Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Geoheritage Values of the Quaternary Hantangang River Volcanic Field in the Central Korean Peninsula

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Geoheritage Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The Quaternary Hantangang River Volcanic Field (HRVF) in the central part of the Korean Peninsula hosts unique volcanic landforms associated with fluvial topography. The volcanic field consists of a series of basaltic lava flows, ca. 0.1 to 0.6 Ma old, which originated from two source vents in DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; North Korea) and flowed along a 110 km long stretch of paleo-river channels to the terminus in the northern part of ROK (Republic of Korea; South Korea). Afterwards, the lavas were eroded by the re-established river system, producing an array of precipitous exposures of columnar-jointed lavas along the channel walls, a number of waterfalls, and other fluvial landforms. The Hantangang River National Geopark was established in 2015 based on the volcanic geoheritage values of the region. Eighteen geosites in the geopark show high geodiversity and can be divided into five major groups of geotopes, including (1) volcanic landforms, (2) fluvial landforms, (3) pre-Quaternary basement rocks, (4) Quaternary deposits associated with archeological ruins, and (5) warm spring. Several geosites are related to ecological, cultural, and historical features. Here, we provide field-based documentations of the geoheritage values of these geotopes, regarding (1) the processes of terrestrial lava flows along a river valley, (2) landform evolution through the interplay between lava flows and fluvial erosion, and (3) the relationship between geological processes and ecological, historical, cultural, and archeological values. The geoheritage values of the Quaternary HRVF may justify for a UNESCO Global Geopark status in the future.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahn KS (2014) Distribution and petrology of the columnar joint in South Korea. J Petrol Soc Korea 23:45–59

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bae K (1989) The development of the Hantan River basin, Korea and the age of the sediment on the top of the Chongok basalt. Korean J Quat Res 3:87–101

    Google Scholar 

  • Bae K (1993) Pleistocene environment and palaeolithic stone industries of the Korean peninsula. In: Aikens CM, Rhee SN (eds) Pacific Northeast Asia in prehistory. Washington State University Press, Pullman, pp 13–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Bae K, Bae CJ, Kim K (2012) The age of the Paleolithic hand axes from the Imjingang Hantangang River basins, South Korea. Quat Internat 281:14–25

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balogh K, Németh K (2005) Evidence for the Neogene small-volume intracontinental volcanism in Western Hungary: K/Ar geochronology of the Tihany maar volcanic complex. Geol Carpath 56(1):91–99

    Google Scholar 

  • Bitschene PR (2015) Edutainment with basalt and volcanoes—the Rockeskyller Kopf example in the Westeifel volcanic field/Vulkaneifel European Geopark, Germany. Z Dtsch Ges Geowiss 166(2):187–193

    Google Scholar 

  • Brenna M, Cronin SJ, Smith IEM, Sohn YK, Maas R (2012) Spatio-temporal evolution of a dispersed magmatic system and its implications for volcano growth, Jeju Island volcanic field, Korea. Lithos 148:337–352

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brenna M, Price R, Cronin SJ, Smith IEM, Sohn YK, Kim GB, Maas R (2014) Final magma storage depth modulation of explosivity and trachyte-phonolite genesis at an intraplate volcano: a case study from Ulleung Island, South Korea. J Petrol 55(4):709–747

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brenna M, Cronin SJ, Kereszturi G, Sohn YK, Smith IEM, Wijbrans J (2015) Intraplate volcanism influenced by distal subduction tectonics at Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Bull Volcanol 77:7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brilha J (2016) Inventory and quantitative assessment of geosites and geodiversity sites: a review. Geoheritage 8:119–134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheong AC-S, Sohn YK, Jeong Y-J, Joa HJ, Park K-H, Lee YS, Li X-H (2017) Latest Pleistocene crustal cannibalization at Baekdusan (Changbaishan) as traced by oxygen isotopes of zircon from the millennium eruption. Lithos 284-285:132–137

