Assessment Notes

Justification

This is a widespread chanterelle of temperate woodlands in East Asia. Originally described from the Republic of Korea, it has has subsequently been recorded from China too, implying a wide distribution. With multiple potential tree associates it is suspected to not face any significant threats. Therefore, Cantharellus koreanus is assessed as Least Concern.

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Geographic range

First reported from the Republic of Korea (Antonin et al. 2017), this species was noted to be widespread, with records scattered across the central and northern areas of the Republic of Korea at altitudes between 172 and 596 m asl (see Antonin et al. 2017). It has subsequently been recorded from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunnan Province, China, at an altitude of 1,200 m asl (Zhang et al. 2022). With this distribution it is also assumed that the species may occur elsewhere in suitable habitat in China, as well as in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

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Population and Trends

There are no quantitative data available that would allow for an accurate assessment of the overall population size and trend, however, given the potential wide distribution the population size is unlikely to be small enough to warrant consideration for a threatened category.

Population Trend: Unknown

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Habitat and Ecology

This is a species of temperate forests. It has been located growing on soil underneath Pinus densiflora, Carpinus laxiflora, Quercus acutissima, Q. mongolica and Castanea crenata, within the forests of the Republic of Korea (Antonin et al. 2017); and in forests dominated by Fagaceae in China (Zhang et al. 2022).

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Threats

While there has been some forest cover loss within the potential range of the species, this has been very limited (see World Resources Institute 2023), and with multiple potential associated tree species, this fungus appears to be adaptable. Thus it is suspected to not face any significant threats.

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Conservation Actions

It has been recorded from multiple protected areas (see Antonin et al. 2017, Zhang et al. 2022). Further research into this species’ wild distribution and habitat preferences would be useful.

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Source and Citation

Westrip, J.R.S. & Liddle, T.A. 2025. Cantharellus koreanus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2025: e.T189311047A270327732. Accessed on 23 November 2025.

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• Country occurrence