Seung-Ha LEE, Institution for Marine and Island Cultures, Mokpo National University, Korea (Republic of)
Kim JAE-EUN, Institution for Marine and Island Cultures, Mokpo National University, Korea (Republic of)
Hong SUN-KEE, Institution for Marine and Island Cultures, Mokpo National University, Korea (Republic of)
Korea is a peninsular country with the fifth largest number of islands in Asia surrounded by 3,400 islands. Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do is an administrative district made up of islands, and there are about 1,000 inhabited and uninhabited islands. The islands of Sinan-gun were included as a national maritime park area in Korea because of their unique topography, geology, and biodiversity characteristics. Our research is preparing a proposal for a national geopark by utilizing the beautiful nature, ecosystem, and geological resources of isolated islands in the region. The locations are Manjaedo, Sangtaedo, and Hataedo in Heuksan-myeon, Sinan-gun. Some islands belonging to Heuksan-myeon (eg, Daeheuksando, Hongdo) have already been designated as national parks or natural monuments, and the national ecosystem conservation support for residents' lives, and tourism industry are being activated. We are conducting research so that the natural value, environmental value, and ecosystem service of neighboring islands can be evaluated for national geopark recognition. Since several islands have already been approved as geoparks in Korea, a case study was conducted to investigate the contents necessary for geopark designation, management directions before and after designation, tourism patterns, changes in residents' lives, and changes in the ecosystem through case studies. It was found that the unique characteristics of the geology itself were a very important evaluation item for designation of a geopark in Korea, and the cooperation of the islanders until the designation was very important. Geoparks are also part of nature reserves, so they can receive national support. In order to enhance the future value of the island area of ??Heuksan-myeon and use it as a new eco-tourism resource, it is necessary to consider not only the operation of the geopark, but also the connection with the related island industry and the introduction of new biogeological businesses.
Mots clés : island|geopark|remote island management|island ecosystem service|Korea
A104570SH