Hapcheon County Seeks to Build Resident Consensus for National Geopark Certification

Proving the Value of the Meteorite Impact Crater through National Geopark Certification
Expectations for Revitalizing Tourism, Education, and the Local Economy

Hapcheon County in South Gyeongsang Province announced on the 10th that it held a "Residents' Briefing Session on Promoting Certification of the Hapcheon Meteorite Impact Crater Geopark" at the Chogye Township Office and the Jeokjung Township Office, with about 40 participants including village heads and related officials.

This briefing session was organized to inform local residents about the national geopark system and to build consensus among residents on the ultimate purpose of geoparks and the effects of certification.

On-site photos from the residents' briefing session held to apply for Hapcheon Meteorite Impact Crater Geopark certification.

The county explained that the National Geopark is a system that preserves geologically valuable areas while utilizing them for education and tourism, and that being certified as a geopark not only officially proves the area's geological value and significance, but also brings economic benefits such as increased tourist numbers and enhancement of the regional brand. The county particularly emphasized that the National Geopark designation does not impose any separate restrictions on activities or on the exercise of property rights.

Going forward, the county plans to sequentially hold on-site residents' briefing sessions for village heads and local residents in each area where geological attractions are located.

Cho Hongnam, Head of Tourism Promotion, said, "We hope for active interest and participation from local residents so that Hapcheon County, which is home to the Hapcheon Meteorite Impact Crater, can proceed smoothly not only toward National Geopark certification but also toward inscription as a UNESCO Global Geopark."

Meanwhile, Hapcheon County is pursuing a feasibility and basic academic study on the National Geopark, as well as an academic research project for the certification application, from March 2025. The county has completed basic academic surveys on 12 geological attractions, including the Hapcheon Meteorite Impact Crater, the Hongryudong Valley in Gayasan Mountain, the high-elevation planation surface on Hwangmaesan Mountain, and Hwanggye Falls, and is preparing to apply in March for designation as a candidate site for the National Geopark.