Korean geoheritage: the volcanic landforms of the Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark

Recent research challenges long-standing interpretations of Jeju Island's volcanic landforms, revealing that Mt. Hallasan is not a typical shield volcano but a polygenetic and composite volcano formed through Strombolian eruptions, lava effusions, and magma intrusions between 200,000 to 17,000 years ago. Additionally, Biyangdo Island (Biyangbong), previously thought to be a single scoria cone from a thousand years ago, is now understood to have formed through subaerial volcanic eruptions 26,000 years ago, producing both a scoria and spatter cone. The study integrates the latest findings on other significant geosites, such as Suwolbong Tuff Cone and Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Ring, within Jeju Island's UNESCO Global Geopark. It emphasizes the importance of public awareness and regular monitoring to mitigate climate change impacts, including rockfalls at coastal sites and freeze-thaw weathering on Mt. Hallasan, ensuring sustainable protection of this unique geoheritage.

Jeon, Y., Ki, J., & Southcott, D. (2024). Korean geoheritage: the volcanic landforms of the Jeju Island UNESCO Global Geopark. Episodes, 47(2), 295–310. https://doi.org/10.18814/epiiugs/2024/024010