A century of geological surveying culminates in completion of Korea’s national geological map

A National Geological Map Built Over More Than a Century

In 1861, the renowned Korean cartographer Kim Jeong-ho completed the Daedongyeojido, a remarkably detailed map depicting the mountains, rivers, roads, and settlements of the Korean Peninsula. One hundred and sixty-five years later, Korea has completed another monumental national map—this time looking far beneath the surface to record the geological history accumulated over hundreds of millions of years.

The Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM), led by President Yi Kyun Kwon, officially announced the completion of all 357 sheets of Korea’s 1:50,000 National Geological Map at a ceremony held at its headquarters in Daejeon on September 10. This achievement marks the culmination of more than a century of national geological surveying, bringing together generations of field observations, laboratory analyses, and breakthroughs in geoscience.

Modern national geological surveying in Korea began with the establishment of its first geological survey organization in 1918. The first 1:50,000 geological map sheet was published in 1924, followed by decades of systematic surveys conducted by geologists from research institutes and universities across the country. With the recent completion of the final map sheets covering remote mountainous, border, and island areas, all 357 sheets covering South Korea have finally been integrated into a single, comprehensive national geological information framework.

A “History Book of the Land”

The National Geological Map systematically records the distribution, types, and ages of rocks, the chronological relationships between geological formations, and structural features such as faults and folds. Unlike conventional maps that focus primarily on surface coordinates and topography, a geological map reveals how the land was shaped across vast epochs of geological time. For this reason, these maps are often described as the “history book of the land.”

Producing each individual map sheet requires exhaustive field and laboratory research. Geologists must meticulously survey mountains, rivers, coastlines, and exposed rock formations to document stratigraphic relationships and structural data while collecting representative physical samples.

These samples then undergo rigorous laboratory analysis to determine mineral composition, microscopic textures, geochemical characteristics, and absolute ages using advanced techniques like isotope analysis. By integrating and interpreting these comprehensive datasets, researchers are able to construct the final geological map. Consequently, the completed National Geological Map represents far more than a cartographic collection; it stands as a century-long accumulation of national scientific knowledge and geological expertise.

Essential Public Infrastructure for Resources, Safety and Land Use

The National Geological Map provides the foundational data essential for understanding, managing, and utilizing the nation’s land and subsurface environments. It serves as a critical asset for mineral resource exploration, infrastructure development, groundwater management, underground space utilization, geological hazard assessments, and geological carbon dioxide storage.

Furthermore, this dataset supports vital practical applications directly linked to public safety, including landslide risk mitigation, urban underground development, and natural disaster response. As global demand rises for critical minerals, safe underground infrastructure, climate change solutions, and proactive hazard management, the strategic value of this reliable national geological framework is projected to grow exponentially.

From 357 Map Sheets to a Seamless Digital Geological Map

KIGAM views the completion of the National Geological Map not as the conclusion of a project, but as the launchpad for the next generation of geological surveying. Moving forward, the institute plans to standardize and digitize the vast geological data accumulated over the past century, accelerating the development of advanced digital geological maps and geographic information systems (GIS).

A primary objective of this next phase is the creation of a Seamless Geologic Map. This initiative will resolve discrepancies among data originally produced sheet by sheet, integrating individual regional maps into a single, continuous nationwide dataset. Furthermore, KIGAM will leverage cutting-edge survey and analytical technologies to conduct high-resolution geological resurveys, ensuring regular updates that seamlessly incorporate newly discovered geological data.

Toward AI-Based 3D Geological Information

The next stage of the initiative will extend geological mapping far beyond conventional two-dimensional surface data. KIGAM plans to establish a national three-dimensional geological information system, visualizing subsurface structures to provide an integrated view of deep-earth resources, geological hazards, and underground space potential.

Artificial intelligence will play an increasingly vital role in this evolution, analyzing massive volumes of geological data to identify complex patterns, anomalies, and trends that evade conventional methods. By fusing geological data with AI and digital twin technologies, KIGAM aims to transform the National Geological Map into a continuously updated stream of "living geological information" to guide national decision-making. Ultimately, the long-term vision is to evolve the map into both a "digital treasure map" that uncovers subterranean opportunities and a "digital safety map" that safeguards society against geological risks.

A New Starting Point for Korean Geoscience

The milestone event brought together government officials, representatives from domestic and international geological survey organizations, senior geoscientists, and the very researchers whose decades of dedication drove Korea's geological mapping efforts. The accompanying forum reviewed the profound history and significance of the national geological survey while exploring how digital transformation, AI-driven methodologies, and international research networks can unlock new value from geological data.

Dr. Yi Kyun Kwon, President of KIGAM, remarked on the achievement:

“The completion of the National Geological Map is a historic triumph. It culminates more than a century of unyielding dedication by geologists who meticulously documented our land on foot, combined with the rapid acceleration of modern science and technology.”

He further emphasized KIGAM’s forward-looking mandate:

“By fusing our foundational geological data with artificial intelligence and digital twin technologies, we will generate critical insights to bolster national resource security and public safety. The National Geological Map will serve as a trusted, living blueprint for Korea’s resource sovereignty, carbon neutrality initiatives, and the secure development of underground spaces.”

The multi-day program commenced on September 9 with an international symposium featuring global geological survey authorities and research experts. The following day, September 10, hosted the official completion ceremony, a nostalgic Homecoming Day for veteran geologists, and high-level bilateral meetings with major overseas counterpart organizations. The historic celebration concluded with intensive geological field excursions across Jinan, Jeonju, and Jeju from September 11 to 13.

About KIGAM

The Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) is a premier government-funded research institution specializing in geoscience and mineral resources. KIGAM leads national geological surveys and spearheads cutting-edge research across critical domains, including geological mapping, mineral resource exploration, geological hazards, groundwater management, subsurface environments, geological carbon storage, and advanced geoscience data systems. Through these initiatives, KIGAM serves as a cornerstone for sustainable development, national resource security, and public safety.