National Heritage Administration Acquires Ownership of 928 Fossil and Rock Specimens

Including the Collection of the Late Professor Kim Hangmook

Fossilized pterosaur footprints (left) and lava tree molds

The National Heritage Administration announced on September 22 that it has acquired ownership of 928 fossil and rock specimens this year, including pterosaur footprints, dragonfly fossils, and lava tree molds. With this, the total number of geological heritage specimens secured since the implementation of the system in 2022 has reached 3,883.

The most notable geological specimens are over 10,000 items collected by the late Kim Hangmook, former professor at Pusan National University, during his lifetime. Of these, 140 specimens have been registered in the database, and 30 have been transferred to state ownership. An official from the National Heritage Administration stated, "The remaining specimens will also be organized sequentially, and we will review whether they should be transferred to the state."

Since 2020, the National Heritage Administration has been conducting a comprehensive survey of fossils and rocks held by national and public institutions, universities, and individuals, and has been releasing this information through the 'Geological Heritage Specimen Information Service.' After on-site inspections and expert evaluations, specimens designated for state ownership are managed by the assigned institution. The annual breakdown of specimens transferred is as follows: 1,499 in 2022, 831 in 2023, and 625 in 2024.

The National Heritage Administration will operate the 'Third Voluntary Reporting Period' until October 17, allowing individuals and organizations to report unregistered fossils in their possession. An official stated, "We will strive to preserve and utilize Korea's geological heritage through systematic management."

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