Migratory birds are often seen crossing the concrete jungle of urban apartment complexes during winter. The photo shows winter birds flying between apartments along the Yeongsan River in Shinyong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, on December 13.
SEOUL, Dec. 16 (Korea Bizwire) —Each winter, South Korea’s wetlands, rivers, and coastal plains transform into vibrant havens for migratory birds traveling from Siberia and Mongolia.
Key destinations like Cheorwon Plain in Gangwon Province, Suncheon Bay in South Jeolla, Chunsu Bay in South Chungcheong, the Geum River estuary, and the Nakdong River estuary in Busan are renowned for attracting diverse species of winter birds.
Natural Monument No. 228, the hooded crane, was spotted flying after feeding at the Suncheon Bay Wetland in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, on the afternoon of November 28. Classified as a second-grade endangered wildlife species, the hooded crane’s numbers at Suncheon Bay have grown significantly due to continued conservation efforts. While only about 400 cranes were observed in 2009, approximately 7,600—nearly half of the global population—were recorded this year.
Iconic Winter Birdwatching Sites
- Cheorwon Plain hosts thousands of migratory birds, including red-crowned cranes and eagles, making it a prime destination for bird enthusiasts.
- Suncheon Bay, home to the Suncheonman National Garden, sees over 50,000 migratory birds each year, including the endangered black-faced spoonbill and hooded crane, designated a Natural Monument in South Korea.
- Chunsu Bay in Seosan is popular for observing Baikal teals, although their numbers have sharply declined in recent years, making sightings of their synchronized flights increasingly rare.
- The Geum River estuary, shared by Seocheon in South Chungcheong and Gunsan in North Jeolla, attracts species such as the spot-billed duck and sandpipers to its mudflats and wetlands.
- The Nakdong River estuary in Busan welcomes rare species like the white-naped crane, black-faced spoonbill, and whooper swan, particularly in late November.
On December 13, winter migratory birds were spotted resting along the Yeongsan River in Shinyong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju.
A Spectacle of Nature
Preserved wetlands and estuaries provide abundant food sources for these migratory visitors, creating a stunning natural display.
Recent footage from the Yeongsan River in Gwangju captured winter birds soaring between apartment buildings, offering city dwellers a rare glimpse of nature’s beauty amid urban life.
On December 13, winter migratory birds were spotted resting along the Yeongsan River in Shinyong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju.
South Korea’s winter landscapes continue to enchant birdwatchers, making the season a prime time to witness the majestic arrival of these migratory species.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
