Pocheon City in Gyeonggi Province is launching a nighttime experience program to promote the value of the Hantangang UNESCO Global Geopark.
The city announced Tuesday that it will hold "Star-Counting Night Hantangang" three times — on June 4, 11, and 18 — in the area around Bidulginang Falls. Now in its second year, the program is planned and operated directly by the Pocheon Geopark Interpreters Association.
Hantangang Geopark was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2020, becoming the fourth such site in Korea after Jeju Island, Cheongsong, and the Mudeungsan area. Its core resources are the basalt canyon and columnar joints formed roughly 500,000 years ago by the volcanic eruption of Mount Ori in North Korea. Bidulginang Falls is regarded as the most representative attraction among them.
The program consists of geological commentary, a music performance, and astronomical observation. Participants tour Bidulginang Falls with an interpreter to learn about the geological structure of the Hantangang River, then observe constellations directly under the clear night sky. The session offers a chance to appreciate stars rarely visible in urban areas while experiencing the value of the natural environment.
The city is developing the Hantangang Geopark as a flagship local tourism resource as part of its strategy to boost stay-oriented tourism.
"This is an educational tourism program where visitors can enjoy a performance and astronomical observation together against the backdrop of Hantangang's nature and night sky," a Pocheon City official said. "We hope it will be a meaningful time to experience geology and stars in one place."
Applications are accepted through the Hantangang Global Geopark Center website and its official social media channels.
