The Baekdu-daegan protection area in South Korea was classified into vagetation zones, dividing the central region (8 communities) and the southern region (8 communities). The central region was categorized into Pinus densiflora, Quercus mongolica forests, mixed deciduous broad-leaved forests, and subalpine vegetation. The southern region was categorized into P. densiflora forests, mixed deciduous broad-leaved forests, and Q. mongolica forests. The horizontal vegetation type differences showed that the central region had a wide distribution of deciduous oak species and mixed deciduous broad-leaved forests, while the southern region had a wide distribution of P. densiflora forests and oak species. This was attributed to environmental factors such as climate, topography, and human activities. Overall, the central region, with its high altitude and rugged terrain, experienced less human interference, resulting in lower disturbance levels. The designation of various protected areas allowed for the preservation of existing vegetation, and the secure growth period of natural forests led to the wide distribution of deciduous broad-leaved species and oak species. In contrast, the southern region, with its lower altitude and easier human access, was dominated by pine forests, an early successional vegetation type. The oak species, which are in a competitive state, were found to be expanding their influence.