### Overview of the Largest Natural Parks by Country

National parks play a significant role in the conservation of natural landscapes and biodiversity. This document delves into the differences in the largest national parks based on national contexts, focusing particularly on the United States and South Korea. It aims to provide an educational contrast in terms of size, establishment, and environmental significance between these countries.

#### United States: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

##### Location and Size
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is located in eastern Alaska and encompasses an area of approximately 13.2 million acres (about 53,320 square kilometers), making it the largest national park in the United States. Its size exceeds that of the country of Switzerland, succinctly highlighting the park's massive scale.

##### Establishment
The park was established on December 2, 1980, by President Jimmy Carter under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. This act created several national parks across Alaska, aiming to preserve the state's vast biomes and native cultural histories.

##### Geography and Biodiversity
Wrangell-St. Elias borders Canada's Kluane National Park and boasts an extraordinary range of landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, and rivers. It includes nine of the sixteen highest peaks in the United States. The park is named after Mount Wrangell (one of the largest andesite shield volcanoes in North America) and Mount St. Elias (the second-highest peak in both the United States and Canada).

##### Cultural and Environmental Importance
The park is also notable for its rich cultural history, encompassing a heritage of Native Alaskan tribes, such as the Ahtna and the Eyak. Various historical sites, like the Kennecott Mines, an abandoned copper mine and now a tourist attraction, are found within its boundaries. The diverse ecosystems of Wrangell-St. Elias support a wide array of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and caribou, making it a critical area for biodiversity conservation.

#### South Korea: Dadohae Marine National Park and Jirisan National Park

##### Dadohae Marine National Park

###### Location and Size
Located along the southwestern coast of South Korea, Dadohae Marine National Park is the largest marine preserve area in the country. It encompasses numerous islands and the marine environment around them, covering a vast maritime area that supports a diverse range of marine and island ecosystems.

###### Establishment and Significance
Designated in 1981, Dadohae Marine National Park aims to protect the rich marine life and the unique cultural attributes of the southwestern coastal and island communities. The park's archipelago is noted for its scenic beauty and biological diversity, including numerous species of flora and fauna, both terrestrial and marine.

##### Jirisan National Park

###### Location and Size
Although Dadohae is the largest in terms of total area when including marine regions, Jirisan National Park holds the title for the largest terrestrial national park in South Korea. Located in the southern region of the Korean peninsula, it spans over the provinces of North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, and Jeollanam-do.

###### Establishment
Jirisan was the first national park established in South Korea in 1967. It has historical and spiritual significance, containing many cultural and religious sites, including ancient Buddhist temples.

###### Geography and Biodiversity
The park includes Jirisan Mountain, one of the highest mountains in South Korea. It features diverse geographical features from rocky peaks to deep valleys filled with a variety of plant and animal species. It serves as a refuge for many endemic and endangered species, such as the Asiatic black bear.

### Comparative Analysis

The contrast between the largest parks in the United States and South Korea illustrates different conservation priorities and strategies reflective of each country's geographical and cultural context. Wrangell-St. Elias is an example of preserving vast wilderness areas that comprise different ecosystems, while South Korea’s approach includes both terrestrial and marine conservation efforts, highlighting a dual strategy to protect both land-based and aquatic ecosystems. These parks not only preserve natural beauty and biodiversity but also serve educational and recreational purposes, reflecting the universal values of national parks around the world.