Distribution Status of 1st to 2nd Graded Geomorphological Resources by Metropolitan Local Government Based on the 5th National Ecosystem Survey

This study aims to analyze the spatial distribution characteristics and policy implications of geodiversity across South Korea’s metropolitan local governments. We focused on geomorphological resources categorized as grade I or II landforms conservation grades derived from the 5th National Ecosystem Survey (2019-2023). To achieve this, nationwide geomorphological resource polygon data were georeferenced by spatially joining them to administrative boundaries with Korea 2000 coordinate system. The data were then categorized into five major geomorphological types: mountain landforms, fluvial landforms, coastal landforms, volcanic landforms, and karst landforms. Analysis results identified a total of 3,126 graded I-II geomorphological resources, with fluvial landforms (38.3%) and mountain landforms (35.6%) account for over 70% of the total. Coastal landforms (19.7%), volcanic landforms (4.2%), and karst landforms (2.3%) showed a lower overall proportion but tended to be partially concentrated in specific administrative boundaries. According to administrative boundaries, grade I-II geomorphological resources were relatively concentrated in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gangwon State, Jeollanam-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do. Fluvial landforms were dominant in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gangwon State, and Gyeonggi-do, while mountain landforms were predominant in Jeollanam-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, and Chungcheong region. Incheon City exhibited a specialized pattern dominated by coastal landforms, while Jeju Special Self-Governing Province showed a dominance of volcanic landforms. Karst landforms were concentrated in Chungcheongbuk-do and Gangwon State, well reflecting the regional specificity of limestone-based landforms. Regional geodiversity is closely linked to the spatial structure of biodiversity, and these findings suggest the necessity for differentiated conservation and management strategies. Particularly, by providing empirical evidence for which landforms types should be prioritized in environmental impact assessments, this study can serve as foundational data for establishing geomorphological-resource-centered spatial conservation policies and ecosystem management strategies.