• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.959-966
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• 2015

A natural monument is designated and protected as a natural or natural/cultural feature of outstanding or unique value because of its aesthetic qualities or cultural significance. However, in recent years, a natural monument plays a role in satisfying the cultural desire of people. For this reason, the main purpose of this study was to investigate public awareness of natural monuments and to evaluate the attitudes towards nature the visitors to Naejang national park displayed. This study also examined the differences in visitors' level of attitudes towards nature according to their awareness of natural monuments. Population of Macropodous Daphniphyllum (Natural Monument No. 91) and Forest of Japanese Torreyas at Baegyangsa Temple, Jangseong (Natural Monument No. 153) are present in large numbers in Naejang national park. For the research, 240 Naejang national park visitors were surveyed to collect data. Results of this study indicated that fewer than 50% of visitors displayed an appropriate awareness of natural monuments. There were also significant differences in attitudes towards nature according to visitors' awareness of natural monuments. In particular, visitors' awareness of the population of Macropodous Daphniphyllum was relatively lower when compared to that on Forest of Japanese Torreyas at Baegyangsa Temple. In addition, visitors who had a high level of awareness about natural monuments and thought that natural monuments had high cultural value displayed more positive attitudes than those who didn't have good levels of awareness. Based on these findings, this study suggests policy changes to establish development plans of the natural monuments in this area.