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi MC (1982) Report of the third excavation in Cheon-kok Palaeolithic site. J Liberal Art, Kon-Kuk Univ 14:207–238

    Google Scholar 

  • Choi SJ, Lee SR, Kim KB, Kim JR, Kim BC (1998) Geological report of the Munsan sheet (scale 1:50,000). KIGAM, Dajeon

    Google Scholar 

  • Choi SJ, Chwae U, Lee HK, Song Y, Kang IM (2012) Review on the Chugaryeong fault. Econ Environ Geol 45:441–446

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi HO, Choi SH, Yu Y (2014) Isotope geochemistry of Jeongok basalts, northernmost South Korea: implications for the enriched mantle end-member component. J Asian Earth Sci 91:56–68

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chough SK, Sohn YK (2010) Tectonic and sedimentary evolution of a cretaceous continental arc-backarc system in the Korean peninsula: new view. Earth-Sci Rev 101:225–249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chung D, Park C, Kang IM, Choi SJ, Khulganakhuu C (2014) Reactivated timings of some major faults in the Chugaryeong fault zone since the cretaceous period. Econ Environ Geol 47:29–38

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chwae U, Choi SJ, Park KW, Kim KB (1996) Geological report of the Cheolwon-Majeonri sheet (scale 1:50,000). KIGAM, Daejeon

    Google Scholar 

  • Cumings B (2011) The Korean war: a history. Modern Library, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Danhara T, Bae K, Okada T, Matsufuji K, Hwang S (2002) What is the real age of the Chongokni Paleolithic site? In: Bae K, Lee J (eds) Paleolithic archaeology in Northeast Asia. Yeoncheon County and The Institute of Cultural Properties, Seoul and Yeoncheon County, pp 77–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Erfurt-Cooper P, Cooper M (2010) Volcano and geothermal tourism: sustainable geo-resources for leisure and recreation. Earthscan, Oxon 378 pp

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Harangi S (2014) Volcanic heritage of the Carpathian–Pannonian region in eastern-Central Europe. In: Erfurt-Cooper P (ed) Volcanic tourist destinations, Geoheritage. Geoparks and Geotourism. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, pp 103–123

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Hwang JH, Kihm YH (2007) Geological report of the Jipori sheet (scale 1:50,000). KIGAM, Daejeon

    Google Scholar 

  • Hwang SK, Kim JH (2009) Topographical landscapes and their controlling geological factors in the Juwangsan National Park: welding facies and columnar joints. J Petrol Soc Korea 18:195–209

    Google Scholar 

  • Irvine TN, Baragar WRA (1971) A guide to the chemical classification of the common volcanic rocks. Can J Earth Sci 8:523–548

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jin K, Kim Y-S (2010) Study on development and value for geotourism of horizontal columnar joints at the Jeongja beach area, Ulsan and Eupchon beach area, Gyeongju. J Geol Soc Korea 46:413–427

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones JG (1968) Pillow lava and pahoehoe. J Geol 76:485–488

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kee WS, Cho DL, Kim BC, Jin K (2005) Geological report of the Pocheon sheet (scale 1:50,000). KIGAM, Daejeon

    Google Scholar 

  • Kee WS, Lim SB, Kim H, Kim BC, Hwang SK, Song KY, Kihm YH (2008) Geological report of the Yeoncheon sheet (scale 1:50,000). KIGAM, Daejeon

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim J (2001) New K-Ar dating in Korea Basic Science Institute: summary and performance. J Petrol Soc Korea 10:172–178

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim J (2012) A history of Korea: from “land of the morning calm” to states in conflict. In: Indiana University press. Indiana, Bloomington

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim KH, Kim OJ, Min KD, Lee YS (1984) Structural, paleomagnetic and petrological studies of the Chugaryeong rift valley. Econ Environ Geol 17:215–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim KH, Nagao K, Jang HS, Sumino H, Chung JI (2002) Nd, Sr and Noble gas isotopic compositions of alkali basaltic rocks and mantle xenoliths in the Baegryongdo. Econ Environ Geol 35:523–532

