Geoheritage value and utilization plan of the Hanon volcanic crater, Jeju Island

Hanon volcanic crater on Jeju Island stands out as the only maar-type volcanic crater in South Korea, offering unique geological significance. It extends the spectrum of volcanic landforms on Jeju—from tuff rings to maars—and provides critical insights into past vegetation and climate change in East Asia through its sediment layers. Despite its scientific value, Hanon has suffered from human-induced damage, altering its landscape and ecosystems. To preserve its geoheritage while enabling sustainable use, the study proposes a detailed conservation and utilization plan. This includes designating protected zones based on heritage value, promoting eco-friendly tourism, educational activities like geology and ecology experiences, and developing cultural-ecological tourism. Integrating Hanon with nearby geological sites and infrastructure could further boost its potential as a geo-tourism cluster, enhancing both conservation efforts and regional economic benefits.

Yoon, S. H. (2019). Geoheritage value and utilization plan of the Hanon volcanic crater, Jeju Island. Journal of the Geological Society of Korea, 55(3), 353–363. https://doi.org/10.14770/jgsk.2019.55.3.353