Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk successfully concluded the ‘3rd Gochang Getbol Big Bird Race’ held from the 3rd to the 5th at Sangha Farm and the Gochang mudflat area.
According to the county on the 7th, the ‘Gochang Getbol Big Bird Race’ is a birdwatching competition where birdwatchers from across the country observe migratory birds and take photos in Gochang-gun, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Gochang-gun successfully concluded the "3rd Gochang Gaetbul Big Bird Race," held from the 3rd to the 5th at Sangha Farm and the Gochang mudflat area. [Photo by Gochang-gun]
A total of 124 birdwatchers from 32 teams nationwide participated, competing in good spirit over 2 nights and 3 days by observing and photographing various migratory birds inhabiting the county.
On the first day of the event, the 3rd, participants received preliminary training and from the morning of the 4th, they engaged in birdwatching activities throughout Gochang-gun, including the Gochang mudflat, Ungok Wetland, and Seonunsan Mountain.
In particular, basic education for beginner birdwatchers was provided to encourage all participants to enjoy birdwatching easily and interestingly.
On the last day of the event, the 5th, a ‘Big Bird Race Awards Ceremony’ and a ‘3rd Anniversary Ceremony of World Natural Heritage Registration’ were held based on the evaluation of birdwatching records submitted by participants.
Along with awards for birdwatching achievements, various themed prizes were prepared to allow a wide range of participants to receive awards.
During the competition, the team ‘Tamjogajotam’ that observed the most bird species won the grand prize, while the awards were given as follows: ▲ Excellence Award ‘Gabosae’ ▲ Merit Awards ‘Tamjoilji’, ‘Japsaetv’ ▲ Special Awards ‘Hobansa’, ‘Saeranggetbolirang’ ▲ Stylish Bird Top Awards ‘Dotori Nature School’, ‘Jjunmorning’ ▲ Rare Bird Awards ‘Hong Family’, ‘Gochang Saesarang Club’ ▲ Getbol Keepers Award ‘Joayo’ ▲ Family Top Awards ‘Jeju Long-tailed Flycatcher’, ‘Yeogibosae’ ▲ Foreigner Top Award ‘Okjinpummyeongpum’ ▲ Over Mountain and Across Sea Award ‘Yuljjeongine’ ▲ Oldest Participant Award ‘Saeranggetbolirang’ ▲ Youngest Participant Award ‘Ttotto-ne’ ▲ Gochang Love Award ‘Eunjin Yoonine’, ‘Eunjae’s Binoculars’, ‘Binsol’ teams.
Additionally, a sand art performance themed on the Red-necked Stint and various ecological experience booths provided abundant attractions.
In particular, to commemorate Children’s Day, the county gifted about 40 child participants with horned gull blocks produced by the county.
This competition recorded 1,440 survey records of 146 bird species, notably discovering the Asian Stubtail and Black-faced Bunting, which had not been previously found in Gochang-gun.
County Governor Shim Deok-seop said, “The Gochang Getbol Big Bird Race has become a representative birdwatching event in Korea thanks to the participants’ interest and affection for the mudflats,” and added, “I hope everyone will continue to protect the Gochang mudflats, a key habitat for migratory birds visiting Korea and a treasure trove of ecosystems.”
Gochang = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil baekok@asiae.co.kr
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