The Use of Edible Wild Plants and Fungi in Korean-Chinese Villages

Abstract

Korean-Chinese have a thorough knowledge of using edible wild plants and fungi (EWPF) as food. However, human population decreases and destruction of habitats of EWPF are leading to the fast disappearing of the traditional knowledge of EWPF use. This study aimed to discuss the sustainable use of EWPF based on traditional knowledge and habitat protection. We analyzed the traditional knowledge of EWPF use through the Participatory Rural Appraisal (Luoga et al., 2000). Further, we analyzed the EWPF collection locations by observing participant field collection. The results indicated that 15 wild fungus species and 41 wild plant species were used as ingredients in dishes and drinks; however, habitat destruction and limited collection range caused a shortage of EWPF resources. In an effort to protect the sustainable use of EWPF, we suggest that forestry and nature reserve policies should be improved by referring to the traditional knowledge of forest resource use, regulating EWPF collection to prevent overexploitation, and protecting the collection locations during new construction in villages.