This study explored current status of the ridges of Jeongmaek including Hannam Geumbuk Jeongmaek, Geumbuk Jeongmaek, Naknam Jeongmaek, and Geumnam Jeongmaek. A rapid survey method was adopted for a field investigation and the results of the study were analyzed.
The average width of the four Jeongmaeks was between 0.73m and 0.78m; the average value of maximum depth of erosion was between 6.43m and 7.28cm; and the average slope was between 17.66% and 20.83%. In addition to this, the occurrence frequency of ridgeline trails was between 0.77 and 1.04 per kilometer. Compared with ridgeline trails, branch trails'' slope was lower but the damage was more serious. In addition, the degree of cut-off of Jeongmaek was 1 per between 1.7m and 3.9m. Moreover, Baekdudaegan was observed to have one cut-off per 7.8m. Also, the analysis of correlation among physical factors provided that there was a significance between trail width and maximum depth of erosion; and between maximum depth of erosion and slope. On top of that, adding factors such as population of neighboring city and popularity of the mountain, a repetitive analysis of correlation was conducted. The results showed that there was a significance between population of neighboring city and popularity of the mountain to trail width and maximum depth of erosion.
The status of devastation in trails of Hannam Geumbuk Jeongmaek, Geumbuk Jeongmaek, Naknam Jeongmaek, and Geumnam Jeongmaek was compared and analyzed with the data of the existing ridgeline trails of Baekdudaegan and of the national park, resulting in relatively lower in its degree of devastation. On the other hand, the average slope of trails was found to be similar with that of Baekdudaegan area and national park area, suggesting that the number of visitors was a significant factor to bring the difference of the devastation. This was proved in the areas with many visitors where ridgeline trails of Geumbuk Jeongmaek passed through such as Sangdang mountain fortress area, Chunan area, and Changwon city where ridgeline trails of Naknam Jeongmaek passed through.
As such, the areas whose degree of devastation was more serious than ridgeline trails of general Jeongmaek were mostly found to be the trails close to metropolitan areas. In specific, as a variety of trails existed in these areas, which were connected to mountain peak and ridgeline trails, the nature restoration period itself can contribute to reduce the devastation of ridgeline trails. During the period, ridgeline trails and forest ecosystem neighboring the trails can be preserved through restoration of vegetation and maintenance of the trails. In addition, more pleasant forest environment will be available for visitors through the restoration of the damaged forest ecosystem. Thus, it is necessary to manage the areas actively where the increase of visitors are expected.
Additionally, it is necessary to improve efficiency of maintenance method as the section of Jeongmaek trails is spacious. In other words, this study suggests assigning the degree of maintenance for the areas where high demand of devastation occurrence is expected or where serious devastation has already occurred. In conclusion, assigning the degree of maintenance will benefit for efficient maintenance and management as a management and monitoring system for cultivating and making use of trails in the future.