Reading the Volcanic Topography of the Korean Peninsula from a Geological Perspective

The volcanic topography of the Korean Peninsula is not just defined by large mountains like Baekdusan (Mount Baekdu) and Hallasan (Mount Halla). It also includes features like the Ulleungdo (Ulleung Island) caldera, Jeju (Jeju Island) tuff cone and lava caves, and the Han River basalt canyon in Cheorwon. This list focuses on understanding the order of formations through minerals, stratification, craters, caves, and river erosion, rather than course difficulty as in traditional hiking lists.

The coordinates represent key locations of broad geological sites and do not indicate the entire geological boundary. Please check with the site management offices as access may be restricted to certain areas due to rockfalls, weather, and conservation issues. Do not collect rocks or cross control lines; observe using geological explanation boards and resources from National Geoparks and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM). Distinguishing the era when the terrain was formed and the subsequent erosion period will lead to a more accurate understanding of today's landscape.

When lining up the volcanic terrains in the country, it becomes evident that even after eruptions have ended, long-term erosion by wind, waves, rivers, and collapses reshapes the landscape. The tuff layers of Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), lava traces in Manjanggul Cave, and basalt cliffs by the Han River reveal different environments and processes. Even with a similar basalt landscape, do not group them by formation period and magma pathways; instead, check local studies and geological maps.

When visiting geological sites, focus on observing layer orientation, particle size, fractures, and surrounding topography rather than just taking beautiful photos, and compare with interpretations. For places like Baekdusan (Mount Baekdu) on the North Korea-China border, where access and information conditions differ, utilize remote resources and official observations. The fact that volcanic activity has occurred in the past and the current immediate risks are distinct issues, so assessments of activity should rely on observational data from monitoring agencies regarding earthquakes, deformation, and gas emissions rather than personal conjectures. Leave an observational record with photos, sketches, and official explanations instead of collecting field samples.