 |
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
There are 11 places here designated for protection by the Ramsar Convention. All have unique characteristics and are considered well worth preserving from a number of standpoints.
The list consists of: Yong Wetlands in Inje, Gangwon Province; Upo Wetlands in Changnyeong, South Gyeongsang Province; Jangdo Wetlands and tidal flats at Suncheon Bay and Muan, South Jeolla Province; Mulyeongari Oreum Wetlands in Jeju; Mujechi Wetlands in Ulsan; Duung Wetlands in South Chungcheong Province; Ganghwa Maehwamarum Habitat, Muljangori Oreum Wetland and Odaesan National Park Wetlands.
Yong Wetland is 1,280 meters above sea level and home to a variety of creatures that have lived there for more than 4,000 years. Peat deposits are abundant, too.
Upo has the nation's largest primitive natural marsh with an 8.54 square-kilometer area holding 20,000 species of birds including 14 endangered ones.
Jangdo Wetland has a subtropical nature with peat deposits.
The tidal flats at Suncheon Bay form the appearance of a piece of pottery and consists of reed fields, a salt marsh, tidal lands and islands. Visitors can walk along a 1-2 kilometers reed deck to look around the area.
Mulyeongari Oreum is a rare geographical form of a parasitic volcano wetland.
Duung is a very small place located inside a dune, containing fresh water and a sand floor. There are about 10 different plant communities there.
Mujechi is estimated to have been formed more than 6,000 years ago. The development of peat deposits and the rare animals living there makes the place special.
Tidal lands in Muan retain a natural form. The complex shape of the coastal area attracts thousands of tourists every year.
The Maehwamarum Habitat is home to many natural treasures including the black-faced spoonbill (No. 205), the Chinese Egret (No. 361) and many other animals on the verge of extinction. When it was about to be developed by constructors, the Korean National Trust bought it and kept it in its original condition. Eco-friendly agriculture is in use in the surrounding areas. The Odaesan National Park Wetlands consists of Jilmoe, Sohwangbyeongsan and Jogaedong marshes. Among government-designated rare species living in this 17,641 square-meter area are antelopes, otters, golden eagles and long-horned beetles.
Muljangori Oreum Wetland is a crater lake located in the heart of Mt. Halla in Jeju Island. The 628,000 square-meter lake provides water, which is not abundant on the island, to hawks, fairy pittas, black kites, Japanese lesser sparrow hawks, black paradise flycatchers and other rare animals.
bjs@koreatimes.co.kr
