Hantan River area, located in Gyeonggi-do, has been listed as the UNESCO Global Geopark. As well as the natural environment, historic sites and DMZ ecosystems are well preserved, it is expected to be highly utilized as tourist resources in the future.
© GYEONGGI PROVINCE |
The area has
many beautiful and pristine sites for nature lovers to enjoy, and has a special
place in local life. For centuries it has been a source of awe and has many
stories to tell.
What is the Hantan River Geopark?
The Hantan
River Geopark covers an area of 1,165 square kilometers and is located near the DMZ, a pathway to peace; the area has long been recognized for its rich nature and geological
beauty. It possesses unique scenery with many beautiful waterfalls.
The Hantan River flows through Gangwon and Gyeonggi Provinces ⓒ 경기뉴스광장 |
The Hantan
River flows through Gangwon Province and Gyeonggi Province, joining the Imjin
River and eventually the Han River before emptying into the Yellow Sea.
The unique
geological aspects of the Hantan River were formed after a volcanic episode that occurred sometime between 540 thousand to 120 thousand years ago. The flowing
lava created beautiful valleys and terrain such as basalt cliffs, columnar
jointing, and waterfalls. The area is ideal for geological studies and tourism.
Hantan River: a UNESCO Global Geopark
To date, UNESCO
has designated 161 Global Geoparks in 44 countries. The concept of Global
Geoparks embraces a holistic approach to the protection of geologically
significant areas. These conservation efforts aim at ensuring sustainable development
while having local communities involved in the process.
The Hantan River area near the inter-Korean border has been designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark ⓒ GYEONGGI PROVINCE |
The
designation of the Hantan River as a UNESCO Global Geopark not only helps to
protect and preserve the area, it also facilitates the study of related sites
and sustainably improves the local economy. It’s important that we enjoy the
resources of nature while keeping them clean and vibrant for future generations
to enjoy as well. To this end, the Hantan River Geopark and its landmarks are protected by law and activities such as sample collection require prior
permission.
A total of 26 attractions can be found the area, including Hwajeokyeon, Pigeonang Falls,
Jaein Falls, Jiktang Falls, Goseokjeong Pavilion, and Cheorwon Lava Plateau.
The Hantan River Area will have to undergo reevaluation every four years to maintain its
status as a UNESCO Global Geopark. To safeguard this status, Gyeonggi-do will
support academic research and improve geologic landmark maintenance. The
province also plans to create geological education and geological tourism
programs to attract healthy and positive tourism to the area.
Jaein Falls in Yeoncheon-gun
Address: San 21, Gomun-ri, Yeoncheon-eup, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Tel: +82-31-839-2061
Jaein Falls is located in Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea ⓒ 경기도블로그 |
This beautiful waterfall also has a sorrowful folk tale attached to it. “Jaein” means “acrobat” in Korean. Legend has it that
once upon a time an acrobat lived in the area who had a very beautiful wife.
One day, a new magistrate was assigned to the area and fell in love with the
acrobats’ wife. The love-struck magistrate asked the acrobat, who was famous
for tightrope walking, to perform for him at the falls. He then sent his men to
secretly cut the rope while the acrobat was on the rope above the waterfall.
The acrobat fell to his death and later his wife took her own life. According
to the legend, ever since then people have referred to the waterfall as Jaein
(acrobat) Falls.
Bidulginang Waterfalls in Pocheon-si
Address: 415-2, Daehoesan-ri, Yeongbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Hours: Open 24/7/365
Bidulginang Falls is located in Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea ⓒ 경기도블로그 |
In the old times, white pigeons, or bidulgi (비둘기) in Korean, lived inside the cave behind the
waterfall over a hollow cliff that resembled a pigeon’s nest (‘nang’ can mean nest or pocket in
Korean), which is how the name “Bidulginang Falls” originated.
The waterfall was used as a shelter during the
Korean War as it was hidden in the middle of the dense bush. From 2012, the scenery of the area has been designated as a natural monument for the fascinating
emerald-colored water.
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