• Journal of the Korean Society of Earth Science Education
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate earth science pre-service teachers' perceptions and educational utilization of geoparks. It is intended to provide implications of geopark education in the current curriculum and effective geopark education. Education using geoparks has the effect of helping students cultivate inquiry and learning skills, enhancing students' participation in classes. To provide education with these results, it is necessary to deliver meanings of the geopark education to of earth science pre-service teachers who will educate future generations. However, despite the advantages and needs of geopark education, earth science pre-service teachers lack an understanding of geoparks. In this study, 56 pre-service teachers enrolled in earth science education at a university in Gyeongsangbuk-do were investigated for: their perception levels of geoparks, experience, necessity, and learning method of geopark education. As a result, earth science pre-service teachers were well aware of the geoparks, but they lacked knowledge of domestic and global geoparks, confirming the need for geopark education. Currently, the degree of geopark education in the secondary curriculum is insufficient, and earth science pre-service teachers feel the need for it. However, since the understanding of geopark is lacking, support for geopark education is needed. Earth science pre-service teachers being positive about the need for geopark education, it is expected that geopark education will be active in the field of earth science, social, and comparison education when they become teachers in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.93-107
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• 2018

The concepts of geotourism and geoparks have emerged due to the paradigm shift in tourism and the increased recognition of geosites and geoheritage as legacies that must be protected and preserved. The number of geoparks designated by UNESCO and national governments is increasing globally. The purpose of this paper is to propose directions for enhancing Jeju Geopark to perform as a geological educational venue. This study reviewed the present conditions of the education and communication, the media, and the facilities of the geopark with respect to the required conditions to be effective for geological education. Data surveys, field surveys, visitor questionnaires, and interviews were conducted to examine the educational and guidance system of the geopark, the physical space configuration, and the operation and management methods. The research process is as follows. First, the study analyzed the status of the education and communication in Jeju Geopark, according to the criteria of the UNESCO GGN, using data acquired from the survey. Second, the study analyzed and evaluated the educational and communication facilities, and media, focusing on four aspects of the geopark: the geo-trail, spatial composition and layout, communicational and educational facilities, and the system and design of signboards. Third, the study assessed the perception and satisfaction of visitors to the geopark. Fourth, the study summarized the potential and limitations of the Jeju Geopark through in-depth interviews. The four analyses showed that enhancements in the exploration environment, communication, media, and operation and management system are all necessary for effective geological education. Based on these results, this study suggests directions for enhancing the geopark in the four following aspects. Management and maintenance must be improved to meet UNESCO criteria, while the improvements in the visiting environment quality, the supplementing of communication and facilities, and enhancements in the organization and system of operation and management also must be taken on.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.311-324
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• 2021

Recently, ten geosites have been considered in Hwaseong for endorsement as national geoparks, including the Jebudo, Gojeongri Dinosaur Egg Fossils, and Ueumdo geosites. The Jebudo geosite in the southern part of the Seoul metropolitan area has great potential for development as a new geoscience educational site because it has geological, geographical (landscape), and ecological significance. In this study, we described the geological characteristics through field surveys in the Jebudo geosite. We evaluated its potential as a geo-education site based on comparative analysis with other geosites in Hwaseong Geopark. In addition, we reviewed the practical effect of field education at geosites on the essential concepts and critical competence-oriented education emphasized in the current 2015 revised science curriculum. The Jebudo Geosite is geologically diverse, with various metamorphic rocks belonging to the Precambrian Seosan Group, such as quartzite, schist, and phyllite. Various geological structures, such as clastic dikes, faults, joints, foliation, and schistosity have also been recorded. Moreover, coastal geological features have been observed, including depositional landforms (gravel and sand beaches, dunes, and mudflats), sedimentary structures (ripples), erosional landforms (sea cliffs, sea caves, and sea stacks), and sea parting. The Jebudo geosite has considerable value as a new geo-education site with geological and geomorphological distinction from the Gojeongri Dinosaur Egg Fossils and Ueumdo geosites. The Jebudo geosite also has opportunities for geo-education and geo-tourism, such as mudflat experiences and infrastructures, such as coastal trails and viewing points. This geosite can help develop diverse geo-education programs that improve key competencies in the science curriculum, such as critical thinking, inquiry, and problem-solving. Furthermore, by conducting optimized geo-education focused on the characteristics of each geosite, the following can be established: (1) the expansion of learning space from school to geopark, (2) the improvement of understanding of specific content elements and linkage between essential concepts, and (3) the extension of the education scope throughout the earth system. There will be positive impacts on communication, participation, and lifelong learning skills through geopark education.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.195-215
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• 2019

