Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in Cheorwon County of Gangwon-do province near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, the Cheorwon Wetlands Protected Area encompasses expansive marshes, rice paddies, shallow lakes, and reed beds that form an essential habitat for a variety of migratory birds and native wildlife. The wetlands are part of a larger complex that includes remnants of the natural floodplain of the Imjin River and the wetlands formed along it. This area is especially significant as a wintering ground and stopover site for numerous endangered and vulnerable species such as the White-naped Crane, Hooded Crane, and Black-faced Spoonbill. The dynamic landscape is shaped by a combination of seasonal flooding and agricultural use, maintaining a rare balance between human activity and conservation. Historically, the area was a battleground during the Korean War, and traces of military history can still be found nearby, adding cultural context to the natural value. Visitors come here primarily for bird watching, photography, and environmental education programs, often guided by local conservation organizations. The nearby Peace Ecology Park offers interpretive trails and observation points to experience the wetlands while promoting awareness of peace and biodiversity. Due to its proximity to the DMZ, access to some parts of the wetlands is regulated and controlled for safety and conservation purposes. The area stands as a vital symbol of coexistence between nature, history, and peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula.
