Gyeonggi-do "Welcomes Hantangang World Geopark Certification"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province has issued a statement welcoming the designation of the Hantangang River as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

On the 8th, Gyeonggi Province stated, "On the 29th of last month, the 209th UNESCO Executive Board meeting gave final approval for the certification of the Hantangang Global Geopark," adding, "Gyeonggi Province deeply appreciates and warmly welcomes UNESCO's decision recognizing the aesthetic, archaeological, historical, cultural, ecological, and geological values of the Hantangang River basin."

It continued, "This UNESCO Global Geopark designation is especially meaningful as it was achieved through close cooperation among local governments including Gyeonggi Province, Gangwon Province, Pocheon City, Yeoncheon County, and Cheorwon County," and introduced, "Since signing a win-win cooperation agreement in March 2016, the local governments including Gyeonggi Province have carried out various activities such as joint academic research projects."

Additionally, it explained, "The area certified by UNESCO covers 493.24㎢ in Pocheon City, Gyeonggi Province; 273.65㎢ in Yeoncheon County; and 398.72㎢ in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, totaling 1,165.61㎢," adding, "The Hantangang River basin is home to rare geological natural environments such as columnar joints and pillow lava formed by lava flows from 500,000 to 100,000 years ago, as well as historically and culturally significant sites including the Jeongok-ri Prehistoric Site, Goguryeo Dangposeong Fortress, and the Peace Observatory."

The province also stated, "We will do our best to develop the Hantangang River basin into a representative Korean destination visited by people worldwide."

Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, commented on the UNESCO Global Geopark certification of the Hantangang River, saying, "This is the result of joint efforts by Gyeonggi Province, Gangwon Province, Pocheon City, Yeoncheon County, and Cheorwon County," and promised, "We will continue to work closely with related organizations to preserve and develop the Hantangang River so that it can become a landmark representing Korea beyond the domestic level, showing special interest and dedication."

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