor in the Department of Forest Resources at Chonnam National University and director of the Northeast Asia Forest Culture Center, is recognized both domestically and internationally as the world's only expert on Albizia macrophylla. He has consistently highlighted the ecological value and importance of subtropical forests, particularly in the southern coastal areas and Jeju Island, while actively engaging with the public through his YouTube channel, 'Forest PRO TV.'
Over the years, he has published several works, including 'Raonjena,' 'A Magnifying Glass on Our Neighborhood Forest,' 'Listening to the Forest,' and 'Albizia Macrophylla.' Last year, he released his first poetry collection, 'If I Go to the Forest, I Am a Poet,' exploring the coexistence of nature and humanity across various genres. His latest book is regarded as a significant work that consolidates his scholarly research beyond the perspectives of a poet and essayist.
'Understanding Subtropical Forests' delves into the value and ecological significance of subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests found along the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula and Jeju Island in the context of climate change. It sheds light on the changing natural environment of the Korean Peninsula through subtropical forests that remain green in winter, featuring species such as camellia and bay trees, and discusses recent findings that the northern limit of subtropical forests has shifted northward by up to 74 kilometers over the past 60 years, highlighting the realities of climate change.
Notably, the book showcases Hwang's unique 'fact-checking' narrative style. He corrects long-accepted errors in plant classification and tree names with scientific evidence, aiding readers' understanding.
For instance, he reveals that the misidentification of the Japanese black pine, believed to be native to Wando and Jeju Island, originated from an error by a German botanist in 1886, correcting nearly 140 years of misconceptions in academia. He also addresses myths surrounding the toxicity of the oleander and clarifies misunderstandings related to various tree species, bridging the gap between popular knowledge and academic facts.
The book goes beyond a simple plant guide. It explores the relationship between food culture and forests through the lens of broadleaf forest culture, covering the history and literature surrounding camellia and oleander, as well as international examples of forest conservation in places like Japan's Ayajō and Yakushima. The comparative analysis of the names and cultural backgrounds of subtropical species in Korea, China, and Japan is also praised for its scholarly and popular appeal.
Hwang Ho-rim stated, 'Subtropical forests occupy the smallest area on the Korean Peninsula but are the most dynamically changing forests. I hope this book offers a new perspective on forests and serves as a means to discover hope for the future from the nature of the past.'
'Understanding Subtropical Forests' is an accessible popular science and academic book based on 25 years of field surveys and plant classification research, expected to guide readers interested in forests and ecological environments.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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