Geumgang Estuary Bird Sanctuary

Starting from Subun-ri, Jangsu-gun of Jeollabuk-do, Geumgang River flows from the east to the west passing through Chungcheong-do and the northern region of Jeollabuk-do before it reaches the Yellow Sea at Gunsan. In the old days people had to cross the river from Gunsan to Janghang by boat but over the years an estuary has formed at the mouth of the some 400-km-long river so that today people now come and go in their cars between the two cities.

Geumgang estuary became a famous tourist attraction because of its majestic beauty but it has changed quite a bit compared to how it was before. Waves of reeds stretch along the riverside, and behind it are some hills that include Dolsan Mountain at about 100m and the more substantial Mt. Oseongsan at 230m. Come November a flock of swans fly into the estuary. It is truly a sight to behold. As well as being the breeding grounds for swans, the estuary has become a sanctuary for many rare birds including oyster catchers (Haematopus ostralegus) and Saunder’s gulls (Larus saundersi). So, visitors in winter can feast their eyes on the many birds that have made the estuary their home.

Geumgang Migratory Bird Observatory → Geumgangdaegyo Bridge → The Korea Association for the Protection of Wild Birds, Birdwatch Room → Napo Sipja Deullyeok Field → Geumgang Park, Birdwatch Room → Eoeun-ri Tidal Flat Beach

Adults: 2,000 won / Group: 1,000 won
Youths & the Military: 1,000 won / Group: 700 won
Children (elementary school students): 500 won / Group: 300 won

※ Free admission: children ages 6 and under, senior ages 65 and over, the disabled, men of national merit
※ A proof required

wheelchair rental services, (separate) restrooms, wheelchair ramp, elevators