A recent discovery reveals that Japan's colonial government extensively deforested the primitive forests of Korea's Baekdu Daegan under the guise of research, undermining the claims of colonial modernization.
A recently uncovered report from Tokyo Imperial University highlights the extensive deforestation of Korea's Baekdu Daegan, shedding light on the historical impact of Japanese colonization. This report, titled 'Practice Forest of Red Pine in Gangwon Province of Joseon,' was published in 1931 and details the logging activities that took place in the region. It provides evidence that there are no untouched primitive forests in Korea due to the large-scale logging conducted during the Japanese occupation, countering narratives such as the pro-Japanese New Right's theory of colonial modernization.
The study details the specific area of the practice forest located in Gangwon Province, which was historically significant for housing the 'Hwangjangmok' (Yellow Fiber Tree), a type of pine that was especially preserved during the Joseon Dynasty. Following Korea's annexation by Japan in 1910, the Tokyo Imperial University began clearing the forest for research and practical purposes. The deforestation, occurring over decades, not only removed valuable native trees but also contributed to the loss of biodiversity and the alteration of the ecosystem in the Baekdu Daegan region, now a protected area.
The implications of this historical logging are profound, as it raises questions about environmental stewardship during the colonial period and the lasting effects on forest conservation in modern Korea. By unveiling this report, environmental organizations like the Green Union emphasize the need to reassess historical narratives surrounding Japanese colonization and advocate for better protection and restoration of Korea's natural heritage, reflecting on how past actions continue to shape present challenges in forestry and conservation policy.
