Invasive Vine ‘Kudzu-like’ (garisipak) Smothers Native Plants, Even Scenic Sites
Creatrip Team
7 months ago
Travelers and locals in Geumsan report widespread damage from an invasive vine called garisipak (Dolichos lablab-like vine, introduced from North America). The fast-growing climber now blankets riverside trees and hills, killing native plants and shrinking habitats by outcompeting and even releasing herbicidal compounds. Once-famous scenic areas such as Jeokbyeokgang and the No.1 scenic spot near Gwiraejeong are heavily overgrown, and recent riverside road and bridge construction has worsened ecological damage. Management is difficult: manual root removal and repeated cutting through growing seasons (spring young shoots and stump cutting into September) over multiple years is needed, and local governments must prioritize restoration to protect biodiversity, bird breeding sites, and traditional landscapes.
