Sunpo Wetland in Gangneung Selected as Gangwon Province's "Geological and Ecological Attraction of the Month" for June

An Ecological Treasure Trove of Brasenia Schreberi and Migratory Birds at a Leading East Coast Lagoon Wetland

A Notable Destination for Ecotourism and Environmental Education Where Nature, History, and Culture Intertwine

Sunpo Wetland, a representative lagoon wetland in Gangneung, has been selected as the "Geological and Ecological Attraction of the Month" for June 2026 by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province.

Sunpo Wetland. Provided by Gangwon Province

Since last year, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province has been selecting and introducing a "Geological and Ecological Attraction of the Month" each month to widely promote the excellence and uniqueness of the region's natural ecological resources and to revitalize tourism. On May 31, the province announced that Sunpo Wetland in Gangneung has been chosen as the attraction for June.

Sunpo Wetland is a representative lagoon-type wetland on the east coast, formed when the estuary of a small stream flowing into the East Sea was blocked due to the development of sandbars. It is recognized as an ecologically valuable area, serving as a habitat for a variety of aquatic plants and migratory birds, including Brasenia schreberi, a class II endangered wild species.

In particular, due to its excellent ecological environment where diverse flora and fauna coexist and its recognized value for biodiversity conservation, it was designated as a Wetland Protected Area by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province in 2016.

While the surface area of Sunpo Wetland was about 0.089 km² in the 1920s, it decreased to approximately 0.026 km² by the 2000s, with the area gradually turning into land. However, a wetland restoration project conducted from 2011 to 2017 helped expand the wetland area and establish a foundation for restoring biodiversity.

Currently, Sunpo Wetland is positioned as a leading ecological wetland where nature and humans coexist, serving as a venue for ecological tourism and environmental education in connection with major local tourist resources such as Gyeongpoho Lake, Gasiyeon Wetland, Gyeongpodae Pavilion, and Ojukheon.

Gyeongpo Lake. Provided by Gangwon Province

Visitors can experience the ecological value of east coast lagoons and the importance of wetland conservation through natural environment interpretation programs. Throughout the year, ecological exploration programs are operated in the Sunpo Wetland area, allowing visitors to tour the wetland and coastal pine forests with the guidance of professional interpreters. Additionally, the nearby Gangneung Green City Experience Center offers a variety of ecological and energy education programs for children and adolescents.

A Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province official stated, "Sunpo Wetland in Gangneung is a precious natural resource where the ecological value of east coast lagoon wetlands is harmonized with the region's history and culture," adding, "We hope you will experience firsthand the unique ecological environment and beautiful scenery of Sunpo Wetland in the fresh nature of early summer."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.