Yeongdeok National Geopark Selected as Ministry of Environment's "Ecotourism Destination of the Month" for September

Linking 11 Geological Sites and the Blue Road
A Unique Approach to Ecotourism Integration

The Yeongdeok National Geopark in North Gyeongsang Province has been selected as the Ministry of Environment's "Ecotourism Destination of the Month" for September.

The Ecotourism Destination of the Month is a program in which the Ministry of Environment selects one region each month that possesses significant ecological value and a high need for conservation, and promotes it intensively. The initiative is designed to simultaneously advance nature conservation and revitalize local tourism.

Designated as an ecotourism area in November last year, the Yeongdeok National Geopark includes 11 geological sites of high academic value, such as Yeongdeok Sunrise Park, Gyeongjeong-ri Coast, Jukdosan, Goraebul Coast, and Cheoram Mountain Fossil Site. The renowned Blue Road trekking course, which runs along the coastline, harmonizes with these sites, allowing visitors to experience both geological significance and coastal scenery at the same time.

Going forward, Yeongdeok County plans to link existing tourist attractions such as Goraebul Coast and the Yeonghae Metasequoia Forest with geological landmarks to offer a variety of ecological experiences. The county also intends to continuously enhance trails and amenities to create synergy between the academic value of the geopark and the tourism potential of the Blue Road.

Additionally, on April 17 of this year, the East Coast Geopark of North Gyeongsang Province, which includes the Yeongdeok National Geopark, was officially designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. This is expected to further boost the development of ecotourism based on internationally recognized geological resources.

The promotional video to be produced as part of this "Ecotourism Destination of the Month" selection will feature Yeongdeok's major attractions, including the Blue Road (Jukdosan, Gyeongjeong-ri Coast, Daebu Unconformity), Sunrise Park, Metasequoia Forest, and Goraebul Coast. The video will be widely promoted through the Ministry of Environment, Ecotourism Korea, and Korea Ecotourism Association websites, as well as YouTube and social media channels.

Jukdosan, one of the geological landmarks in Yeongdeok.

Kim Kwangyeol, the county governor, stated, "Being selected as the Ecotourism Destination of the Month is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of Yeongdeok's geological and ecotourism resources and to enhance the pride of our residents. We will do our utmost to preserve the value of our natural heritage and contribute to local revitalization by pursuing sustainable ecotourism."