Gyeongju, South Korea – The ancient city of Gyeongju, globally recognized for its rich natural heritage, once again underscored its commitment to sustainable development and ecological preservation at the 30th Gyeongsangbuk-do Environment Day ceremony. The event, held on June 13th at the Gyeongbuk East Coast Geopark Center in Uljin County, served as a platform to highlight Gyeongju's vision as an eco-cultural city and its dedication to fostering regional solidarity for a sustainable future.
The commemorative ceremony drew approximately 300 attendees, including prominent figures such as Gyeongsangbuk-do Vice Governor Kim Hak-hong, Uljin County Mayor Son Byeong-bok, and Provincial Assemblyman Choi Byeong-jun, alongside representatives from various local environmental organizations. Gyeongju City was represented by Vice Mayor Song Ho-jun, who emphasized the city's pivotal role as a sustainable eco-cultural hub and its strong desire for collaborative environmental initiatives.
This year's Environment Day held particular significance as it celebrated the official designation of the Gyeongbuk East Coast area—encompassing Gyeongju, Pohang, Yeongdeok, and Uljin—as a UNESCO Global Geopark on April 17th. This prestigious designation marks a significant achievement for South Korea, signifying international recognition of its natural ecological resources. It is expected to serve as a leading example for eco-tourism and sustainable environmental policies both domestically and globally.
The ceremony commenced with awards recognizing individuals for their contributions to environmental protection, followed by commemorative speeches, an overview of the geopark designation process, and a promotional video screening. These segments collectively fostered an atmosphere of shared understanding and solidarity regarding the region's environmental value.
As part of the UNESCO Global Geopark designation, Gyeongju has officially registered four key geological sites as representative areas: Namsan Granite, Golguram Rock-cut Buddha, Tomb of King Munmu, and Yangnam Columnar Joints. These sites are not only invaluable for their geological significance but also boast profound historical and cultural backgrounds, making them highly versatile for developing integrated eco-cultural content. For instance, Namsan, a mountain renowned for its granite formations, is also home to countless Buddhist relics and temples, showcasing the harmonious blend of nature and human history. The Yangnam Columnar Joints, a stunning natural wonder formed by volcanic activity, offer a dramatic landscape that attracts both geologists and tourists.
Vice Mayor Song Ho-jun stated, "This Global Geopark designation provides a crucial opportunity to showcase Gyeongju's ecological and geological potential to the world." He further elaborated on the city's commitment, saying, "Moving forward, Gyeongju will actively work to create a sustainable natural environment for future generations by expanding geological education and exploration infrastructure, and by vitalizing citizen-participatory eco-tourism."
To achieve these goals, Gyeongju plans to incrementally implement practical initiatives. These include enhancing geopark infrastructure, developing and running geological education programs specifically for youth, and establishing a robust foundation for community cooperation. The city is expected to invest in visitor centers, interpretive signage, and guided tours to enhance the visitor experience and promote understanding of the geopark's significance. Educational outreach will likely involve partnerships with local schools and universities, providing hands-on learning experiences in geology and environmental conservation.
Gyeongju's UNESCO designation transcends mere honorary status; it signifies the city's leap towards becoming a model urban center where ecology and culture seamlessly intertwine. Efforts to preserve and utilize the natural heritage of the East Coast are ongoing, and Gyeongju stands at the forefront of these crucial endeavors.
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