Mungyeong Doline Wetland

Mungyeong Doline Wetland formed in a doline area, which is rare for wetlands
Mungyeong Doline Wetland with colorful rice paddy
Mungyeong Doline Wetland with colorful trees in autumn

Mungyeong Doline Wetland

  • Country: 
    Republic of Korea
  • Site number: 
    2540
  • Area: 
    49.4 ha
  • Designation date: 
    02-02-2024
  • Coordinates: 
    36°42'N 128°13'E
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Overview

The Site is a small wetland complex of permanent freshwater marshes, karst landscape, small reservoirs and seasonally flooded farmland. It lies near the peak of Mount Gulbong in a “doline” topography, a natural enclosed depression created by weathering of the limestone-rich landscape. Unlike typical doline formations in the region, the Site maintains a stable water level due to the sedimentation of a weathered limestone soil called “terra rossa” that slows the rate of drainage. More than 900 species of plants and animals have been recorded at the Site. Some of them are classified as nationally endangered, including the Amur ratsnake (Elaphe schrenckii), the common otter (Lutra lutra) and the Amur leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus). There are many plant species that are specifically adapted to the limestone-rich alkaline soil, and at least five of them are endemic to the Republic of Korea. There are also 60 species of birds including the globally vulnerable fairy pitta (Pitta nympha) and eight other species that are listed as national natural monuments. Many of these birds live in the surrounding forest areas and migrate to the Site during the winter and breeding seasons. The Site is not connected to a river basin but provides sufficient water for rice, apples and magnolia berries to be grown. In 2017, it was designated as a National Wetland Reserve.

Administrative region: 
Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea

  • National legal designation: 
    • Wetland Protected Area - Mungyeong Doline Wetland
  • Last publication date: 
    01-02-2024

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