'UNESCO Global Geopark Challenge' Baengnyeong and Daecheong Islands... Formed from 1 Billion-Year-Old Sand and Mud Deposits

Incheon City Identifies International Geological Value Through Academic Survey
Applying to Ministry of Environment in June for 2026 Certification Target

Incheon City, which applied to the Ministry of Environment in June this year to have the Baengnyeong and Daecheong Islands certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark, has presented meaningful research results proving the international geological value of these islands.

According to the results of Incheon City's "Baengnyeong, Daecheong, and Socheongdo Geological Heritage Specialized Academic Survey" announced on the 7th, Baengnyeongdo and Daecheongdo in Incheon, where the oldest biological trace fossils in Korea remain, were formed from sand and mud deposited between 1.04 billion and 950 million years ago. It was also found that Socheongdo was formed between approximately 900 million and 890 million years ago.

Comprehensive analysis of various sedimentary structures observed on Baengnyeong, Daecheong, and Socheongdo indicates that sedimentation occurred in a relatively shallow marine environment, with the sea level gradually lowering. Furthermore, based on the rocks intruded (the process where magma enters rock cracks and solidifies into igneous rock) after the sedimentation of Baengnyeong, Daecheong, and Socheongdo, it was revealed that this area is related to the formation of a large igneous province that occurred in Northeast Asia about 940 million years ago.

Socheongdo Bunbawi Photo by Incheon City

These research results were published in the latest issue of the prestigious geological journal Precambrian Research. This is the first time that the Baengnyeong and Daecheong Geopark has been featured in a world-renowned research paper. Additionally, a research paper on the high-iron sedimentary rocks discovered on Socheongdo is currently under review.

Until now, research on the Baengnyeong and Daecheong Geopark had focused mainly on the Jincheon-ri basalt, but through this survey, part of the overall geological history of the formation of Baengnyeong, Daecheong, and Socheongdo has been clarified, achieving progress in demonstrating the international geological value required for UNESCO Global Geopark certification.

Earlier, Incheon City applied to the Ministry of Environment in June to designate the Baengnyeong and Daecheong Geopark as a domestic candidate site for UNESCO Global Geopark certification, aiming for certification in 2026. Furthermore, to prepare the international value report to be included in the Global Geopark application, the city conducted this research project over 18 months starting from June last year.

The fundamental prerequisite for UNESCO Global Geopark certification is the presence of international geological value in the application area. This international value is evaluated by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), a cooperating organization of UNESCO's Global Geoparks program, and must be proven through international academic papers and reports on the area's geology.

An official from Incheon City stated, "We plan to continue efforts to demonstrate the international value of the Baengnyeong and Daecheong Geopark until it is certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark," adding, "We will revitalize the local economy and transform the area into a world-class tourist destination through the establishment of infrastructure for the Baengnyeong and Daecheong Geopark, sales of local specialties, and production of souvenirs."

Daecheongdo Nongyeo Beach (Naitae Rock) [Photo provided by Incheon City]