Just off Korea’s west coast, the Gogunsan Islands Geopark offers more than breathtaking scenery — it’s a living museum of geological, ecological, and cultural heritage. From ancient volcanic rocks to quiet fishing villages and coastal trails, this cluster of islands near Gunsan invites travelers to slow down and connect with the earth’s deep history.
🌿 What is a National Geopark?
📍 Naver Map: https://naver.me/FjbnB1qH
A National Geopark is a protected area that promotes sustainable regional development by connecting geological, ecological, cultural, and historical heritage. It’s not just about rocks — it’s about how people live with the land.
Geoparks create educational and tourism programs that revitalize the local economy while celebrating geological heritage that’s both scientifically significant and visually stunning. They also collaborate closely with local residents, ensuring that conservation and community grow hand in hand.
The Gogunsan Islands Geopark is one of Korea’s best examples — a place where you can explore millions of years of Earth’s history while enjoying serene coastal landscapes.
What is the Gogunsan Islands Geopark?
Located off the coast of Gunsan, the Gogunsan Islands are home to several scenic sites, including eight beautiful spots in Seonyu, natural monuments, and pristine beaches.
The area has long been an important maritime hub — its history dates back to the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, when it thrived as a port for trade and fishing. Today, the Geopark connects this heritage with modern accessibility thanks to the bridge that links the islands to the Saemangeum Embankment.
It’s an ideal destination for eco-travelers and history enthusiasts alike — a place where culture, nature, and geology meet against the backdrop of the West Sea.
Geotrails in the Gogunsan Islands
Each trail in the Geopark tells a different story — from ancient volcanoes to coastal legends.
Trail around Sinsido:
- Distance: 7.9 km / 3 hrs
- Route: Saemangeum Center 33 – Drainage Sluice Gate – Wolyeongbong – Mongdol Beach – Daegaksan Mountain – Sinsi Island Fishing Village – Apsan Photo Zone A challenging but rewarding trekking course that reveals the history of Saemangeum and the life of scholar Choe Chi-won.
Trail around Munyeodo:
- Distance: 6.7 km / 2 hrs 30 min
- Route: Jwittongseom Island – Geosite Ttongseom – Mongdol Beach – Big Munyebong – Eye-shaped Cave – Eombawi Rock Walk through a peaceful fishing village and discover Munyeodo’s traditional culture, surrounded by calm seas and striking rock formations.
Trail around Seonyudo:
- Distance: 8 km / 2 hrs 30 min
- Route: Beach Deck – Okdol Beach – Seonyubong – Visiting Support Center – Beach – Oryongmyo – PR Center – Prayer Lighthouse – Toad Rock A healing course where you can learn about Seonyudo’s nature, culture, and history — ideal for travelers seeking quiet reflection.
Trail around Jangjado:
- Distance: 2.4 km / 1 hr
- Route: Nakjodae Terrace – Geosite Halmaebawi Rock – Daejangbong Peak A short yet stunning hike offering panoramic sunset views of the West Sea and the Gogunsan Islands glowing gold at dusk.
Ten Geological Attractions in the Geopark
- Yamido: A striking volcanic formation visible along the Saemangeum Embankment.
- Sinsido: Famous for its rhyolite cliffs and panoramic views from Sinsihang Bridge.
- Munyeodo Ttongseom Island: Unusual curving rock joints shaped by the sea.
- Seonyudo Mangjubong: A scenic twin-peak viewpoint (Scenic Spot No.113).
- Daejangbong Peak & Halmaebawi Rock: Offers sweeping West Sea views and legendary stories.
- Bangchukdo Independence Gate Rock: Naturally carved arch formed by sea erosion.
- Gwangdaedo Book Rock: Seaside cliffs resembling a stack of open books.
- Myeongdo Zebra Rock: Distinct striped rock formations from ancient volcanic activity.
- Maldo Fold Structure: Natural Monument No. 501; features visible fault lines and cross-bedding.
- Sanbuk-dong Dinosaur Footprint Site: Natural Monument No. 548; displays dinosaur tracks from both herbivores and carnivores.
Why Visit the Gogunsan Islands Geopark
The Gogunsan Islands are a place where earth’s memory meets human history. You can walk trails that cross volcanic rock, trace the marks of prehistoric creatures, and meet the communities that still live in harmony with the sea.
It’s a destination that combines education, beauty, and sustainability — reminding visitors that every stone and shoreline tells a story millions of years in the making.
So whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or curious traveler, this is one of Korea’s most rewarding coastal escapes.
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