The Gyeongbuk Culture & Tourism Corporation (GCTC) is set to host a seminar in Pohang on November 5 to promote eco-tourism centered around migratory birds.

Despite boasting rich ecological resources, South Korea's East Coast has lagged behind western coastal regions, such as Seosan's Cheonsuman Bay and Suncheonman Bay, in leveraging migratory birds for tourism. To bridge this gap, the Gyeongbuk Culture & Tourism Corporation, hosted by the Eurasia One East Forum, is holding the "Gyeongsangbuk-do East Coast Migratory Bird-Watching Tourism Activation Seminar" at the Pohang City Poeun Central Library.

Capitalizing on New Transportation and Ecological Assets

The seminar aims to spotlight the ecological value of bird habitats along the Gyeongbuk East Coast and develop innovative tourism content tied to major infrastructure developments, including the opening of the new East Coast railway and the upcoming Ulleung Airport.

While prominent spots like Pohang's Hyeongsan River host majestic raptors such as ospreys and white-tailed eagles, and Ulleung Island offers a unique insular ecosystem, their potential for bird-watching tourism remains largely untapped. Experts at the event plan to discuss cross-regional cooperation, linking local ecological resources to create a unified Korean Peninsula eco-tourism network that balances nature conservation with regional development.

Promoting Sustainable 'Cheol-Cheol Tour' Initiatives

During the event, ornithology, ecology, and tourism specialists will explore strategies for identifying regional bio-indicators, expanding environmental education programs, and designing specialized bird-watching itineraries.

"Continuously monitoring and recording migratory birds is the starting point for uncovering Gyeongbuk's true ecological value," noted Professor Ko Kyung-nam from Jeonbuk National University. "When these records and preservation efforts accumulate, they can evolve into a sustainable bird-watching destination that attracts visitors all year round."

Kim Nam-il, President of the GCTC, emphasized the region's hidden potential: "The migratory birds and ecological assets along the Gyeongbuk East Coast are precious resources that have yet to receive the recognition they deserve. Through this seminar, we will systematically discover these ecological values and foster the 'Cheol-Cheol Tour'—a unique four-season tourism initiative running along the railway line where conservation and tourism go hand in hand."

The seminar is open to all members of the public, including local residents, students, educators, and photography enthusiasts passionate about the environment and eco-tourism.

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