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim BC, Hwang JH, Lee YS, Lee GH, Nahm WH (2004) Paleomagnetic and soil chemical studies on the quaternary paleosol around the Hantangang River. Econ Environ Geol 37:325–334

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim GB, Cronin SJ, Yoon WS, Sohn YK (2014a) Post 19 ka B.P. eruptive history of Ulleung Island, Korea, inferred from an intra-caldera pyroclastic sequence. Bull Volcanol 76:802

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim J, Choi JH, Jeon SI, Park UJ, Nam SS (2014b) 40Ar-39Ar age determination for the quaternary basaltic rocks in Jeongok area. J Petrol Soc Korea 23:385–391

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kinosaki Y (1937) Quaternary volcanoes in chosen. J Chosen Natural History Soc 22:3–8

    Google Scholar 

  • Koh J-S, Yun S-H, Hong H-C (2005) Morphology and petrology of Jisagae columnar joint on the Daepodong basalt in Jeju Island, Korea. J Petrol Soc Korea 14(4):212–225

    Google Scholar 

  • Koh GW, Park JB, Kang B-R, Kim G-P, Moon DC (2013) Volcanism in Jeju Island. J Geol Soc Korea 49:209–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Koto B (1903) An orographic sketch of Korea. J Coll of Sci Imp Univ Tokyo 19:1–61

  • Lebas MJ, LeMaitre RW, Streckeisen A, Zanettin B (1986) A chemical classification of volcanic rocks based on the total alkali-silica diagram. J Petrol 27:745–750

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee D (1995) Earthquake activities and crustal deformation in the Korean Peninsula (I). KIGAM report KR-95(T)-7, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon

  • Lee K, Lee YM (1991) A gravity study of the Chugaryeong rift valley (I). J Geol Soc Korea 27:309–318

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee DS, Ryu KJ, Kim GH (1983) Geotectonic interpretation of Choogaryong rift valley, Korea. J Geol Soc Korea 19:19–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee YS, Min KD, Hwang JH (2001) The geodynamic evolution of the Chugaryeong Fault Valley in a view point of paleomagnetism. Econ Environ Geol 34:555–571

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee BJ, Ko HJ, Kee WS, Kim BC, Lee SR, Lee SR (2005) 1:1,000,000 scale digital geologic map of Korean Peninsula. NP 2005–007-2008(3), Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon

  • Martí J, Planagumà L (2017) La Garrotxa volcanic field of Northeast Spain: case study of sustainable volcanic landscape management. Springer, Cham, Switzerland 134 pp

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Moore JG (1975) Mechanism of formation of pillow lava. Am Sci 63:269–277

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore JG, Phillips RL, Grigg RW, Peterson DW, Swanson DA (1973) Flow of lava into the sea, 1969-1971, Kilauea volcano, Hawaii. Geol Soc Am Bull 84:537–546

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moufti MR, Németh K (2013) The intra-continental Al Madinah volcanic field, Western Saudi Arabia: a proposal to establish Harrat Al Madinah as the first volcanic geopark in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Geoheritage 5:185–206

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moufti MR, Németh K (2016) Geoheritage of volcanic Harrats in Saudi Arabia. Springer, Berlin/Heidelberg, pp 194

  • Nagaoka S, Danhara T, Itaya T, Sakuyama T, Watanabe M, Bae K, Matsufuji K (2008) Stratigraphy and age of quaternary basaltic lavas and reconstruction of paleogeography in Chongokni, Korea. In: Matsufuji K (ed) Loess-paleosol and Paleolithic chronology in East Asia. Yuzankaku, Tokyo, pp 87–102

    Google Scholar 

  • Németh K, Moufti MR (2017) Geoheritage values of a mature monogenetic volcanic field in intra-continental settings: Harrat Khaybar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Geoheritage 9:311–328

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Németh K, Wu J, Sun C, Liu J (2017) Update on the volcanic geoheritage values of the Pliocene to quaternary Arxan–Chaihe volcanic field, Inner Mongolia, China. Geoheritage 9:279–297

