Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Situated along the western coast of South Korea in Chungcheongnam-do, the Boryeong Mud Flats Protected Area spans an extensive stretch of intertidal mudflats formed by sediment deposition from the nearby Geum River. This area exemplifies one of the most important coastal wetland ecosystems in East Asia, serving as a critical habitat for migratory shorebirds, various marine invertebrates, and endangered species. The mudflats are especially famous for their role as a stopover site on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, supporting populations of species such as the endangered Saunders’s gull and the Far Eastern curlew. The rich benthic life supports local fisheries and traditional harvesting activities, including mudflat clam collecting and mudflat farming, deeply connecting the community to this landscape.
Visitors to Boryeong can engage in guided ecological tours, birdwatching, and seasonal mudflat walks during low tide, offering immersive experiences of this dynamic environment. Notable landmarks include the vast expanse of soft mud plains, salt marsh patches, and nearby cultural sites reflecting local coastal heritage. The area also hosts the annual Boryeong Mud Festival, celebrating the therapeutic and recreational aspects of the mudflats, which draws significant domestic and international visitors. The protected status and designations, including Ramsar Wetland recognition, ensure conservation of this fragile ecosystem while promoting sustainable tourism and environmental awareness.
