Suncheon's Geocha Village Selected as Nationally Designated 'Mudflat Ecological Village'

Residents' and Fishing Village Cooperative's Voluntary Conservation Efforts Recognized
Hopes Rise for Ecotourism at Suncheon Bay Mudflats

Geocha Village in Byeollyang-myeon, Suncheon, Jeonnam-Gwangju, has become the first village to be designated a nationally recognized “Mudflat Ecological Village” since the launch of Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City.

Suncheon City said on November 13 that Geocha Village was selected as a Mudflat Ecological Village, a designation made by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, on November 9.

Mudflat sledding experience in Geocha Village, Suncheon. Photo courtesy of Suncheon City.

The Mudflat Ecological Village program designates villages by the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries based on their capacity to sustainably conserve, manage and use outstanding mudflat ecosystems.

The village was selected after receiving high marks for voluntary mudflat conservation activities by residents and the fishing village cooperative, as well as Suncheon City's capacity to manage marine protected areas.

Residents of Geocha Village have protected the mudflat environment through ongoing cleanup efforts, including collecting litter along the coast. The Geocha Fishing Village Cooperative operates a fishing village experience and recreation village visited by more than 14,000 people annually, raising awareness of the importance of mudflat conservation.

In particular, the village offers visitors educational opportunities to experience the ecological value of mudflats firsthand through mudflat sledding, a traditional fishing practice.

Suncheon City plans to use the designation as an opportunity to raise residents' awareness of mudflat conservation and gradually expand projects to strengthen the mudflats' blue carbon capacity, including their ability to absorb and store carbon.

A city official said, “This designation recognizes the efforts of Geocha Village residents, who have cared for and protected the mudflats in their daily lives. We will work to conserve the Suncheon Bay mudflats, highlight the unique character of each fishing village and boost residents' vitality, building a Suncheon Bay where ecology and residents thrive together.”

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