On April 4, the 'Hwanggeun' which has better carbon storage ability than ordinary trees is growing around the coastal wetland in Ojo-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo City./Courtesy of Moon Subin.

On the 4th, the gentle waves raised by the wind at the coastal wetland in Ojo-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo City, Jeju. The trees rooted in the black basalt surrounding the wetland caught the eye. This tree, with round green leaves sprouting from every branch, is 'Hwanggeun,' which has excellent carbon storage capability. Hwanggeun was chosen by Jeju Island to achieve carbon neutrality by absorbing the carbon dioxide emitted, effectively reducing the net emissions to zero.

Former Ojo-ri chief Ko Gi-bong, encountered in the semi-mangrove forest, noted, "The Hwanggeun fruit, which develops after the flowers fall, grows well no matter where it is scattered," and added, "If you break a branch and plant it on the ground, it grows well, and it can even take root on coastal rocks if it gets carried away by the tides."

Mangroves are coastal plants native to tropical and subtropical regions, exhibiting 3 to 5 times greater carbon storage capacity than regular forests. The 'Jeju Native Semi-Mangrove Forest' established in Ojo-ri is part of a project promoted by Jeju Island this year, aiming to create a 140-hectare forest by planting Hwanggeun, which absorbs carbon emitted by humans. Jeju Island is taking proactive steps toward carbon neutrality and a green growth society.

The semi-mangrove forest creation project, which will invest 4.5 billion won, will take place from this year until 2029, with Ojo-ri as the first target area. This is because Ojo-ri houses the largest natural habitat of Hwanggeun, the 'Siksanbong' hill. Jeju plans to develop semi-mangrove forests in Gujwa and Namwon in 2026-2027, and in Hallim and Daejeong in 2028-2029. Jeju Island expects the semi-mangrove forest to absorb 296 tons of carbon dioxide annually, totaling 8,890 tons over 30 years.

On April 4, former Ojo-ri village head Go Gi-bong (left in the photo) explains the Hwanggeun grown in the coastal wetland of Ojo-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo City./Courtesy of Moon Subin.

Former chief Ko is even promoting the semi-mangrove forest project, which has fostered collaboration between the public and private sectors. Ko remarked, "The area of the coastal wetland in Ojo-ri alone is 800,000 pyeong, and if you include Sihung, Jongdal, and Hado, it’s a tremendous amount, so I believe the goals set by the province will be achieved."

Ahead of Arbor Day in March, Jeju Island planted 2,035 Hwanggeun trees and 96 Sumbigi trees, which are also semi-mangroves. Planting 2,035 Hwanggeun trees signifies the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035. This event was attended by Jeju Governor Oh Young-hoon, who explained, "To proactively respond to the climate crisis, we have set the year 2035 as our carbon neutrality target, 15 years ahead of the national goal."

A scene from the JTBC drama 'Welcome to Samdalri'/Courtesy of JTBC.

Jeju Island plans to create a distinctive village with the semi-mangrove forest, establishing a basis for coastal scenery tourism. Ojo-ri has a bridge that crosses the coastline alongside the semi-mangrove forest, making it a frequent destination for tourists who come to walk. Thanks to its beautiful natural scenery, it was also the filming location for the JTBC drama "Welcome to Samdari" aired last year.

From June to August, Hwanggeun produces yellow flowers. Because of this, it is sometimes referred to as the tree that blooms with yellow hibiscus flowers. The flower's meaning is 'blessing pouch.' This is fitting as it captures carbon while attracting tourists, earning it the title 'Ojo-ri Blessing.' Former chief Ko said, "I want to bequeath not 5 trillion won, but 50 trillion won in value to future generations."

Jeju Island also plans to secure emission rights, which allow for greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon credits are generated as the semi-mangrove forest absorbs carbon, with a value of about 16,500 won per ton. Assuming the semi-mangrove forest absorbs 8,890 tons of carbon over 30 years, the revenue from this would be approximately 150 million won.

On April 4, officials from the Ministry of Environment walk on a bridge in the coastal wetland of Ojo-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo City where the semi mangrove forest is established./Courtesy of Moon Subin.