On the 9th, the Cultural Heritage Administration (Director Heo Min) announced the designation of 'Peperite in Gyeokpo-ri, Buan' and 'Structures of Columnar Joints in Andesite at Solseom, Docheong-ri, Buan' as National Designated Natural Monuments.

'Peperite in Gyeokpo-ri, Buan' is a layer of about 1m in thickness located between the upper Gomsoyu Formation (volcanic rock layer) and the lower Gyeokpo-ri Formation (sedimentary rock layer) along the cliffs of the Jukbyeok River coast at the western tip of the Byeonsan Peninsula.

'Peperite' refers to a rock where volcanic rock and sedimentary rock are mixed like fragments. When hot lava passes through still unconsolidated sediments containing water or moisture, the heat of the lava causes the moisture in the sediment to boil and explode as steam, mixing and solidifying the sediment and lava, resembling the appearance of sprinkled pepper, hence the name.

This area is a representative site where the typical characteristics and formation process of peperite can be directly observed, and unlike the thin band-shaped peperite commonly generated along rock boundaries, the thick-scale production of peperite here is rare in Korea, making it highly valuable as a geological heritage.

The 'Structures of Columnar Joints in Andesite at Solseom, Docheong-ri, Buan', which was also announced for designation, is an island located in front of Suraek Village, 6km southwest from the location of Byeonsanbyeon in Buan County, connected to the mainland during low tide.

Solseom was formed by volcanic activity in the late Cretaceous period (about 87 million years ago) in the Buan area, and it is named after the pine trees that inhabit the upper part of the island, known for its beautiful sunsets.

Numerous structures resembling grape bunches are found in the andesite within the lower part of Solseom, a volcanic rock structure that is rarely seen domestically or internationally. These structures are formed when hot water (a solution containing many useful minerals) passes through the solidifying andesite, precipitating iron oxides, creating this unique volcanic rock structure. The Solseom area, where such distinctive volcanic rock structures can be observed, holds high geological value.

The Cultural Heritage Administration will review the opinions gathered during the 30-day advance notice period for these two sites, and after deliberation by the Natural Heritage Committee, they are scheduled to be designated as Natural Monuments.