The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) held a ceremony on March 20 at BEXCO in Busan to mark the designation of Geumjeongsan Mountain as a national park and to celebrate the 6th National Park Day (observed annually on March 3).

The event, hosted by the Ministry and organized by the Korea National Park Service (KNPS), was attended by about 500 participants, including local residents, religious representatives, youth, and officials from central and local governments.

This year's theme for National Park Day, "National Parks: Bringing the Value of Nature to People," highlights the importance of effectively conserving national parks while enhancing their ecological and cultural value. It also emphasizes their role as spaces for public recreation and as key ecotourism destinations.

The ceremony also commemorated the designation of Geumjeongsan National Park, which was officially named Korea's 24th national park on November 28 last year in recognition of its rich ecological and cultural resources. The Ministry began managing the area as a national park on March 3 this year.

Geumjeongsan Mountain is home to 1,782 species of wildlife, including 14 endangered species such as Hynobius yangi and Lutra lutra. The area also features 71 natural landscapes, including Geumsaem Spring and Godangbong Peak, as well as 127 cultural heritage sites, such as Beomeosa Temple and Geumjeongsanseong Fortress.

During the ceremony, government awards were presented to a total of 10 individuals and organizations for their contributions to the designation of Geumjeongsan National Park and the development of national parks. Among the recipients were Kang Jong-in, President of the Geumjeongsan National Park Civic Promotion Committee, and Venerable Jeongo, head monk of Beomeosa Temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

As part of the event, Korea's 24 national parks and key policy directions for this year were introduced. In addition, promotional booths showcased initiatives such as the selection of flagship species for Geumjeongsan National Park, national park character merchandise, and exemplary villages and community enterprises within national parks. The event also featured lifestyle-oriented programs available in national parks, including electric vehicle-only campsites and forest wedding programs, highlighting efforts to enhance public engagement.

The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment said, "We will ensure the effective conservation and management of Geumjeongsan National Park so that residents of Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do can enjoy high-quality natural environments close to home. We will continue to advance national park policies by preserving and enhancing their ecological and cultural value, while expanding initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the public."