These dinosaur fossils are on Daereukdo Island off the coast of Yeosu, Jeollanam-do Province. (Korea Heritage Service)

By Lee Jihae

The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) will conduct excavations for and research on dinosaur fossils nationwide starting with those on the islands of Songdo, Daereukdo and Soreukdo in Yulchon-myeon Township of Yeosu, Jeollanam-do Province.

Many such fossils in 2007 were discovered in this region during an academic study conducted there by the KHS, continuously raising the need for precise study and excavation of the area.

Since July, the KHS has confirmed 60 fossils at four locations on the exposed geological strata along the coast.

Dinosaur footprints or eggs have been discovered and studied in other areas of the country, but many fossils were discovered in the Daereukdo area this time.

Next year, the KHS will begin a model for excavating dinosaur fossils and developing related tourism resources through professional processing and study of such fossils and identification of them; this will expand the basis for fossil preservation and management and show the true nature of the nation's dinosaur remains.

In addition, the agency will seek to stimulate activity in the region by using excavation and research results as tourism resources. 

jihlee08@korea.kr