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Norton CJ, Bae K, Harris JWK, Lee H (2006) Middle Pleistocene hand axes from the Korean peninsula. J Hum Evol 51:527–536

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • On CI (2010) Korean war 60 battles (Korean edition). Hwang Geumal, Seoul

    Google Scholar 

  • Pan B, SLde S, Xua J, Chen Z, Miggins DP, Wei H (2017) The VEI-7 millennium eruption, Changbaishan-Tianchi volcano, China/DPRK: new field, petrological, and chemical constraints on stratigraphy, volcanology, and magma dynamics. J Volcanol Geotherm Res 343:45–59

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park JM, Park KH (1996) Petrology and petrogenesis of the Cenozoic alkali volcanic rocks in the middle part of Korean peninsula (I): petrography, mineral chemistry and whole rock major element chemistry. J Geol Soc Korea 32:223–249

    Google Scholar 

  • Park K, Kim Y, Lee I, Park J, Choi M, Lee K, Jeong C, Han J, Lee S, Shin H (1996) A study on trace element composition and structural analyses of geologic and marine samples (II). KBSI report. In: UCPN00016–070-4

    Google Scholar 

  • Park KH, Park JB, Cheong CS, Oh CH (2005) Sr, Nd and Pb isotopic systematics of the Cenozoic basalts of the Korean peninsula and their implications for the Permo-Triassic continental collision boundary. Gondwana Res 8:529–538

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ree J-H, Cho M, Kwon S-T, Nakamura E (1996) Possible eastward extension of Chinese collision belt in South Korea: the Imjingang belt. Geology 24:1071–1074

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryu S, Oka M, Yagi K, Sakuyama T, Itaya T (2011) K-Ar ages of the quaternary basalts in the Jeongok area, the central part of Korean Peninsula. Geosci J 15:1–8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sakuyama T, Nagaoka S, Miyazaki T, Chang Q, Takahashi T, Hirahara Y, Senda R, Itaya T, Kimura J, Ozawa K (2014) Melting of the uppermost metasomatized asthenosphere triggered by fluid fluxing from ancient subducted sediment: constraints from the quaternary basalt lavas at Chugaryeong volcano, Korea. J Petrol 55:499–528

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shin JB, Yu KM, Naruse T, Hayashida A (2004) Study on loess-paleosol stratigraphy of quaternary unconsolidated sediments at E55S20-IV pit of Chongokni Paleolithic site. J Geol Soc Korea 40:369–381

    Google Scholar 

  • Sohn YK (1995) Geology of Tok Island, Korea: eruptive and depositional processes of a shoaling to emergent island volcano. Bull Volcanol 56(8):660–674

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Song KY, Cho DL (2007) Geological report of the Gimhwa sheet (scale 1:50,000). KIGAM, Daejeon

    Google Scholar 

  • Song MY, Shin KS (1998) Satellite image analysis for the geologic structure and land surface environments in the Chugaryung rift valley near Cholwon. J Korean Earth Sci Soc 19:675–683

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun C, Liu J, You H, Németh K (2017) Tephrostratigraphy of Changbaishan volcano, Northeast China, since the mid-Holocene. Quat Sci Rev 177:104–119

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Szepesi J, Harangi S, Ésik Z, Novák TJ, Lukács R, Soós I (2017) Volcanic Geoheritage and Geotourism perspectives in Hungary: a case of an UNESCO world heritage site, Tokaj wine region historic cultural landscape, Hungary. Geoheritage 9:329–349

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wee SM (1996) Geochemical characteristics of the quaternary Jungok basalt in Chooogaryong rift valley, mid-Korean peninsula. Econ Environ Geol 29:171–182

    Google Scholar 

  • Wee SM (1999) Geochemistry and petrogenesis of Jeungok basalts in mid-Korean peninsula. J Min Petrol Econ Geol 94:222–240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wei H, Liu G, Gill J (2013) Review of eruptive activity at Tianchi volcano, Changbaishan, Northeast China: implications for possible future eruptions. Bull Volcanol 75:706

