Buan Gyeokpori Pepperlight and Spherical Structures of Solseom Designated as Natural Monuments

Mixed Layer of Volcanic and Sedimentary Rocks
Traces of Volcanic Activity from 87 Million Years Ago

Buan Gyeokpori Pepperlight

Unique rock formations along the coastal cliffs are designated and managed as natural monuments.

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on November 13 that two geological heritage sites in Buan, North Jeolla Province, have been designated as natural monuments: "Buan Gyeokpori Pepperlight" and "Spherical Structures within the Tuff Cone at Solseom, Docheong-ri, Buan."

Buan Gyeokpori Pepperlight is a rock layer approximately 1 meter thick, where volcanic and sedimentary rocks are mixed together in fragments. It forms when hot lava passes through moisture-laden sediment, causing the water to boil and steam to explode. The solidified appearance resembles ground pepper sprinkled on the surface, which is why it is called "Pepperlight."

Spherical Structures within the Tuff Ring at Solseom, Docheong-ri, Buan

While pepperlight typically forms as thin bands along rock boundaries, the formation at Gyeokpori in Buan is unusually thick, making it rare in Korea. Its classic characteristics and formation process are clearly observable, giving it high academic value.

Solseom in Docheong-ri, Buan, is located off the coast of Surak Village and becomes connected to the mainland during low tide. It was formed by volcanic activity in the Late Cretaceous period, about 87 million years ago. The lower tuff cone of the island features grape-like spherical structures, a volcanic rock formation rarely found both in Korea and abroad.

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