Jeongeup-si 'Solti Ecotourism Visitor Center' Opens

The Solti Ecotourism Visitor Center (Visitor Center), located near Wolyeong Wetland and Solti Forest in Jeongeup, Jeonbuk, held its opening ceremony on the 2nd and officially began operations.

About 100 people attended the opening ceremony, including Jeongeup Mayor Lee Hak-su, members of the Jeonbuk Provincial Assembly and Jeongeup City Council, officials from related organizations, and local citizens.

The Solti Ecotourism Visitor Center, located near Jeongeup Wolyeong Wetland and Solti Forest, held its opening ceremony on the 2nd.
[Photo by Jeongeup City]

The program proceeded in the order of awarding plaques of appreciation to contributors, ribbon cutting, and facility tours.

Wolyeong Wetland is a lowland-type inland wetland formed in the Gokjeo Basin of Wolyeongsan Mountain. It was restored as a wetland after abandoned farmland, which had been used by slash-and-burn farmers in the past, was left unattended for over 50 years and naturally transitioned into a wetland.

It has a unique ecosystem that possesses characteristics of both plains and mountains, making its conservation value very high.

Solti Forest, cultivated and managed by residents of Songjuk Village, was previously designated as part of Naejangsan National Park and a water source protection area.

It is home to endangered species such as the flagship species jewel beetle and the yellow spider lily, as well as 733 species of native plants.

In 2018, the Ministry of Environment recognized the value of Wolyeong Wetland and Solti Forest and designated them as a ‘National Ecotourism Area.’

The Solti Ecotourism Visitor Center is located at the geographical center of the ecotourism area and serves as a connecting hub for various ecotourism activities.

It is equipped with an education room, lounge, and product sales room to provide visitors with enjoyable experiences, educational opportunities, and peaceful rest.

Mayor Lee Hak-su said, “We will promote sustainable ecotourism together with the local community and develop it so that visitors can have rich experiences and create precious memories.”

Jeongeup = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Jae-gil baekok@asiae.co.kr