Daecheongdo Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a vital coastal wetland habitat on Daecheongdo Island, famed for its role as an important stopover for migratory birds along the East Asia-Australasian Flyway.
Located on Daecheongdo Island in the Yellow Sea off the west coast of South Korea, the Daecheongdo Migratory Bird Sanctuary encompasses extensive tidal flats, reed beds, and coastal wetlands that provide critical habitat for thousands of migratory waterbirds each year. The sanctuary is part of a network of protected areas that serve as staging and wintering grounds for diverse species such as the endangered Far Eastern curlew, Nordmann's greenshank, and various ducks and waders. The island's unique mix of mudflats, salt marsh meadows, and rocky shorelines makes it an ecological hotspot within the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Established in 2008 to safeguard these fragile habitats from increasing human disturbance and development pressures, the sanctuary is actively managed for conservation and research. Visitor access is carefully regulated to minimize impact while offering birdwatching and nature study opportunities during migratory seasons, primarily spring and autumn. Key landmarks include observation platforms overlooking tidal flats and seasonal salt marshes, where visitors can spot large flocks of shorebirds and rare species. The sanctuary’s remote island setting adds to its appeal for dedicated birders and naturalists seeking pristine coastal ecosystems. Overall, the Daecheongdo Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a vital refuge supporting regional biodiversity, advancing waterbird conservation, and connecting visitors to the rhythms of migratory bird life along Korea’s western seaboard.
Extensive tidal flats offering prime shorebird foraging grounds
Rare sightings of endangered species like the Far Eastern curlew
Observation platforms with panoramic views of wetlands and mudflats
Pristine coastal habitats relatively undisturbed by tourism
Vast expanses of mudflats exposed at low tide, creating rich feeding grounds for migratory shorebirds.
Extensive wetland vegetation supporting diverse invertebrates and providing shelter for birds.
Designated viewing facilities that allow visitors to observe birds without disturbing sensitive habitats.