Gochang-gun Obtains Re-certification for 'Jeonbuk West Coast National Geopark'

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] The "West Coast National Geopark" in Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk, was re-certified as a national geopark once again at the 27th Geopark Committee meeting on the 29th.

According to the county on that day, a national geopark is designated to wisely preserve geologic resources that are very important in earth science and have high scenic value, and to utilize them as educational and tourism resources.

Certification by the Geopark Committee must be obtained every four years.

This re-certification was postponed due to COVID-19, and the re-certification evaluation began in the second half of last year.

Since being certified as the 9th national geopark in Korea in 2017 as the Jeonbuk West Coast National Geopark, it has received high evaluations for constructing trails for the preservation and utilization of geological sites, developing and operating new experience and exploration programs, and improving the geopark exploration guidance system.

The county has made efforts to revitalize the geopark through the creation of the Byeongbawi Geo Trail, the establishment of a geological experience learning center within the Ungok Wetland Ecological Park, and the operation of the Geo Dream program.

The Jeonbuk West Coast National Geopark, which is pursuing UNESCO Global Geopark certification, will challenge the UNESCO Global Geopark certification next year and is preparing for an on-site inspection this fall.

County Governor Shim Deokseop said, "We are striving to develop and operate various programs to revitalize the Jeonbuk West Coast National Geopark," and added, "We will actively respond to the UNESCO Global Geopark on-site inspection and board resolution scheduled for this fall and do our best to obtain UNESCO Global Geopark certification."

Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil baekok@asiae.co.kr

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