Jeju Begins Removal of Pink Muhly, Popular 'Insaeng Shot' Spot, Amid Ecosystem Disruption Controversy

Jeju City "Plans to Remove and Replace Pink Muhly in Administrative Offices"
Ministry of Environment "Concerned About Pink Muhly's Strong Reproduction"... Closely Monitoring

On the 7th, tourists visiting a cafe in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju, are enjoying the autumn atmosphere in a garden full of blooming pink muhly grass. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] The 'Pink Muhly,' popular as a life-shot hotspot, has sparked controversy over ecosystem disruption, leading administrative agencies in the Jeju area to decide to remove or replace it.

On the 16th, Jeju City and Seogwipo City announced that they would completely remove approximately 2,313㎡ of Pink Muhly planted by administrative agencies in the Jeju area.

The Pink Muhly planted in Doryeongmaru, Yongdam 2-dong, Jeju City, was already removed on the 13th.

Jeju City also recommended that the Ara-dong Community Center replace the 991.7㎡ area of Pink Muhly it planted with other plant species.

Seogwipo City also ordered the replacement of the 991.7㎡ Pink Muhly planted near the Sculpture Park by the Andeok-myeon Office.

These Pink Muhly plants were planted by administrative agencies before receiving the Ministry of Environment's Level 2 invasive plant classification.

In December last year, the Ministry of Environment classified Pink Muhly as a Level 2 invasive plant, the next stage after ecosystem-disrupting plants, based on an ecological risk assessment.

Plants classified as Level 2 invasive plants are considered to have moderate immediate risk to the ecosystem but require continuous monitoring of their future impact.

Pink Muhly has recently gained popularity as a photo spot. Native to the United States, Pink Muhly was first introduced in Jeju in 2014 when it was planted in an ecological park.

Pink Muhly is neither an 'ecosystem-disrupting organism' nor harmful to humans. It does not cause allergies and is not difficult to remove.

However, whether it interferes with the growth of other plants needs to be observed. Pink Muhly produces 70,000 to 80,000 seeds per cluster and grows well almost anywhere.

An official from the Ministry of Environment said, "Pink Muhly is not immediately dangerous, but its strong reproductive ability raises concerns about further planting," adding, "We recently sent an official letter requesting local governments to refrain from planting it."

A Jeju City official stated, "Pink Muhly planted by administrative agencies will be removed or replaced, but since the Level 2 risk classification means it could potentially affect the ecosystem and requires careful monitoring, we cannot forcibly remove Pink Muhly planted by private individuals or in tourist areas."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.