Full of pride loneness, Upo wetland embraces, protects and nurtures variegated forms of life.

(top)Whooper Swans soaring over Upo wetland(from left bottom)Hwawangsan climbing trail along the waves of eulalias, Late Autumn in Upo wetland, Huge flock of Bean Geese flying

n contrast to the hustle and bustle of daily life, Upo wetland is filled with proud loneliness. What breaks the quietness intermittently and yet adds to the serenity of Upo is the crying of birds strolling on the shore. As autumn sheds its outfit and colder winds arrive, the land is busy with preparation for new residents migratory birds. Amidst the gusty wind cutting the faces of new visitors, though, the hope for a new, warm spring is sensed in birds’ fluttering and from the whispering of eulalias.

Part of the historic Nakdong River Floodplain, Upo is the largest undisturbed wetland in the nation as well as an internationally important ecosystem. While created by nature’s hand about 140 million years ago, the modern landscape of Upo is believed to have formed largely over the past 10,000 years, with subsequent large scale modification for agriculture both of surrounding areas and of parts of the Upo lakes themselves. The wetland areas now comprise small streams and four shallow lakes (Upo, Mokpo, Sajipo and Jokibeol), which between July and September tend to flood annually to a depth of several meters following monsoon rains and occasional typhoons. During the autumn and winter there is a slow water draw-down (due to drainage, evaporation and use for agriculture), and the main lake then reveals a broad margin of mud and exposed plant root, favored by Bean Geese. Water levels tend to remain very low until the first heavy rains (in late April).

The site hosts many indigenous species of flora and fauna. In particular, Upo is a paradise for migratory and resident birds, thanks to various plants contributing to the improvement of the water quality through their toxin filtering process. It also offers important spawning grounds and food for any number of fish species as well.

For those reasons, Upo is widely considered to be one of the best remaining wetlands in Korea, and has therefore been included in a large number of research projects and government initiatives. According to government documents, approximately 168 species of aquatic plants are in the area (including the nationally rare Thorn Lotus and Water Persicaria). The wetland regularly supports 3,000 Bean Geese, as well as several hundred Whooper Swans, and small numbers of Eurasian Spoonbills and Oriental White Storks. Migrant species include both Whitenaped and Hooded Cranes while breeding species include Yellow Bittern and Falcated Duck (presumably the only nesting place nationwide).

Recognized its ecological value, Upo has been identified as internationally important for biodiversity and is one of the key floodplain wetlands remaining nationwide. The site has been designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar “Wise Use of Wetlands” Convention, designated a Wetland Conservation Area under national legislation and declared a Nature Conservation Area in 1997.

The features of the wetland not only make it important in maintaining the ecological balance of the region, but also making it an ideal site for ecotourism. Thanks to its extensive width, Upo wetland is considered as the most optimal place for bird-watching. Further, as Joonam Reservoir, another ecological important site, has been contaminated by waste recently, the migratory birds in the reservoir have moved to Upo wetland. Nowadays, thus, if one wants to see winter migratory birds, Upo wetland is likely to be one’s destination.

Yet, the wetland has faced challenges too. Its ecological integrity has been threatened as native fish species decline due to the introduction of Bass and American Bullfrogs as well as changes to the wetland deriving from development projects for human use.

In an effort to improve water quality and the wetland’s ecological character the Ministry of Environment (MOE) and Changnyeong County have bought arable lands closer to the lakes, with the aim of restoring it to wetland. Furthermore, local communities are being encouraged to organic farm through government support.

“The natural wetland in Changnyeong is an ecological treasure house,” said an ecologist. “A wetland of such magnitude is rare in this country and, thus, appropriate conservation efforts should continue.”

After finishing the wilderness tour, visitors may turn to nearby Changnyeong County. Not only does Changnyeong County boast its ecological wonders, but also well-known climbing trail such as Hwawangsan. The Hwawangsan County Park provides visitors with 60,000-pyeong scale waves of golden eulalias reflecting the late autumn’s sunshine. It welcomes sightseers all the year with stately walls, elegant ponds, and various secret scenery.

After long days of bird watching and mountaineering, tourists may relax at nearby Bugok sightseeing areas. Bugok Hot Springs offers visitors hot spring baths with a regular flow of 6,000 tons of water. The water contains about 20 healthy natural minerals and so is very effective for alleviating breathing ailments and skin troubles.

To visit Upo wetland and Changnyeong County, visitors may take Guma expressway or Kyungbu expressway and turn-off at Changnyeong Interchange. As it is located to the east of the Nakdong River in Changnyeong County, Upo wetland is easily accessible, and visitors can approach the bank of the wetland even while remaining in their cars.

Alternatively, tourists may come to Bugok, and transfer from Bugok to Changnyeong.

For further Upo and Changnyeong tours, visitors may contact the Culture and Information Office of Changnyeong- gun on 55-533-1926 for Upo and Changnyeong tours.

Visit Upo and Changnyeong: one of Korea’s best natural wonders!

By Chun Kyung-Woo BusinessKorea Staff reporter