Five West Sea islands administrated by Korea are home to unique geological formations created one billion years ago.
These islands are in the limelight as candidates for national geoparks.
Park Se-young has more.
This rock formation named 'Dumujin' on Baekryongdo Island is a result of sandy sediments being heated and pressured a billion years ago.
The island is also home to basaltic rocks, …which have weathered and turned yellow due to their high magnesium content.
The Kongdol seashore is covered by round pebbles, formed by the break-down of quartzite in the soil.
Sagot Beach was once used as a natural airstrip due to the hardness of the sand.
And Socheongdo Island, where Korea's oldest fossils have been found, is home to the Bunbawi Rock, named for its white, chalky color.
The different layers and wave patterns of rocks at Nongyeo Beach provide a window back through one billion years of history.
The Seopungbaji Rock in Daecheongdo Island was named as such because it blocks the wind that blows from China to the West Sea.
"Baekryongdo, Daecheongdo and Socheongdo islands are not widely known for their rich geological heritage. We will work towards sustainable development by getting them certified as national geoparks in July."
Ten sights on the five islands will also apply to become UNESCO Global Geopark sites.
Park Se-young, Arirang News.
