Hapcheon County Proposes Meteorite Crater Tourism Infrastructure as Key Pledge Project

Creating a World-Class Tourist Destination with Meteorite and Geology Themes

A Special Place Connecting the Universe: The Chogye-myeon and Jeokjung-myeon areas of Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongnam, were recently identified as a "meteorite impact crater" formed by a meteorite collision.

The Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources discovered "shocked cone rocks," which are rocks deformed by intense impact, and quartz mineral grains showing planar deformation features through core drilling and mineral analysis in this region. This serves as decisive evidence that the Chogye-Jeokjung Basin is a meteorite impact crater formed by a meteorite collision, and it is the only one of its kind in Korea.

Recognizing the unique value and irreplaceable tourism resource of this meteorite impact crater, Hapcheon-gun has proposed the "Hapcheon Meteorite Impact Crater Tourism Infrastructure Development" as a key project. The goal is to create a world-class tourist destination themed around meteorites and geology.

A panoramic photo of the meteorite impact crater in Chogye-myeon and Jeokjung-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongnam.

Since October 2022, a "Basic Plan Establishment and Feasibility Study for the Creation of the Hapcheon Meteorite Impact Crater Global Geology Theme Park" has been conducted, resulting in a basic plan for project implementation, including tourism development concepts and suitable site selection.

According to the study, the Hapcheon Meteorite Impact Crater was evaluated as an attractive tourism resource, and the analysis of development ripple effects and economic feasibility also showed positive results, securing the validity of tourism resource development. The county is now promoting the construction of the "Hapcheon Meteorite Impact Crater Base Center" to meet the initial tourism demand, aiming for opening in 2025. This center will serve promotional, exhibition, and geological education functions, and will provide experiential tourism.

As for tourism infrastructure focused on outdoor activities, the "Hapcheon Meteorite Impact Crater Circular Trekking Trail" has been proposed. Connecting the 33km ridgelines of Daamsan, Mitasan, and the Chogye and Jeokjung areas, it maximizes the symbolism of the "Meteorite Impact Crater Circular Trek" and includes viewpoints where the crater can be seen at a glance. In addition, geosite viewing areas have been developed where evidence of the meteorite impact can be observed on the ground, and projects are underway to secure exhibition resources such as shocked cone rocks and deformed structure quartz. These geological resources are planned to be displayed at the base center.

To improve the local landscape and establish the identity of the "home of meteorite impact," the county plans to install symbolic sculptures featuring the mascot "Byeolkung" in the Chogye-myeon and Jeokjung-myeon areas. Furthermore, in August, a promotional booth will be operated at the International Geological Science Congress held at BEXCO in Busan to promote the value of the Hapcheon Meteorite Impact Crater to the world.

While tourism infrastructure is being developed, a tourist information center was established in September 2023 within Chogye Grand Park to provide basic information about the Hapcheon Meteorite Impact Crater. Here, samples of surface features formed by the meteorite impact and impact melt rocks are exhibited, and a guide is stationed to explain the exhibits.

The Gyeongnam Research Institute, through G·BRIEF, highlighted the need for national project development of the Hapcheon Meteorite Impact Crater tourism project. The meteorite impact crater possesses unique global brand value, and revitalizing local tourism can increase the resident population and offset regional economic losses.

It was also noted that the meteorite impact crater, having an environment most similar to outer space, can greatly contribute to the national space industry. Therefore, it is analyzed that national support would create greater synergy than pursuing such a large-scale tourism development project solely at the county level.

The county plans to establish the Hapcheon Meteorite Impact Crater tourism development project as a tourism development initiative that uniquely utilizes Korea's only geological resource, attracts tourists to counter regional depopulation, and contributes to the advancement of the space industry.

It was also stated that continuous efforts will be made to build diverse infrastructure and develop substantial content to meet the academic demand of those interested in geology, as well as the curiosity and educational needs of students and family tourists nationwide.