Dinosaur Footprints and Fossil Hotspots in the Korean Peninsula

The Korean Peninsula is rich in geological traces not just of giant dinosaur bones but also abundant footprints, nests, pterosaur and bird tracks, and sedimentary layers that are not made of lava. These footprints help us infer the direction and movement of dinosaurs, as well as the breeding environment of nesting sites. This list introduces actual fossil sites and representative viewing points in Gyeongnam, Jeonnam, Gyeonggi, Gyeongbuk, and Busan.

The addresses and coordinates mentioned are for the main viewing locations within broader fossil sites and do not indicate the exact locations of individual fossils or free access. Coastal sites may be dangerous to access due to tides, rockfalls, and weather, and protective facilities may be closed for maintenance or investigation. Before visiting, be sure to check the access, reservation, and hiking route details from the National Heritage Administration, local governments, or operating organizations, and do not touch or remove fossils or rocks. Preparing binoculars and slip-resistant shoes will allow you to safely observe traces without crossing protective boundaries.

When visiting fossil hotspots, don’t just compare the sizes of footprints; also look for toe direction, stride lengths, walking patterns, and the slope of the sediment layers. The tilted rock formations we see now may have been flat ground covered in mud when the footprints were made. Alternating between the restoration illustrations on information boards and actual traces makes it easier to understand what kind of animal and environment researchers infer from small indentations.

If you are visiting with children, consider sketching one or two visible fossils and marking them in different colors to indicate the actual traces and reconstructions. Rules about drones, filming, pets, and visiting hours vary by location, and be sure to respect private property and designated research areas. Even if you believe you've found a fossil, it’s better to notify the relevant authorities without disturbing the location or surrounding area, as this helps preserve the value of the material. After your visit, you can revisit the geological map to better connect each of the traces to the environment they originated from.