The Geumgang Pine Community of the East Coast National Geopark in Yeongdeok County, Gyeongsangbuk-do has been newly designated as an ecotourism area by the Ministry of Environment, the county announced on the 28th. With this designation, the county will receive support for the development and operation of ecotourism programs, management of community councils, training of nature interpreters, and strengthening of residents’ capabilities.
This designation increases the number of ecotourism areas within the province to four, including previously designated areas: Wangpicheon Valley in Uljin (2013), Byeongpung and Firefly Park in Youngyang (2018), and the Dolline Wetland in Mungyeong (2023).
In addition to these efforts, the Geumgang Pine Community is now prioritized for support in projects aimed at establishing an ecotourism foundation by the government. Furthermore, the Gyeongbuk East Coast National Geopark—which includes 11 geological sites in Yeongdeok County and spans an area of 2693.69 square kilometers across Pohang, Gyeongju, Yeongdeok, and Uljin—has passed the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council review last September. It now awaits final approval as a UNESCO Global Geopark at the general assembly in Paris, France next May.
Yeongdeok County Mayor Kim Gwang-yeol expressed his aspiration to develop the Blue Road—a preferred route for trekking tourists—and its abundant geological and ecological resources into a distinguished ecotourism destination. He emphasized plans to enhance the trails and amenities to improve accessibility and to develop and operate unique experiential programs.