Jeju Samdasoo, Scientific Proof of Origin Established After Over 4 Years of Research

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corporation announced on the 1st that it has scientifically proven that the origin of Jeju Samdasoo begins at an altitude of over 1450m within Hallasan National Park, unaffected by artificial influences.

The Water Resources Research Team of Jeju Development Corporation conducted a long-term study over more than four years and demonstrated that the altitude where Jeju Samdasoo is formed is above 1450m, originating from the pristine natural environment within Hallasan National Park, approximately 1000m higher than the Samdasoo water intake source (at 440m above sea level).

By identifying the recharge altitude where the groundwater, the source of Jeju Samdasoo, is generated, the reason for its pristine water quality has been clarified. This study, titled "Study on Groundwater Recharge Characteristics of Jeju Samdasoo Watershed Using Stable Isotopes," was published in the June issue of the Journal of the Korean Society of Groundwater and Soil Environment.

The research was conducted using the oxygen-hydrogen stable isotope method, a trusted technique in domestic and international groundwater flow studies. The analysis showed that rainwater falling at altitudes above 1450m recharges and serves as the source of Jeju Samdasoo groundwater. The main recharge altitude corresponds to the area near Jindallaebat Shelter (at 1475m above sea level) within Hallasan National Park, a place free from artificial influences.

This study was conducted by the Water Resources Research Team of Jeju Development Corporation, with the participation of Professor Sungtaek Yoon from the Department of Earth Environmental Sciences at Korea University, a renowned authority in the field of groundwater both domestically and internationally, to enhance the objectivity and reliability of the research. Professor Yoon stated, "This paper is an excellent scientific achievement that clearly identifies the origin and recharge area of Jeju Samdasoo, proving its purity."

Going forward, Jeju Development Corporation plans to conduct additional research on groundwater movement from the recharge altitude, aquifer formation, and water quality evolution processes to scientifically support the excellence of Jeju Samdasoo groundwater and ultimately establish a groundwater generation model.

President Jeonghak Kim said, "This study is significant as it scientifically proves that Samdasoo originates from a pristine natural environment," and added, "We will further strengthen the management of water sources so that the public can safely trust and drink it, and continue our efforts to conduct ongoing research on Jeju groundwater."

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