The Ministry of Environment said Monday it will begin ecosystem surveys of the estimated 1,000 caves nationwide.
The ministry will create a conservation plan after completing the research. Ministry-appointed ecology experts have already met and discussed the current state of the caves and will use the research to determine the best way to prevent further damage.
South Korea has around 300 officially recognized caves, but experts believe 700 to 1,000 exist nationwide with nearly 300 worthy of protection.
The ministry said the nation's lime and lava caves have international appeal based on their scale, number and diversity.
Especially, lime caves in Kangwon Province and lava tubes on Cheju Island have international appeal.
Preservation is necessary to maintain the unique ecosystems and various species residing in the caves.
A ministry official said...endangered species dwell in the local caves but rash tourist development is destroying their natural settings.