"Fall in Love with Mt. Gyeryongsan, Adorned with Blooming Iron Flowers" (Gyeryongsan National Park Eco-Tourism Program)

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by Korea National Park Service - KNPS, Korea National Park Service

ecotourism program

Korea National Park Service

The role of national parks as spaces for responding to the climate crisis is becoming important. Ecotourism programs within these parks are being reimagined as tools for sustainable use management, supporting both park conservation and local sustainability. These initiatives present a hopeful vision for the future of parks and their surrounding regions through collaborative local engagement.

The Hakbong-ri pottery kiln site in Gyeryongsan is a culturally significant heritage location, showcasing Korea’s ceramic tradition from the 14th to 16th centuries. As a large-scale excavation site of Buncheong ware with iron-brown underglaze, it reflects a remarkable revival of the style during its mid-16th century decline.

This program was designed to foster responsible stewardship of national parks and local heritage sites. It encourages citizens—including local residents—to recognize the site's value through systems thinking that connects individuals, the park, and the broader community, while fostering active regional partnerships.

Last update: 28 Nov 2025

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Context

Challenges addressed

Lack of public and decision maker’s awareness

Scale of implementation

Local

Subnational

Ecosystems

Green spaces (parks, gardens, urban forests)

Theme

Traditional knowledge

Location

대한민국 충청남도 공주시 반포면

East Asia

Impacts

Since its launch in April 2025, the program has completed 10 sessions with a total of 156 participants. Post-program evaluations assessing changes in participants' understanding and awareness of national parks and regional cultural values revealed that over 98% responded very positively and expressed high levels of satisfaction.

Domestically, the perception of national parks has shifted from being seen merely as tourist attractions or landmarks to being recognized as spaces for protection and conservation. This shift has sparked renewed interest in national parks as well as in regional cultural and artistic heritage. The Cheolhwa Buncheong Promotion Center has become more active, contributing to the revival of local gatherings focused on the iron-painted Buncheong ware. As a result, the historical and cultural connection between Mt.Gyeryongsan and the surrounding region has been reaffirmed, and a multilateral communication network has been established within the community. A mutually beneficial relationship has been established between the park and the surrounding region. By drawing visitors from the crowded areas of the national park into the region, the program has helped alleviate environmental pressure on the park while promoting the unique cultural value of the local area. This approach is expected to further enhance the recognition and significance of both the national park and the pottery kiln site