• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.533-542
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• 2015

The Gochang beach is located in the southwestern coast of Korea along the eastern part of the Yellow Sea, comprising the Donghori, Gwangseungri, and Myeongsasipri beaches from north to south. The Gochang beach is characterized by macro-tide, open-coast, linear shoreline, and sand substrates. This study has investigated annual and seasonal characteristics of surface topography variation and sediment accumulation rate in the Gochang beach. During the five seasons of winter (Feb.), spring (May), summer (Aug.), and fall (Nov.) in 2014 and winter (Feb.) in 2015, the topographic elevation of total 315 sites was measured along three survey lines. It consists of 21 sites at 30 m intervals in each transverse line perpendicular to the shoreline, respectively. Annual accumulation rate of the Gochang beach in 2014 was -0.081 m/yr, indicative of erosional condition. Annual accumulation rates of the comprising beaches represent -0.091m/yr of the Donghori, -0.051 m/yr of the Gwangseungri, and -0.10 m/yr of the Myeongsasipri.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.31 no.7
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• pp.708-719
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• 2010

The Gochang-gun Dongho macro-tide pocket-type beach, located on the southwestern coast of Korea, is investigated in terms of the seasonal variations of surface sediment and sedimentary environment. Surface sediments of 45 sites in four seasons (May 2006-February 2007) are sampled across three survey lines (15 sites in each survey line). The surface sediments of the Dongho Beach are mainly composed of fine to coarse sands, and the ratio of fine sand is the largest. The average of grain size is the coarsest in the summer. The spatial distribution of surface sediments shows a coast-parallel band of fine and medium sands during three seasons of spring, fall, and winter, whereas medium sands dominated in the northern part of the study area during the summer. These results suggest that a tide is more effective than a wave in the surface sediments of the Dongho Beach during the summer.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.497-509
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• 2012

The Gochanggun Kwangseungri macro-tide open-coast beach, located in the southwestern coast of Korea, was investigated in terms of the seasonal variations of surface sediment facies and sedimentary environment. Surface sediments of 45 sites in four seasons (May 2006 - February 2007) were sampled along three survey lines (15 sites in each survey line). The surface sediments of the Kwangseungri Beach are mainly composed of fine-grained sands, and its mean grain size is the coarsest in winter. Mud facies partly exists in summer, whereas it is nearly absent in winter. The spatial distribution of surface sediments shows a coast-parallel band of fine and medium sands during spring, fall, and winter. In the northern part, the study area is dominated by fine sands during summer, whereas by coarse sands during winter. These results can be interpreted that tide is more effective than wave on the surface sediment distribution of the Kwangseungri Beach during the summer season.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.222-235
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• 2015

Samples were collected from both places including the coastal area within the height of 5 m above the mean sea level (msl) (DH) and the top of the coastal terrace of 10-15 m msl (KS) high in Gwangseungri, Gochanggun, Korea. To find the origin of the deposit in the coastal area, granulometric analysis and geochemical analysis were performed. The result showed that the DH samples were originated from the reddish soils overlaying weathered bedrock which presented gradual change of chemical composition from the bottom toward the top. Clay minerals were found from the DH samples. These results concluded that the DH samples were found as in-situ weathered materials. The KS samples were originated from the soil layer covering gravel layer at the foot slope of the hill along the coast. The KS samples contained different chemical compositions from the DH. It is inferred that some of this layer was disturbed or experienced the influx of foreign material. The particle size of the KS samples was different from those found on the beach. The particle size of lower parts of KS site was finer than that on the beach, but the particle size of middle part of the site was coarser than that on the beach. The sorting of the KS site was poorer than that on the beach. Thus, it is inferred that some parts of the layer were formed by short-lived high energy event rather than sustained and continuous action of tidal currents and/or waves. Analysis using an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) method showed that the burial age of samples from KS site were found 0.65-0.71 ka. Though the characteristics of the sediment layer and forming event in this area should be further studied, it can be inferred that this sedimentary layer formed by coastal flooding with storm.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.341-350
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• 2015

This study is to explore geosites considering the geological characteristics in Gochang-gun and to investigate a possibility of being designated as the national geopark of Korea. In this study, the geosites within Gochang-gun are explored through literature search and field work. The results indicate that seven of the geosites in the Seonunsan area are relevant as potential national geopark, including Jinheunggul, Dosolam Maebulsang, Youngmungul, Nakjodae and Cheonmabong, Byungbawi, spherulitic rhyolite, and Dolmen site. In addition, there are other areas that have valus in terms of geological and educational aspect, including Hajeon mud flat and Myoungsasipri beach. The results of study imply that if various educational programs for the geotourism are properly developed, the Gochang-gun area has potential to be designated as the national geopark of Korea.