As Jeju Special Self-Governing Province was the first in Korea to be certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark, each local government showed great interest in designating a geopark. However, there is little interest in designating a geopark in Jeollanam-do...
As Jeju Special Self-Governing Province was the first in Korea to be certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark, each local government showed great interest in designating a geopark. However, there is little interest in designating a geopark in Jeollanam-do, especially in island areas where geological values are intactly preserved. In this study, Manjaedo Island, Heuksan-myeon, Shinan-gun, which has excellent island and seascape was selected as the research site to explore the possibility of a geopark.
Manjaedo Island is not being preserved or developed by any protection system, but it is an island with beautiful seascape and valuable geological resources. In order to achieve the research purpose, the concept was established through a literature review related to geological resources and geoparks. The necessity of designating a geopark was suggested from the viewpoint that it is possible to revitalize the sustainable local economy through efficient use of geologic resources without restrictions on activities excluding geosites, which are the characteristics of geoparks.
As a result of research on regional revitalization using geological resources and previous studies related to geoparks, it was revealed that research on island region‘s revitalization methods using geoparks was relatively poor. This study, therefore, presented a difference from existing studies.
The status and direction of national geoparks management were examined by comparing a case studies and survey of local residents in island geoparks. Based on the results of the analysis several results were derived.
First, if Manjaedo Island is designated as a national geopark, it will be possible to preserve and use the island utilizing its unique geological site and various ecological resources. Second, through local branding that can promote Manjaedo Island, it is possible to activate island geotourism, and third, it is expected that the local economy of the island can be revitalized through this. As a condition for the designation of Manjaedo National Geopark, it was deemed necessary to find various geosites, establish a management system that can actually operate the park after designation, and provide practical education to local residents in related fields. The expected effect of designating Manjaedo as a geopark is an opportunity for Manjaedo to become a national geo-brand. It is to maximize the diverse and special geological topography and ecological and cultural conditions of Manjaedo to lead the revitalization of the region and to gain national recognition of its value. In addition, it is judged that it will be the basis for revitalizing sustainable island ecotourism in which local residents participate as one of the stakeholders.
In the future, I will expand the research on the possibility of designating Manjaedo Geopark not only to Manjaedo but also to Sangtaedo Island, Jungtaedo Island, Hataedo Island, and Gageodo Island in the vicinity, and continue interdisciplinary research on geological, ecological, historical and cultural resources. Looking forward to a comprehensive regional revitalization discussion.