Wildlifeof Korea
Places
Where to see South Korea's wildlife, from mountain forests and the DMZ to tidal flats and Jeju.
Why the mountains
About two-thirds of South Korea is forested mountain, and the national parks of the Baekdudaegan ridge hold the country's shyest mammals: long-tailed gorals on the cliffs, yellow-throated martens, leopard cats, and the Asian black bears being restored on Jirisan. Spring and autumn bring migrant flycatchers, buntings and thrushes through the forest. Many trails close for fire prevention in spring and autumn, so check before you go.
Why the border plains
The rice fields and rivers south of the Demilitarized Zone are one of North-East Asia's great wintering grounds. Red-crowned and white-naped cranes feed in the stubble around Cheorwon from late autumn, cinereous vultures gather near Paju, and eagles and geese follow the rivers. Much of the area lies inside the Civilian Control Zone, so visits are by permitted tour or with a local guide.
Why the Yellow Sea coast
The tidal flats of the west coast are among the largest in the world and a critical refuelling stop on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. In April–May and August–October they hold hundreds of thousands of shorebirds, including great knots, Far Eastern curlews and the occasional spoon-billed sandpiper. Several stretches are UNESCO World Heritage sites (Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats). Time a visit for a rising tide, when birds are pushed close to the shore.
Why the south
Estuaries, reedbeds and old river wetlands across the south are wintering grounds for cranes, swans and ducks, and home to otters and water deer all year. Suncheon Bay's reedbeds, the ancient Upo wetland and the Nakdong estuary are easy to reach, with boardwalks and observation points. Winter (November–February) is the peak season for waterbirds.
Why the islands
Jeju's volcanic slopes rise from warm coastal forest to the alpine top of Hallasan, with its own salamander and island forest birds. Small offshore islands in the Yellow Sea, such as Eocheongdo, are some of the best places in East Asia to watch spring and autumn songbird migration, when exhausted migrants crowd the gardens and fields. Island ferries depend on the weather, so leave spare days.