Geopark is a new system for development of the local economy through conservation, education, and tourism that is an area of scientific importance for the earth sciences and that has outstanding scenic values. The Hwaseong Geopark, the candidate for Korean National Geopark is composed of 10 geosites: Gojeongri dinosaur egg fossils, Ueumdo, Eoseom, Ddakseom, Goryeom, Jebudo, Baengmiri Coast, Gungpyeonhang, Ippado and Gukwado geosites. In this study, geosites, geoheritages, and geotrails of the Hwaseong Geopark were described in detail, and the value and significane as a geopark were also discussed. The geology of the Hwaseong Geopark area belonging to the Gyeonggi Massif consists of the Precambrian metamorphic and meta-sedimentary rocks, Paleozoic sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, Mesozoic igneous and sedimentary rocks, and Quaternary deposits, indicating high geodiversity. The Gojeongri Dinosaur Egg Fossils geosite, designated as a natural monument, has a geotrail including dinosaur egg nest fossils, burrows, tafoni, fault and drag fold, cross-bedding. Furthermore, a variety of infrastructures such as eco-trail deck, visitor center are well-established in the geosite. In the Ueumdo geosite, there are various metamorphic rocks (gneiss, schist, and phyllite) and geological structures (fold, fault, joint, dike, and vein), thus it has a high educational value. The Eoseom geosite has high academic value because of the orbicular texture found in metamorphic rocks. Also, various volcanic and sedimentary rocks belonging to the Cretaceous Tando Basin can be observed in the Ddakseom and Goryeom geosites. In the Jebudo, Baengmiri Coast, and Gungpyeonghang geosites, a variety of coastal landforms (tidal flat, seastacks, sand and gravel beach, and coastal dunes), metamorphic rocks and geological structures, such as clastic dikes and quartz veins can be observed, and they also provide various programs including mudflat experience to visitors. Ippado and Gukwado geosites have typical large-scale fold structures, and unique coastal erosional features and various Paleozoic schists can be observed. The Hwaseong Geopark consists of outstanding geosites with high geodiversity and academic values, and it also has geotrails that combine geology, geomorphology, landscape and ecology with infrastructures and various education and experience programs. Therefore, the Hwaseong Geopark is expected to serve as a great National Geopark representing the western Gyeonggi Province, Korea.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.65-75
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• 2021

Over the past decade, the number of national geoparks has rapidly increased, and 13 areas are currently designated as geoparks. After Jeju Island (2010), Cheongsong (2017), Mudeungsan (2018), and Hantangang River (2020) National Geoparks were listed as UNESCO Global Geoparks. Despite the continuous increase in the number of national geoparks and UNESCO global geoparks, the public interest in geoparks and the effect of regional economic development by geoparks are not yet very significant. Some geopark management organizations have developed geopark characters to appeal to the public through intimacy and friendliness, utilizing parks for education and tourism. However, the characters are not being utilized properly due to a lack of plannings, expertise, storytelling, and management. For geopark characters, which have been neglected since development, to perform their original roles, content production based on appropriate budget compilation and analysis of consumption trends in the character market is necessary. Instead of merely using geopark characters, geopark characters should be loved by the public, as well as local residents.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.749-761
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• 2022

