Page 201 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

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steady at 6–7 per cent, the number of travellers and Lava Tubes and the active pursuit of Global
to the three sites included in the World Heritage Geopark status, this important facet of geotourism
listing – Mt Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff should increase across the island in the next few
cone, and the Geomunoreum lava tube system – years. Other lesser known geotourism sites on
has risen by 13–30 per cent (Chosun, 2008) Jeju, such as the Columnar Joint Seashore along
with the most heavily visited site being the the southern coast including the Jeongbang
Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone (UNEP-WCMC, waterfall, three islands off Seoguipo (Seopseom,
2007). With the publicity associated with the Munseon and Beomsum) and the lava tube caves
World Heritage listing, the number of foreign at Hallim Park will no doubt contribute more
travellers also rose – by 52.5 per cent, from substantially to a yet more fully realized geotourism
81,779 in May 2007 to 124,770 in May 2008 potential of Jeju (Huh et el, 2008).
(Chosun, 2008).
Geologic interpretive signage varies greatly Conclusion
across these sites. However, new signage helping A picturesque holiday destination, Jeju is filled with
visitors understand the World Heritage values of geotourism opportunities for visitors to view the
the listed sites greatly enhances visitor volcanic origins of the island. Geotourism is
understanding of the volcanic processes that intricately linked to Korean cultural values and
formed the island (Huh et al, 2008). In a bold step aesthetics. The appreciation of the need to protect
towards educating the public about the superlative these landscapes in a sustainable manner while
values of Yongcheon and Dangcheomul, the Jeju incorporating tourism is spreading across Korea
National Museum created a reproduction of a (Huh et al, 2008). The World Heritage listing of
short segment of one of the lava tubes for visitors some of Jeju’s volcanic features and the designation
to walk through, view videos and read interpretive of Mt Hallasan as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
signage to learn about these unique caves. clearly proves that Jeju sites display outstanding
geologic values and aesthetic beauty. Unfortunately,
The future for geotourism the educational aspects of geotourism are not yet
fully realized and mass tourism is prevailing in the
on Jeju most popular tourist sites. However, geotourism will
The big three UNESCO protected area brand grow rapidly in the future as Jeju works towards
categories are World Heritage, Biosphere Reserve joining the Global Geoparks Network (Seo et al,
and Global Geopark. In 2002, both Mt Hallasan 2009). The variety of volcanic landforms, excellent
and the Seogwipo coastal area were designated as geologic exposures, favourable climate, ready
UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. In 2007, Mt accessibility and beautiful scenery will continue to
Hallasan, the Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone and make Jeju an exceptional place for volcano tourism
the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System were and geological field excursions in the near future,
combined and listed as the first natural World while the environmental awareness of tourists will
Heritage area in the Republic of Korea (South be enhanced by geotourism concepts and practices.
Korea). The South Korean government is now
aiming to include parts of Jeju’s geological heritage References
under the Global Geoparks Network (Chosun, Chosun Ilbo (2008) ‘Jeju rejoices in UNESCO World
2008). The Jeju Special Self-governing Province Heritage listing’, www.english.chosun.com/site/
government has already formed a task force to sata/html_dir/2008/06/27/2008062761014.html,
select appropriate areas to be included in the accessed 10 June 2009
nomination (Chosun, 2008). Chough, S. K. and Sohn, Y. K. (1990) ‘Depositional
mechanics and sequences of base surges, Songaksan
Despite the presence of numerous geotourism tuff ring, Cheju Island, Korea’, Sedimentology, vol
sites and high visitation numbers, the educational 37, pp1115–1135
aspects of geotourism have yet to be fully realized. Huh, M., Woo, K. S. and Spate, A. (2008) ‘Aspects of
With the new world heritage listing of Jeju Island geotourism in South Korea’, presented to the

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