Suncheon bay ranks second in South Korea for winter migratory bird habitats

The National Institute of Biological Resources ranked Suncheon Bay as the second most important winter bird habitat in South Korea.

The institute categorized the site as a "Core Conservation Type," which is the highest management classification for areas requiring active protection because birds use them stably over long periods. The evaluation analyzed 100 major habitats across the country using data collected since 1999.

Researchers assessed the sites based on six indicators, including average population size, annual stability, and the presence of endangered species. Suncheon Bay earned a score of 0.788, placing it just behind the eastern coast of Jeju. Suncheon City plans to strengthen its integrated habitat management system to protect the area. Officials will monitor population changes and habitat usage across tidal flats, reed beds, estuaries, and nearby farmland.

Mayor Son Hun-mo stated that the city aims to create a conservation model where people and birds coexist.