Geumgang Cheotmul and Subun Village Home to 1,348 Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
Biodiversity Report... "Recognized for Excellence in Ecosystem Protection"
‘Geumgang Cheotmul Tteunbongsaem and Subun Village’ in Jangsu-gun, Jeonbuk, was newly designated as a national ecotourism area by the Ministry of Environment on the 27th.
According to Jangsu-gun on the 28th, national ecotourism areas are designated through consultation between the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for regions that have environmental conservation value and where the importance of ecosystem protection can be experienced and educated. The newly selected ecotourism areas by the Ministry of Environment this time are ▲Geumgang Cheotmul Tteunbongsaem and Subun Village in Jangsu-gun ▲Janghang Wetland in the Han River Estuary, Goyang-si ▲Chiyu Hogun Village in Seogwipo-si ▲National Geopark in Yeongdeok-gun ▲Seonghwang Forest and Seonghwang Village in Wonju-si.
With this designation, ‘Geumgang Cheotmul Tteunbongsaem and Subun Village’ will receive national funding support from the Ministry of Environment for three years starting next year to promote various projects for ecotourism activation, including ▲development and operation of ecotourism programs, management of ecotourism infrastructure ▲formation of local councils and resident education ▲promotional activities.
Jangsu-gun is also expected to create a high-quality ecotourism environment by receiving national priority support for infrastructure expansion projects such as ecological trails and eco-villages.
‘Geumgang Cheotmul Tteunbongsaem and Subun Village’ is designated as a conservation mountain area (Suwon Hanyang Forest) centered on Sinmusan, part of the Geumnam Honam Jeongmaek mountain range. It has been recognized for its excellence in protecting natural ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. A total of 1,348 species of wild flora and fauna inhabit the area, including the first-class endangered wild animal Eurasian otter, second-class endangered species such as the Blakiston's fish owl and Siberian flying squirrel, first-class indicator species such as the side shrimp, and the second-class endangered species, the three-horned helmet flower.
This area features the southernmost birch forest in the country and a hydrangea garden, possessing various ecological resources. It is an excellent cultural and ecological tourism site that preserves modern cultural heritage such as ‘Subun Gongso’ (Subun Chapel), the legend of Taejo Yi Seong-gye who founded the Joseon Dynasty, and ‘Tteunbongsaem,’ designated as a national forest cultural asset.
Choi Hoon-sik, the governor of Jangsu-gun, said, “The designation of ‘Geumgang Cheotmul Tteunbongsaem and Subun Village,’ a treasure trove of pristine ecological resources, as a national ecotourism area officially recognizes its value. We will take this opportunity to promote Jangsu’s natural environment and value, cooperate with local residents to revitalize ecotourism, and do our best to contribute to the conservation of the natural ecosystem and the local economy.”
Meanwhile, Jangsu-gun submitted an application for designation as a national ecotourism area in August, passed the document screening, and was finally selected after on-site evaluation in October and final review in November.
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