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Won CK (1983) A study on the quaternary volcanism in the Korean peninsula: in the Choogaryong rift valley. J Geol Soc Korea 19:159–168

    Google Scholar 

  • Won CK, Lee MW (1988) The study on petrology for the quaternary alkali volcanic rock of the Korean peninsula. J Geol Soc Korea 24:181–193

    Google Scholar 

  • Won CK, Kim YK, Lee MW (1990) The study on the geochemistry of Choogaryong alkali basalt. J Geol Soc Korea 26:70–81

    Google Scholar 

  • Won CK, Lee MW, Jin MS, Choi MJ, Jeong BH (2015) Geological survey in the Hantangang River. Jisungsa, Seoul

    Google Scholar 

  • Woo HD, Park JS, Oh HS, Jang YD (2013a) Forming processes and the value of the natural heritage of the Guksubawi in Ulleung Island, Korea. J Petrol Soc Korea 22:9–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Woo KS, Sohn YK, Ahn US, Yoon SH (2013b) Jeju Island Geopark—a volcanic wonder of Korea. Springer, Berlin 90 pp

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Woo KS, Ju SO, Sohn YK (submitted) International geoheritage values of the Hantangang Geopark: qualitative assessment by comparative analysis, Springer Geoheritage series. Springer, Berlin

  • Yang KS (1982) A study on volcanic rocks of downstream area of the Hantangang River in Choogaryong rift valley. J Korean Earth Sci Soc 16:65–73

    Google Scholar 

  • Yi SB (1984) Geoarcheological observations of Chon’gok-ri, Korea. Korea Journal 24(9):4–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Yoo Y (2014) Narrating Palaeolithic human settlement history: the case of the Imjingang-Hantangang River area, Korea. Int J Korean History 19:67–100

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yun HS (1995) Occurrence and petrochemistry of the granites in the Pocheon-Euijeongbu area. J Petrol Soc Korea 4:91–103

    Google Scholar 

  • Yun HS, Hong SS, Kim J (2006) Petrochemistry of the pink hornblende biotite granite in the Galmal-Yeongbug area of the north Gyeonggi. J Petrol Soc Korea 15:167–179

    Google Scholar 

  • Zouros N (2004) The European Geoparks network. Episodes 27(3):165–171

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the application preparation project of the Hantangang National Geopark of Korea for UNESCO Global Geopark which was funded by the Gyeonggi-do Provincial Government. All the local government people of Cheorwon-gun, Pocheon-si, and Yeoncheon-gun are appreciated for their enthusiastic efforts during the project. The authors are grateful to Mr. J. H. Choi and L. Kim at the Natural Heritage Institute of Korea for his contribution to fieldwork. Miss S. O. Ju kindly revised some figures and photos. K. Németh provided a number of helpful comments to improve the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Energy and Resources Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea

    Youngwoo Kil & Woochul Jung

  2. Department of Earth Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea

    Kun Sang Ahn

  3. Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwondo, 24341, Republic of Korea

    Kyung Sik Woo

  4. Department of New Energy and Resource Engineering, Sangji University, Wonju, Gangwondo, 26339, Republic of Korea

    Kwang Choon Lee

  5. Department of Geology and Research Institute of Natural Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongsangnamdo, 52828, Republic of Korea

    Yong-Joo Jwa & Young Kwan Sohn

Authors
  1. Youngwoo Kil
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kun Sang Ahn
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kyung Sik Woo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Kwang Choon Lee
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yong-Joo Jwa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Woochul Jung
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Young Kwan Sohn
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Young Kwan Sohn.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kil, Y., Ahn, K.S., Woo, K.S. et al. Geoheritage Values of the Quaternary Hantangang River Volcanic Field in the Central Korean Peninsula. Geoheritage 11, 765–782 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-018-0329-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12371-018-0329-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation