Uljin Geological Site Officially Designated as UNESCO Global Geopark

Designated as Gyeongbuk East Coast UNESCO Global Geopark
Covering Gyeongju, Pohang, Yeongdeok, and Uljin from April 17

Uljin-gun, North Gyeongsang Province, announced that the "Gyeongbuk East Coast UNESCO Global Geopark (area 2,693.69 km², covering Pohang, Gyeongju, Yeongdeok, and Uljin)" was officially designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark on April 17, following the resolution at the 221st UNESCO Executive Board meeting held in Paris, France, on April 10 (local time).

This inscription is the result of continuous efforts by North Gyeongsang Province, Uljin-gun, and neighboring local governments to preserve geological heritage and connect with local communities, marking a remarkable achievement that elevates the national prestige of the Republic of Korea.

The UNESCO Global Geopark designation is a system that comprehensively evaluates not only geological value but also the connection with ecological, historical, and cultural resources, local community cooperation, and sustainable management systems.

The Gyeongbuk East Coast Geopark is home to the largest Cenozoic fossil site on the Korean Peninsula, major traces of the tectonic framework formation and magmatism in East Asia, and diverse geological landscapes. With its beautiful coastal scenery, unique volcanic and sedimentary landforms, and invaluable resources that reveal hundreds of millions of years of geological processes, the recent UNESCO Global Geopark designation recognizes its globally significant geological value and harmonious coexistence with local residents, earning high marks for academic, educational, and tourism value.

This designation was finalized after the submission of a letter of intent to UNESCO in June 2023, an on-site evaluation by teams from Greece and Indonesia in July 2024, and the review and approval by the Global Geoparks Council held in Cao Bang, Vietnam, in September 2024. The official certification plaque will be awarded at the 11th Global Geoparks Conference in September 2025 during the Closing Ceremony.

In the meantime, centered on the "Gyeongbuk East Coast Geopark Secretariat," the Gyeongbuk East Coast Geopark Center has been operated in Geunnam-myeon, Uljin-gun, with efforts to expand visitor infrastructure such as information centers, trails, and signboards, run geological education and experience programs, and collaborate with local residents and institutions to meet UNESCO's designation criteria.

Governor Son Byeongbok stated, "This UNESCO Global Geopark inscription is not only an opportunity to showcase the natural heritage of the East Coast, including Uljin's geological attractions such as Seongnyugul, to the world, but also an important stepping stone for building a sustainable local community that grows together with residents." He added, "We will continue to lead a geotourism model that harmonizes local welfare and economic development in Uljin-gun."