• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.215-225
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• 2009

This research aims to analyze the meanings that the inscription of 'jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes' onto UNESCO World Natural Heritage and the promotion of Geomunoreum International Trekking Fair has given to ecotourism in Jeju. The inscription of Jeju World Natural Heritage and its extension into Geomunoreum International Trekking Fair generated important meanings in Jeju ecotourism in terms of promotion subjects and direction of the natural heritage use. First, this research holds that the local government became a crucial role on ecotourism development, along with small-sized-voluntary group tourists. Second, the research reflects the change of Jeju ecotourism characteristics from simple landscape-oriented tourism to theme tourism such as Geo-tourism. Finally it was found out that community residents were encouraged to participate in regional engagement, while I suggest for some concrete ways to induce their participation for community-based development.