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IMWA 2026 South Korea
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IMWA 2026 Field Trips
IMWA 2026 Field Trips
The International Mine Water Association (IMWA) is a global scientific community dedicated to the study, management, and remediation of water-related challenges in mining. With its worldwide network of experts, IMWA plays a vital role in addressing mine water issues. Its conferences are renowned for offering a comprehensive program that integrates scientific presentations, technical workshops, and hands-on field trips.

The IMWA 2026 Conference in Eastern Korea will provide participants with a unique academic, professional, and cultural experience. Among its highlights are the diverse field trips, which allow attendees to witness real-world mine water management practices while also exploring Korea’s cultural heritage.
Mid-Conference Field Trips (Wednesday, 8 July 2026)
  • Step out of the lecture halls for a day and experience real-world challenges and solutions directly on-site.
  • The program combines technical visits with cultural exploration, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of mine water management while enjoying the region’s landscapes and traditions.
  • The registration fee includes transportation, excursion costs, and lunch.
Post-Conference Field Trip (Gangwon & Yeongnam Region)
As the concluding highlight of the conference, this trip offers an in-depth exploration of mine water treatment facilities and cultural landmarks in southeastern Korea.
  • Participants will learn about the environmental impacts of past mining activities.
  • Through exposure to sustainable remediation projects and the latest research applications, this trip provides valuable insights into the complexity of mine water management and innovative solutions being implemented today.
The IMWA 2026 field trips are designed to be both educational and inspiring. By combining technical expertise with cultural immersion, they allow participants to gain a deeper, contextual understanding of the challenges and solutions surrounding mine water management.
Mid-Conference Field Trips
Date: Wednesday, 8 July 2025
Fee: 70 € (includes transportation, excursion fees, and lunch)

The Mid-Conference Field Trips take place over one day during the symposium, offering participants the opportunity to step out of the academic sessions and experience real-world challenges and solutions in mine water management in South Korea.

Each trip is designed to combine technical site visits with cultural experiences, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of mine water issues while enjoying the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Gangwon Province.
01
Jeongseon – Mine Water Utilization & Treatment Facilities / Limestone Cave
  • Location: Jeongseon County
  1. High1 Resort – Mine Water Utilization & Geothermal Energy Facility
    • Visit facilities where mine water from the closed Dongwon coal mine is reused as a geothermal energy source for High1 Resort.
    • Explore advanced treatment plants that further purify mining-influenced water for reuse as process water.
  2. Samtan Active Treatment Plant
    • Observe the treatment of leachate contaminated with aluminum and manganese using lime dosing, dissolved air flotation (DAF), and filtration systems on a small footprint.
  3. Hwaam Cave
    • Tour a unique large-scale limestone cave historically connected to a gold mine.
02
Donghae & Gangneung – Mine Water Rehabilitation & Cultural Heritage
  • Location: Donghae & Gangneung Cities
  1. Mureung Byeolyucheonji
    • Explore an abandoned limestone quarry that has been transformed into a scenic lake and tourist attraction.
  2. Yeongdong Coal Mine Active Treatment Facility
    • Compare semi-active and active treatment plants designed to remove iron, aluminum, and other pollutants from mine drainage and leachate.
  3. Ojukheon House
    • Visit the birthplace of the famous scholar Yi Yulgok and his mother Shin Saimdang. Built over 600 years ago, Ojukheon is one of Korea’s oldest and most renowned traditional houses.
03
Taebaek – Mine Drainage Treatment Facilities & Samtan Art Mine
  • Location: Taebaek City
  1. Hamtae Active Treatment Facility
    • Learn how mine drainage rich in iron is treated through aeration, lime dosing, sedimentation, and filtration, supported by automated monitoring and ICT transmission systems.
  2. Yeonhwa Semi-active Treatment Facility
    • See how manganese-rich mine drainage is treated with lime dosing, a rectangular settling pond, and a constructed wetland, integrated with a local community park.
  3. Samtan Art Mine
    • Discover how one of Korea’s major coal mines, Samcheok Mine, has been transformed into an “Art Mine” featuring exhibitions, a rail museum, and a café housed in a former industrial site.
The Mid-Conference Field Trips go beyond technical visits—they provide a comprehensive learning and cultural experience, blending environmental solutions with Korea’s history, culture, and natural landscapes.
Post-conference Field Trip
  • Date: Friday, 10 July 2026 (14:00) – Monday, 13 July 2026 (17:00)
  • Departure/Arrival: Depart from High1 Resort (Jeongseon); return to High1 Resort or Daegu Metropolitan City
  • Fee: 750 €
  • Coordinator: Prof. Dukmin Kim
  • Includes: Lunches and dinners, site visit fees, transportation, hotel accommodation
  • Route: Jeongseon → Bonghwa → Gyeongju → Busan → Goseong → Daegu → Jeongseon
Overview
The Post-conference Field Trip serves as the grand finale of IMWA 2026, offering participants an in-depth exploration of mine drainage treatment facilities and cultural heritage sites in southeastern Korea
  • Learn from successful restoration projects addressing the legacy of historical mining activities.
  • Explore innovative and sustainable solutions for mine water management.
  • Experience a unique combination of technical knowledge and cultural immersion, highlighting both environmental challenges and Korea’s rich heritage.
01
Day 1 – Friday, 10 July
  • Visit the Byeongbanchi Skywalk (Jeongseon), a panoramic site shaped like the Korean peninsula and symbolized in the IMWA 2026 logo.
  • Transfer to Gyeongbuk Province for overnight stay.
02
Day 2 – Saturday, 11 July
  • Geumjeong Mine (Bonghwa County): Visit an innovative arsenic adsorption plant under construction, where mine sludge is being recycled as a treatment medium.
  • Explore Bulguksa Temple (Gyeongju), a UNESCO World Heritage Site built over 1,300 years ago.
  • Evening cultural experience: enjoy the illuminated nightscape of Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, the former royal palace of the Silla Dynasty capital.
03
Day 3 – Sunday, 12 July
  • Transfer to Busan, Korea’s second-largest coastal city.
  • Tour the Ilgwang Mine Semi-active Treatment Facility, which removes multiple metals from mine drainage.
  • Cultural highlights: Haeundae Beach and Gwangan Bridge.
04
Day 4 – Monday, 13 July
  • Visit Sambong Passive Treatment Site (Goseong County), featuring slag reactors for manganese removal.
  • Return options:
    • Travel to Daegu Metropolitan City for train connections to Seoul.
    • Return to High1 Resort, Jeongseon.
This Post-conference Field Trip offers more than technical site visits—it provides a holistic learning and cultural experience, combining advanced mine water management practices with Korea’s history, traditions, and natural beauty.
  • Name of academic organizationInternational Mine Water Association
  • Chair of Organizing Committee Duk-Min Kim
  • E-mail secretariat@imwa2026.info