Suncheon Bay Nature ReserveClaimed by the owner

Suncheon Bay is a coastal wetland in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, on the south central coast of Korea, bordered by Suncheon, Goheung, and Yeosu. The bay's administrative sea area covers more than 75 square kilometers, with tidal flats exposed at low tide totaling about 12 square kilometers out of 22.6 square kilometers of flats overall. In 2006 the Suncheon Bay Ecological Park became the first Korean coastal wetland registered on the Ramsar list of wetlands.

Tidal Flats and Reed Fields

The wetland is made up of a stream about 3.5 kilometers long, a tidal flat of roughly 2,221 hectares, and a reed field of about 230 hectares. A large reed colony, covering 5.4 square kilometers, stretches from the confluence of the Dongcheon and Isacheon streams to the edge of the tidal flat. The shallow tideland at the river mouth has moderate salt content and healthy water quality, which supports its role as a spawning ground for fish, crabs, and shellfish. A salt swamp within the bay also helps prevent and filter water pollution, keeping the wetland undamaged.

Wildlife

The undisturbed coastline makes Suncheon Bay a habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Birds recorded there include the hooded crane, Eurasian spoonbill, whooper swan, and Chinese egret. Otters, raccoon dogs, and weasels are also associated with the area, along with plant species such as reed and sea aster.