Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, South Korea, Cheorwon Peace Ecological Park is a vital conservation area situated along the heavily fortified Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The park covers a landscape shaped by both natural and historical forces, featuring expansive wetlands, rice paddies, forests, and rivers that support a highly diverse ecosystem. As one of the few undisturbed regions on the Korean Peninsula, it serves as a haven for numerous migratory birds, including endangered species such as the White-naped Crane and Red-crowned Crane, making it a globally important birdwatching destination. Cheorwon's geography features rolling low hills and broad floodplains fed by the nearby Imjin and Hantan Rivers, delivering nutrients and water to sustain its wetlands. Historically, the area was a major battleground during the Korean War, and several war memorials, bunkers, and observation posts remain as reminders of the past conflict. Visitors to the park can enjoy guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and educational programs focused on ecology and peace. The park’s trails are designed to allow close encounters with native flora and fauna while minimizing human impact. Its importance as a symbol of peace and ecological resilience, coupled with opportunities for outdoor recreation and education, attracts both domestic and international tourists. Cheorwon Peace Ecological Park offers a rare blend of natural beauty and historical gravitas, making it a must-visit for nature lovers, historians, and peace advocates alike.
