Global Network of National Geoparks

Korean National Geopark Interpreter Training Program

Source :The National Geopark Secretariat of Korea Published :July 4, 2013

Korea has started the training program for national geopark interpreters. (40 hours of 9 subjects for geopark literacy education, and 60 hours of 11 subjects for professional education)

The National Geopark Secretariat of Korea provided the literacy education program for geopark interpreters by two sessions, one run from 3 to 7 June, and the other from 17 to 21 June.

 

 

The program is aimed to improve the understanding of participants about Korea’s national geopark system, and to help them grasp basic knowledge that is required to be a geopark interpreter. Its curriculum comprises of thoroughly selected (statutory) subjects and excellent instructors taught the subjects.

※Statutory subjects: Definition and Role of Geopark Interpreter(4hrs), Service Education (4hrs), Human Relationships (4hrs), Communication Skill (4hrs), Story Telling (4hrs), Thematic Commentary Program Development (6hrs), Educational Program Operation(6hrs), Accident Prevention (4hrs), First Aid Training (4hrs)

The trainees include 27 residents of Jeju-do and other areas certified for National Geopark , and 33 residents of Jungsun and other areas preparing for National Geopark certification. All of the 60 trainees have achieved the desired result of completing the all literacy classes. They showed a high level of enthusiasm on the program, which was successful enough that the trainees scored 90 and 86 points in the degree of comprehension and satisfaction, respectively.

The 60 participants who have completed the literacy education classes will be professional National Geopark interpreters after taking additional 60 hours of the professional education classes. They will provide accurate and scientific information, and promote the culture, tradition and history of local areas as a Geopark interpreter by delivering geosite-related knowledge to visitors of geoparks.

The program has successfully drawn the interest in geoparks from local governments and residents of the areas that have a magnificent geological heritage. The National Geopark Secretariat of Korea has a plan to expand and improve the training program in order to meet the increasing demand for Geopark interpreters.