Sejong, May 31 - On May 23, the Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) held the 138th National Park Committee meeting (led by Vice Minister Yoo Je-chul). During the meeting, the committee members deliberated and resolved the designation of "Palgongsan Mountain National Park." After being a provincial park for 43 years since its designation in May 1980, Palgongsan Mountain will now be designated as a national park, becoming the 23rd of its kind in Korea. This is the first new national park in seven years, with the last additions being Mudeungsan National Park during the Lee Myung-bak administration and Taebaeksan National Park during the Park Geun-hye administration.

Between 2021 and 2022, a feasibility study was carried out to assess if Palgongsan Mountain is suitable to be designated as a national park. The study found that Palgongsan Mountain has significant conservation value for wildlife habitat (it ranked 8th out of 22 national parks), natural and scenic resources (it ranked 7th), and cultural resources (it ranked 2nd).

In response to a proposal from Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongsangbuk-do, the Ministry of Environment conducted a comprehensive two-year process to elevate Palgongsan Mountain to a national park. This involved a feasibility study, local briefings, and discussions with relevant local government bodies and departments. As a result, the committee designated the Mountain Palgon as a national park to cover an area of 126.058㎢, an increase of 0.826㎢ from its previous status as a provincial park.

The percentage of local community members in favor of making Palgongsan Mountain a national park has risen from 72% in 2019 to 84% as of May 2023.

Palgongsan Mountain's natural and cultural resources will be managed more effectively. Efforts will be made to restore damaged areas and improve cultural heritage sites. The aging park facilities will undergo comprehensive upgrades to provide visitors with excellent ecological and exploration services. In light of the results of the Mudeungsan and Taebaeksan Mountains cases, visitor numbers to the Palgongsan Mountains are anticipated to increase by 28%, and conservation and utilization values will rise by 1.9 times, significantly boosting the local economy.

The Ministry and National Park Committee established the Palgongsan National Park Management Preparation Team on May 2. Later this year, a ceremony to celebrate its elevation to a national park will be held with the community. The transfer of park management responsibilities from Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongsangbuk-do will also be completed.

Minister of Environment Han Wha-jin stated, "Today is historic not just for the residents of Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do, but for all citizens, as the new national park is designated." She added, "We will make Palgongsan Mountain a national park that sets an example for park management by balancing conservation, sustainable use, and regional development."

Contact: Jeong Sung-mok, Deputy Director

Nature Park Division / +82-(0)44-201-7312

Foreign Media Contact: Chun Minjo(Rachel)

+82-(0)44-201-6055 / rachelmchun@korea.k