• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.727-743
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• 2004

This paper aims to explore the geographic characteristics of ecotour resources in Gumho-river basin and to study the educational application of ecotour resources. To grasp the characteristics of ecotour resources in Gurnho-basin, this research carried out a literature review about Gumho-river basin and arranged ecotour resources by different types. Ecotour resources are divided into geomorphic and geologic resources, plant communities, wildlife habitats, cultural and historical resources, regional events with eco-resources. The case studies of New Zealand present good examples of how to successfully use the ecotour goals as a educational applications to Korea. The ecotourism in Korea has not still achieved the real benefits which meet environmental conservation, regional economic advantages and educational effects. Thus, the ecotour programmes should be include entrance limitations, strict opening time schedules, natural trails, museums for study, boards for study, well trained information officers and guides organized by residents. In addition, the local residents prepare of winter programmes for sustainable economic advantages.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.59-73
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• 2001

This thesis aims to explore the effects of ecotourism in New Zealand as a foreign area study and investigate spatial implications of ecotourism in geographical context. In addition, this research pursuit to provide effective regional policies for ecotourism in Korea. To achieve the objectives this research carried out literature review before taking field survey in New Zealand. The survey was undertaken for three times in New Zealand. Using the materials such as data collection and interviews, the effects of the ecotourism were investigated. The effects of the ecotourism in New Zealand not only have presented environmental conservation and educational feedbacks to the ecotourists, but also contributed to development of regional economy. In addition, the collaboration of the governmental policies has supported the ecotour environments and active involvement of residents that resulted the effects of the ecotourism in New Zealand. Therefore, the ecotour industry has been able to foster stable economic development in long-term and provide educational opportunities for ecotourists to recap environmental importance. These benefits that the ecotour resources provide have contributed to accomplish the main purposes of the tour industry in New Zealand where natural environment has been identified as the mostly highest priority to be preserved for their tour industry. These effects have led aggressive activities of the ecotour development of central and local governments and local residents The ecotourism in Korea has not still achieved the real benefits which meet environmental conservation, regional economic advantages and educational effects. To obtain the effects, therefore, it needs close collaboration with governmental activities and close involvement of local residents. For this, the case studies of New Zealand present a good examples of how to success the ecotour as a set of tour industrial resource.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.355-375
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• 2007

This study explores the geographic characteristics of ecotour resources in Oceania based on the concept of ecotourism along with global education and investigates the global educational applications of eco-resources through a field survey of the Australian Cairns region. The field survey areas are the Green Island within the Great Barrier Reef, Barron Gorge National Park, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Cairns, and the Tjabukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. This case study of the Cairns region is applicable to global education in these aspects: The underwater Observatory and Glass bottom boat in Green Island is used in efficient exploration of ocean ecology; Barron Gorge National Park provides an excellent forest tour with a well-made track, detailed directory, and trained park rangers; the old industrial trains are being recycled for tourism uses; the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary provides various language interpretations and experts to help further visitor's understanding of the surrounding eco-resources; The Aboriginal Cultural Park also utilizes a special program that helps people understand their culture.