This study was conducted to investigate the altitudinal distribution of the ground beetle community in a mountain area during 2007 to 2009, and to examine what habitat characters are most relevant to the distribution of mountain ground beetle species, and finally to identify potential biological indicators for monitoring in forest. The study area was Mt. Sobaeksan National Park (1439 m elevation), in Punggi-up, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea. Ground beetles were collected by pitfall traps, which were installed along the altitudinal gradient 437, 757, 1100 and 1420 m. In total, 3,259 individuals were identified as 32 species in 18 genera. The dominant species were Synuchus cycloderus (29.4%), Eucarabus sternbergi sobaeksanensis (15.4%) and Pterostichus orientalis (9.7%) in order. Overall, the ground beetle community structure was different along the altitude (similarity 65.2%) by NMDS ordination, but also were clustered into 2 groups, 437 and 757 m, and 1100 and 1420 m (similarity 57.9%). Therefore, the ground beetle assemblage could provide basic information for forest management. In this study, some ground beetle species were suggested to potential biological indicators along altitudinal gradient.

• Jong Kook Jung(Entomology program, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University)
• Seung Tae Kim(Research Institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University)
• Sue Yeon Lee(Entomology program, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University)
• Jong Kyun Park(Department of Forest Resources and Environment, Kyungpook National University)
• Joon Ho Lee(Entomology program, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University)