'One-in-Tens-of-Thousands Chance' Good Omen Golden Eel Returns to Lake Soyang One Month After Capture

Discovered Last Month in the Midstream Area of Soyang Dam
Released into Its Habitat for Ecosystem Preservation

A rare golden eel, long considered a good omen, returned to its native habitat one month after being captured. On October 30, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province released a golden eel with a yellow base and black spots back into the wild at the Naepyeong-ri dock on Lake Soyang in Chuncheon in the afternoon.

This golden eel measures 50 cm in length and weighs between 500 and 600 g. It is a type of marble eel, a color variation of the common "Japonica" species. The appearance of golden eels, which occurs at a probability of only one in tens of thousands, has long been considered a good omen in Korea. Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

Previously, on September 28, the golden eel was discovered in a fishing net in the midstream area of the Soyang Dam by Kim Soonil (64) and Choi Byungsun (62), a couple working for the Lake Soyang Fisheries Cooperative. The eel was then transferred to the province’s Inland Water Resources Center. This golden eel measures 50 cm in length and weighs between 500 and 600 g. It is a common "Japonica" breed and a type of "Marble Eel" caused by pigment variation. The appearance of golden eels, which occurs at a probability of only one in tens of thousands, has long been considered a good omen in Korea.

Experts unanimously agreed that releasing the golden eel back into its original habitat, Lake Soyang, is the best option for its survival, safety, and the preservation of the local ecosystem. Kim Soonil, who first discovered the golden eel, said, "I was astonished when I first saw the golden eel in the net. I transferred it to the Inland Water Resources Center so that many people could see it, and I am glad it has now returned to its home after expert consultation."

Park Jungho, head of the Ecosystem Survey and Evaluation Association, stated, "The golden eel captured in Lake Soyang holds special significance in this era of climate change and declining biodiversity. Its discovery in Lake Soyang is also highly valuable as an ecological education resource." Choi Youngsook, director of the Inland Water Resources Center, commented, "Since golden eels are regarded as a good omen, their release symbolizes abundant catches and safe operations for inland fishermen. I hope the golden eel will live freely and peacefully in its native Lake Soyang for the rest of its life."