The soft sand of Sura tidal flat
In the afternoon of May 10, about 20 people gathered at the Sura tidal flat in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province. We participated in the "Experiencing Sura" program hosted by the Joint Action for Cancellation of Saemangeum New Airport.
Oh Dong-pil, the head of the Saemangeum Citizens Ecological Group, guided us as he explained the ecosystem there. We observed diverse living beings in Sura, the last tidal flat which has survived the Saemangeum reclamation project. We saw crab burrows here and there, a small spider moving on the surface of the water and a snail serenely sitting on the leaf of a plant rooted in the water.
Even in the strong sea wind, birds were flying and singing. Red-necked stints were resting on the shore. The western coast of Korea is an important stopover for these small migratory birds. Although they declined in numbers due to the development of tidal flats and wetlands, a whole flock was resting in Sura that day.
The Sura tidal flat is a globally important stopover for migratory birds. Various endangered species live there, including the long-billed plover. The tidal flat has supported many nationally protected species and globally threatened species.
We walked in the vast field of reeds in Sura. The reeds dancing in the wind were beautiful. One participant who often came to the tidal flat said, “When these reeds grow two meters high in the fall, you can be lost in them.” Among the reeds, there were some flat places. He said they were “hotels for water deer,” with traces from when they slept there.
Wetland plants such as glassworts were thriving. Their small bright green and red stems were beautiful. Flat-stalk bulrush, which tundra swans like to eat, was also growing there. Oh explained that the vegetation of Sura changes continually: “While herbaceous seepweed flourished last year, glassworts are increasing this year.”
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which planned to build a new airport in Sura, is arguing that Sura is no longer a wetland area due to the Saemangeum reclamation project. That day, however, we walked on soft sand in knee-deep seawater, wearing long boots. The reeds, too, were rooted in the seawater.
It was a windy and chilly day, and raindrops fell sometimes. Nonetheless, the passion and interest of the participants warmed my heart. A woman who came with her family from Seoul shared delicious rice cakes and tomatoes with other participants. One kind participant even gave me a ride downtown. The activists who have dedicated their time and energy to preserving the tidal flat are admirable.
Right next to Sura is Gunsan Airport, which has been underused. If another airport is constructed by reclaiming the tidal flat, where can the migratory birds that visit Sura rest? How can the willows and colorful plants in Sura live?
Kim Sun-ae (blog.naver.com/everythingchanges) wrote “Old Potato, New Potato” and translated “Little Lord Fauntleroy.”