Jeju Island to launch long-term monitoring of Oreum and Gotjawal

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is launching a long-term, systematic monitoring project for the island's Oreum (volcanic cones) and Gotjawal (forests) areas. Moving away from sporadic, project-based studies, the initiative aims to establish a continuous data accumulation system led by local professional research organizations.

From 2027 to 2031, the World Heritage Office, in collaboration with the Environmental Forest Resources Bureau, will conduct phased basic surveys of approximately 360 Oreums and 110 square kilometers of Gotjawal. The research will cover topography, geology, vegetation, and soil, with data being integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) database to support long-term change analysis and conservation policies.

The Hallasan Research Institute will utilize advanced technologies, including drones and LiDAR, to quantify terrain characteristics and vegetation cover. The project seeks to transform research findings into continuously updated public data, fostering collaboration between researchers and administrative agencies to preserve Jeju's natural assets.