Boseong Dinosaur and Yeosu Turtle Fossils Designated as Natural Monuments

Housed at Korea Dinosaur Research Center, Chonnam National University
First Natural Monument Designation Since Launch of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City

Korean Fossils with Scientific Names Recognized in International Journals
Highly Preserved and Rare Specimens

Dinosaur and turtle skeleton fossils discovered in Korea and officially recognized with scientific names internationally have been designated as natural monuments.

On September 4, Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City announced that the 'Boseong ornithopod dinosaur (Koreanosaurus boseongensis) skeleton fossil' and the 'Yeosu pig-nosed turtle (Byeoljubukelles yeosuensis) skeleton fossil', both housed at the Korea Dinosaur Research Center of Chonnam National University, have been designated as natural monuments.

Specimen of the Bosung Ornithopod Dinosaur (Koreanosaurus boseongensis) skeleton fossil. Provided by Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City

Specimen of the fossilized skeleton of "Yeosu Dwaejiko Turtle" (Byeoljubukellis Yeosunensis). Provided by Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City.

The National Heritage Committee under the National Heritage Administration finalized the designation of these two fossils as natural monuments during its review meeting held on August 26.

The Boseong ornithopod dinosaur skeleton fossil is a dinosaur skeleton fossil from Korea whose scientific name was formally published in an international journal. It was discovered in a near-complete form, is excellently preserved, and the location and excavation process have been clearly documented.

The Yeosu pig-nosed turtle skeleton fossil is a native Korean turtle fossil found on Sorokdo Island, Yeosu City. The shell and plastron, along with the vertebrae and both forelimb and hindlimb bones, are all preserved intact, making it highly rare and valuable.

Hwang Inchae, head of the Culture Headquarters of Jeonnam-Gwangju City, stated, "This is significant as it is the first designation of a natural monument since the launch of the integrated special city," and added, "We will ensure that the fossils are preserved and managed safely."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.