Contribution to sustainable regional development of geoparks

Three cities, Cheorwon-gun, Pocheon-si, and Yeoncheon-gun, have been endorsed as Hantangang River UNESCO Global Geopark in 2020. Saemtong Spring, Lava Plateau, Jiktangpokpo Falls, Goseokjeong Pavilion, and Sambuyeonpokpo Falls are the major geosites in Cheorwon-gun. The Hantangang River UNESCO Global Geopark, a unique brand resource of Cheorwon-gun, has been noted as the core factor to drive regional development. A survey of 1,011 residents was conducted to derive sustainable resident-led development. In this study, the two virtual market valuation methods, namely the double dichotomy method and the open method, were adopted. The open method was applied to investigate the total willingness to pay (WTP, through either donations or volunteers, or both). The WTP categorized the positive and the negative groups in accordance with their responses on the helpfulness of the Geopark in regional development, policies' usefulness, separation distance, information acquisition location, and birth location. The Supportive Groups who either anticipate positive effects of the Geopark on the regional development of the region, residents in close proximity to the geographical attractions, and residents who obtained information from the County Governmental Office demonstrated a higher willingness to pay than the Cheorwon-gun residents.