The Korean National Commission for UNESCO is holding its first national workshop on Geoparks From 20-21 March 2009 in Jeju, Republic of Korea.

The workshop is intended to introduce the concept of Geoparks to government officials, scientific communities, and civil society in Korea and to discuss ways to join the Global Geoparks Network. It is expected that Geoparks will help raise awareness of the importance of geological heritage and boost local economies through geo tourism. In Korea, geological heritage is protected through a national system of Natural Monuments and Scenic Sites. Compared to other protected areas, however, geological sites have received relatively little attention in Korea.

With the recent listing of the Jeju volcanic island and lava tubes as World Natural Heritage in 2007, public interest in geological heritage is gradually increasing. The workshop will serve as an occasion to amplify this public interest in geoheritage as well as a chance to provide relevant information to local governments interested in Geoparks.

The workshop is co-organized by the Korean National Commission for UNESCO and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and is supported by the Geological Society of Korea.