Groundwater, the 'Key' to Sustainable Water Resource Utilization

Jeju Development Corporation Hosts the 14th Jeju Water World Forum
Held Under the Theme of 'Reevaluating the Value of Groundwater and Sustainable Use'
Emphasizing the Importance of Groundwater to Solve Global Water Issues

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corporation, which produces and sells Jeju Samdasoo, held a forum to raise awareness about the importance of groundwater. Despite groundwater being a vital resource used as drinking water by more than half of the global population, its importance and value have received relatively little attention. In particular, South Korea has not been proactive in utilizing groundwater, with 95% of its tap water supplied based on surface water. However, as water resource pollution and shortages have become global issues including in South Korea, there is a growing recognition of the need for a proper understanding of the value of groundwater, which has vast quantities and high renewal rates, and for exploring sustainable ways to utilize it.

Baek Kyung-hoon, President of Jeju Development Corporation, is delivering the opening address at the "14th Jeju Water World Forum" held on the afternoon of the 2nd at Maison Glad Jeju.
[Photo by Jeju Development Corporation]

Reevaluating the Value of Groundwater

The 14th Jeju Water World Forum, hosted by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corporation, the producer and seller of Jeju Samdasoo, was held on the 2nd at the Maison Glad Jeju Convention Hall.

The forum, held over two days starting from this day, was organized under the theme "Reevaluating the Value of Groundwater and Sustainable Utilization" to raise awareness of the importance of groundwater resources and discuss sustainable growth strategies for the bottled water industry. It was jointly hosted by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Development Corporation, and Jeju Research Institute, organized by Jeju Development Corporation, and supported by the Ministry of Environment, the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH), and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources.

On the first day of the forum, a joint seminar on the theme "Jeju-Hawaii Water Circulation System" kicked off the event, followed by an opening ceremony and keynote speeches. Presentation sessions under the theme "Reevaluating the Value of Groundwater" and expert panel discussions on "Creating and Utilizing the Value of Global Groundwater Resources" were held. The Jeju Water World Forum is an international groundwater-focused forum aimed at promoting the importance and excellence of Jeju water and raising its recognition.

Baek Kyung-hoon, President of Jeju Development Corporation, said, "Through the 14th Jeju Water World Forum, we hope to rediscover the value of groundwater, discuss sustainable utilization methods, and create an important opportunity for future water resource conservation and management." He added, "Jeju Development Corporation will continue to strengthen domestic and international cooperation to promote the excellence of Jeju water resources, including Jeju Samdasoo."

Discovering the Hidden Value of Groundwater... Need to Explore Sustainable Utilization Methods

Marco Petitta, Vice President of the International Association of Hydrogeologists, who delivered the keynote speech, introduced specific measures to raise awareness of groundwater under the theme "The Hidden Value and Future Role of Groundwater Resources." Vice President Petitta pointed out that despite groundwater being a key resource with vast quantities accounting for 95% of freshwater and a high renewal rate, it is underestimated as a resource used only in emergencies because it is invisible. He said, "Groundwater is often excluded from water resource and ecosystem management, which prevents us from utilizing its advantages such as availability, quality, and accessibility, negatively impacting our society and environment."

He emphasized that to change perceptions about groundwater, "First, interdisciplinary cooperation is needed to develop new knowledge within the groundwater science community, and practical and sustainable solutions should be found through innovative approaches and technologies." He added, "Based on this, communication among hydrogeologists, policymakers, and the public should be strengthened to raise awareness of groundwater and optimize policy activities based on an accurate understanding of groundwater systems." Vice President Petitta predicted, "Through this, under the goal of universal and equitable access to drinking water, everyone will be able to drink safe and affordable water."

Marco Petitta, Vice President of the International Association of Hydrogeologists, is delivering a keynote speech on "The Hidden Value and Future Role of Groundwater Resources" at the 14th Jeju Water World Forum.

Kim Hyung-soo, President of the Korean Society of Groundwater and Soil Environment, presented on the theme "The Utilization Value and New Opportunities of Groundwater in South Korea," emphasizing the need to objectively measure and evaluate the value of groundwater to ensure its continuous use and management. Kim pointed out, "From the 1960s to the 1990s, public water supply in South Korea focused excessively on large-scale multipurpose dam construction and surface water-based intake development." He added, "Unlike overseas countries where groundwater plays a significant role in public water supply, South Korea left individuals to develop and use groundwater on their own, creating a unique groundwater usage pattern."

He stressed the necessity of properly recognizing the value of groundwater and utilizing it correctly. Kim said, "Groundwater is a time- and space-dependent resource whose value disappears if not used at the right time and place." He noted, "South Korea should appropriately utilize and manage groundwater as a water resource based on the water cycle process." However, he added, "If such use distorts the natural water cycle or clearly infringes on public interests, its use should be strongly restricted."

Additionally, Ko Kyung-seok, a researcher at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, reexamined the multifaceted value of groundwater under the topic "Maximizing the Value of Groundwater Resources in the Bottled Water Industry." Ko pointed out, "Groundwater is an important resource used as drinking water by more than 50% of the global population." He highlighted, "Groundwater plays a significant role economically, environmentally, ecologically, and socio-culturally." He added, "Considering these values, the conservation and management of groundwater sources are becoming increasingly important not only for environmental protection but also for economic effects on local communities through industrial revitalization."

Jeju Governor Oh Young-hoon and Baek Kyung-hoon, President of Jeju Development Corporation, are touring the venue of the '14th Jeju Water World Forum' held on the 2nd.

Expanding Public Participation through Experiential Programs such as 'Groundwater Scenic Field Trips'

This year’s forum offers various experiential events where participants can directly feel the value of groundwater and Jeju water, in addition to professional academic events. Through diverse activities such as customer experience programs and exhibitions conveying the excellence of Jeju Samdasoo’s water source and its eco-friendly value, as well as groundwater scenic field trips, many members of the public are given opportunities to participate and learn about the excellence of groundwater and Samdasoo.

Customer experience programs include ▲Jeju Samdasoo Water Blind Test ▲Bottle Cap Upcycled Keyring Making ▲Planting Succulents in Recycled Paper Pots ▲Aroma Cube (Eco-friendly Soap) Mobile Making. An exhibition zone within the venue also operates to promote the purity, excellence, and eco-friendly value of Jeju Samdasoo’s water source.

On the last day, the 3rd, the Jeju Groundwater Scenic Field Trip titled "Jeju Water Adventure Following the Waterways: Discovering the Mysteries of Jeju Groundwater" will take place. The tour will include exploring the formation process of Jeju’s spring water, experiencing the geology of Jeju Gotjawal, and visiting the Jeju Samdasoo Smart Factory, providing an opportunity to observe the principles of Jeju water formation and its practical applications.