An Analysis of Self-guided Interpretive Signs along Eorimok-Yeongsil Trail on Mt. Hallasan National Park

한라산국립공원 어리목-영실탐방로의 해설표지판 분석

This study analyzed problems of interpretive signs along Eorimok-Yeongsil Trail on Mt. Hallasan National Park, focusing on factors of distracting visitor's attention from reading and understanding the signs. Eorimok-Yeongsil Trail has a total of 86 signs, and according to their purpose and content, they are classified into thirteen general signs, sixteen location signs, nine safety signs and forty-eight interpretive signs. Interpretive signs provide visitors with information and explanations about the nature and human resources of Mt. Hallasan as well as enhancing the opportunity for self-guided interpretation. The contents of interpretive signs of Eorimok-Yeongsil Trail are composed of landscapes, flora and fauna, topography, geology, history and culture, of which 70.8% of the total are related to plants and animals. Interpretive signs on the Eorimok-Yeongsil Trail do not attract visitors' attention because of the low readability, inappropriate locations and frequent errors in translation from Korean into other languages. The causes of low readability of interpretive signs include thirty-six physically damaged and faded signs, twenty-two improper font sizes and misuse of color schemes and five unclear description signs. The reasons for the incorrect locations include twenty-two long distances from the trails, twenty-one inadequate heights and fifteen inconsistencies in descriptions and locations. Problems with English use include eight grammar and spelling errors, twenty-one incorrect translations, and twenty-six English names missing.