• Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.73-83
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• 2011

The aim of this paper is to explore the concept, backgrounds of an geopark's origin, and activity of geopark in geography, and to debate the Korean name of the geopark (or geological park) in controversial. Geopark starts with the collaboration between International Geographical Union(IGU) and International Union of Geological Sciences(IUGS). However, the intention which is establishing the law of geopark (or geological park) within a specific academic realm in Korea, would be wrong. The reason for this argument is that activities in Geopark have aspects of the conservation of natural heritage as well as geomorphological and geological one. Therefore, geopark should not be focused upon a specific academic realm. The geological scope alone seems to be limited. That is why "GEO" is more than geology. "GEO" involves geographical and geomorphological issues as well. Within this context, in Korea where is in the quickening period of geopark, the discussion and agreement with the Korean name of geopark are absolutely imperative.