Gochang-gun Certified as UNESCO Global Geopark... 5th in South Korea

Published 11 Sep.2023 10:11(KST)

Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do announced on the 11th that it has been recognized as a member of the 'UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.'

It is expected to engage in various exchanges and collaborations with 195 geoparks across 48 countries, standing shoulder to shoulder with places like Zhangjiajie in China.

County Governor Shim Deok-seop attended the 'UNESCO Global Geoparks Network General Assembly' held in Morocco, North Africa, and received the certificate of certification for the 'New UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.'
[Photo by Gochang County]

On this day, County Governor Shim Deok-seop attended the 'UNESCO Global Geoparks Network General Assembly' held in Morocco, North Africa, and received the certificate of recognition for the 'newly designated UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.'

Earlier, in May, the county was designated as a new UNESCO Global Geopark by the UNESCO Executive Board. It is the fifth geopark in South Korea.

The Jeollabuk-do West Coast Geopark includes a total of 32 geological sites, with 13 in Gochang-gun and 19 in Buan-gun.

In Gochang-gun, the designated sites include Cheonmabong Peak of Seonunsan Mountain, Ma-aebul (rock-carved Buddha), Jinheung Cave, Byeongbawi Rock, Soyo Mountain Lava Dome, Songgyeri Precambrian Gneiss, Myeongmaegi Spring, Dolmen Cluster, Myeongsasimni Beach, Gusipo Gamakdo, Shenier, Daejukdo Island, and Gochang Mudflat.

At this general assembly, geopark officials from around the world gathered to discuss geopark management, various activities, and the role of geoparks in addressing global issues.

Additionally, Korea’s national geoparks and UNESCO Global Geoparks operated exhibition booths and conducted enthusiastic promotional activities.

Nickolas Zouros, Chair of the Global Geoparks Network, stated, “In situations such as global climate change, geoparks must strive for more sustainable activities, and furthermore, all newly designated UNESCO Global Geoparks are requested to actively participate as members of the network.”

Governor Shim Deok-seop said, “Gochang-gun is a beautiful place where the mysterious changes in strata, coastlines, and climate from tens of millions of years ago to the present live and breathe throughout the sea, mountains, rivers, and fields. As a member of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, we will do our best to contribute to the conservation and utilization of geological heritage.”