As the number of National and UNESCO Global Geoparks has increased, awareness of geological heritage and local government interests have also increased. In this study, data from the geological heritage sites in the Ulsan area were summarized, a practical use plan for geological heritage was prepared based on the assessment results, and the expected effects were also presented. The value for 33 of 112 geological heritage sites identified through literature surveys was evaluated. In terms of the geological heritage types in Ulsan, there were two geological, one geomorphological, and thirty mixed-heritage sites. In the context of the geological heritage of Ulsan, rivers and coastal topography were found to be dominant, and various geomorphological and geological features, such as fossils, folds, faults, shear zones, minerals, and ore deposits are included. Based on the assessment results, there were three, eighteen, nine, and three sites in Classes I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Considering the intrinsic and subsidiary values of geological heritage, the Gangdong Coast, Jujeon Coast, Taehwagang area, Daewangam area, the Daegokri-Cheonjeonri track sites, and Mujechineup are likely to be listed as potential geosites. When the endorsement of the geopark has been promoted alongside these geosites, it can contribute to the sustainable preservation and maintenance of the geosites, satisfy the demand for science education through geo-education, and support the sustainable development of the local economy following the detailed standards for geopark certification in the Natural Parks Act. This is expected to increase the brand value of Ulsan Metropolitan City.

• Journal of Science Education
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.165-177
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• 2022

This study aims to develop a field trip program for the Hantan River geopark in Pocheon using Orion's field trip model. The selected learning sites were the Hwajeogyeon and Bidulginang Falls, famous geosites of the Hantan River geopark in Pocheon. The field trip program consisted of six preparatory units, two field trip units, and two summary units. The preparatory stage helped reduce the novelty space considering cognitive, psychological, and geographical factors. In the field trip stage, students acquire concepts linked to learning elements in the curriculum scientifically and encourage interest in science. In the summary stage, students organized the geological phenomena observed in the field and inferred the vicinity of the Pocheon Hantan River region. The field trip program was modified to give enough time for observation activities to increase students' interest in science and to connect concepts with learning elements in the curriculum in the outdoor learning phase to allow students' convergent thinking. Implementing the field trip program raises students' interest and attitude in science.

• 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.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.283-299
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to identify the conflict frames in the process of designating the national geopark, among local residents, geology experts, and local public officials. For this purpose, the progress of the public hearing on the implementation of the national geopark in Buan and Gochang were recorded with prior consent from the participants and transferred in text form. Subsequently, we developed a reference frames for analyzing conflict frames through literature review, and analyzed the conflict frames by three researchers based on this. These analyzed conflict frames were again analyzed by using semantic network analysis. The results are as follows. In the Buan area, 'Sagree' frame, 'Snot' frame, and 'Sdisagree' frame showed high eigenvector centrality, and 'Gharm' frame and 'Cmeconomy' frame were closely connected to the 'Snot' frame located at the center of the semantic network. In the Gochang area, 'Aresource' frame, 'Cmexample' frame, and 'Gharm' frame showed high eigenvector centrality, and 'Gharm' frame and 'Cmproblemsolution' frame were closely connected to the 'Snot' frame located at the center of the semantic network. Through these results, we could see that there is still the conflict about the certification of national geopark between stakeholders in Buan, and that Gochang's stakeholders are proudly aware of their own resources. The Buan's stakeholders focused on economic gains in resolving conflicts, while Gochang's stakeholders focused on problem solving. This result of this study provides information in conflict from the national geopark in other regions.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.520-530
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate students' understanding of the terms presented on the information board in the Jinan-Muju National Geopark. To this end, a survey was conducted with 219 students (147 elementary, 41 middle, and 31 high school students) to determine the level of their perceptions of the geopark, and of the usefulness of the information board, and their understanding of the terms presented on the information boards of the National Geopark. To determine the students' understanding of terms, 10 representative information boards were selected and the entire content was converted into text. Afterwards, 256 key terms were extracted from the text through discussions with three experts, and these terms were presented to students to grasp their level of understanding. The results were as follows: First, the level of students' perceptions about the geopark was very low, so publicity and educational approaches are needed. Second, students were not interested in the information board and had a low level of understanding owing to the large amount of information and reading difficulties. Third, among the 256 terms, the number of terms that students found difficult to understand tended to decrease with increasing school grade: 80 for elementary school students, 53 for middle school students, and 31 for high school students. The reason the students had difficulty in understanding terms was that elementary school students had not yet learned the terms in the curriculum, whereas middle and high school students have difficulty understanding technical terms and Chinese characters. Therefore, the information board in the geopark will need to be easily translated into Chinese characters or additional explanations of technical terms need to be provided so that visitors can understand the concepts more easily.