Busan Becomes First Inland Geopark in Korea
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The Ministry of Environment announced that 151.48㎢ encompassing a total of seven districts including Geumjeong-gu Yeongdo-gu and Haeundae-gu in Busan are to be certified as a national geopark.
These national parks are designated by the Korean government to manage and preserve areas of natural beauty and significance. It is hoped these areas can be used as tools to not only educate the public but to also promote the development of local tourism and regional economies.
The Geoparks initiative was launched by UNESCO in response to the perceived need for an international initiative that recognizes sites representing an earth science interest.
Three Korean islands -- Dokdo, Ulleungdo and Jeju Island -- were certified as national geoparks on December 27, 2012. However, Busan is the first geopark located inland in Republic of Korea.
Busan National Geopark includes 12 natural geological attractions - Orbicular Gabbro, Nakong River Estuary, Molundae, Dusongbando, Songdobando, Dudo, Taejongdae, Oryukdo Islands, Igidae, and Jangsan, Geumjeongsan, and Baekyangsan mountains.
Attractions can be found in convenient locations for tourists all across the city, in mountains, along the seaside and in the river estuary.
The Ministry of Environment said that it will certify more national geoparks that hold geographical importance in order to preserve the areas, apply them to educational purposes, and to boost local tourism and regional economies.
For more information, please contact the Ministry of Environment at (044)201-7311.
