Completion of Environmental Ecological Complex with 'Ecological Wetlands' for Water Quality Improvement and Alternative Habitats for Flora and Fauna in Saemangeum

'Saemangeum Environmental Ecology Complex Phase 1 Construction Project' Completion Ceremony
Full Opening in June Next Year

Panoramic view of the Environmental Ecology Complex.

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The Ministry of Environment and the Jeonbuk Regional Environmental Office held the completion ceremony for the 'Saemangeum Environmental Ecology Complex Phase 1 Construction Project' on the 28th at the entrance plaza of the Saemangeum Environmental Ecology Complex Visitor Center located in Buan, Jeonbuk. This event was organized to commemorate the completion of Phase 1 of the Saemangeum Environmental Ecology Complex, which was established for the first time in the southern part of the Saemangeum area.

The Saemangeum Environmental Ecology Complex was designed and constructed by the Jeonbuk Regional Environmental Office over approximately six years from 2015 until March of this year, completing Phase 1, and was officially approved for completion in August this year.

The site of the newly created Environmental Ecology Complex (totaling 785,832㎡) is about 110 times the size of a soccer field. It consists of three zones: ▲ Core Conservation Zone, an ecological wetland (259,200㎡) ▲ Buffer Observation Zone, including birdwatching towers and wetland observation decks (398,032㎡) ▲ Ecological Education and Experience Zone, including observatories and walking trails (128,600㎡).

The Saemangeum Environmental Ecology Complex has improved the water quality of Jusangcheon Stream and created ecological wetlands to provide alternative habitats for wild flora and fauna. Additionally, it serves as a carbon sink expansion and functions as an ecological experience and education space for visitors to Saemangeum. It is also linked with tourism resources in Buan County and the Saemangeum region.

The Jeonbuk Regional Environmental Office plans to conduct a pilot operation targeting local elementary, middle, and high school students and residents first, and then fully open the complex starting in June next year.

The 'Saemangeum Environmental Ecology Land Development Project' is a project established by the Ministry of Environment in 2012 under the 'Saemangeum Ecological Environment Land Development Master Plan,' aiming to develop a total of 49.7㎢ in four phases by 2050, with a national budget investment of 1.1511 trillion KRW. The Phase 2 project is currently undergoing a preliminary feasibility study and plans to develop 3.57㎢, which is 4.6 times the size of the Phase 1 site, across the entire Jamboree site by 2027.

Yoon Jong-ho, head of the Jeonbuk Regional Environmental Office, said, "The creation of the environmental ecology complex in the Saemangeum area signifies the establishment of habitats for wild flora and fauna as well as environmental experience spaces," adding, "It is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the value of Saemangeum and maintaining its sustainability."