Goheung Bowl Pori Egret and Grey Heron Wintering Ground

Egrets are widely distributed worldwide from the tropics to temperate regions, and in Korea they breed throughout the country except around Baekdusan Mountain. They are found along rivers, lakes and tidal flats, breeding in Korea from early spring to late autumn, mostly nesting in colonies in pine and ginkgo trees. The grey heron is the largest heron-family bird in Korea, a summer visitor that breeds throughout the country; it generally breeds in colonies together with egrets, although breeding grounds of grey herons alone are not uncommon. The egret and grey heron wintering ground at Naebal-ri, Goheung lies on a hillside east of Balpo Village, thickly grown with naturally occurring mixed trees such as zelkova and hackberry. For hundreds of years grey herons have flown into this wood each March and April and stayed until October, and in recent years flocks of egrets have also come to join them. Egrets and grey herons nest together in great numbers in the zelkova and hackberry trees, with the population now numbering more than about 500 birds. The site also carries historical significance as the place where General Yi Sun-sin once served as sugun manho, a naval garrison commander. As egrets and grey herons are rare birds whose numbers are declining because of environmental pollution, the egret and grey heron wintering ground at Naebal-ri, Goheung has been designated a monument for their protection.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Goheung, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물