Korean Tidal Flats, the Geological Treasure Troves you are about to Enjoy

While making a visit to Korea, if you want to enjoy some place new other than Seoul and its metropolitan area, why not head southwards to savour and relish beautiful getbols also known as Korean tidal flats? Korea features a rias(heavily indented) coast on its south-western area due to the geological features provided by the Taebaek mountain range along the east part of the peninsula. As you may already know, the country is surrounded by the ocean in three sides, but the features of the seashore differs from side to side.

 

Along Korea’s southwestern coast in the province of Chungcheongnam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Jeollanam-do (North Chungcheong, North Jeolla, South Jeolla provinces respectively), tidal flats encircle more than 3,000 beautiful islands that stretch out broadly on the coasts. In Korean tidal flats lives a total of 2,150 animal and plant species, including 47 indigenous species and 5 endangered marine invertebrate species. This place is also one of the nine flyway sites. where 118 species and 300,200 migratory birds rest, is a key stopover for migratory birds in East Asian – Australasian Flyway.

 

 

 

 

 

All these Korean tidal flats are already enrolled in Ramsar wetlands of international importance for its conservation and sustainable use. Also, recently, Korean tidal flats (in Korean, ‘Getbol’), have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their ecological splendor value and worth as environmental treasure troves. Seocheon Getbol, Gochang Getbol, Shinan Getbol and Boseong-Suncheon Getbol within the perimeter of five towns of Korea are now listed into the UNESCO World Heritage List. You might not be familiar with the above mentioned Seocheon, Gochang, Shinan, Boseong-Suncheon areas, but once you visit, you will never regret visiting because of their eye-catching views upon the bay especially during sunsets and around dawn. Truly heart touching sunsets pulls yourself together and the mysterious mist and fogs provides captivating views of the getbols. The best days to visit getbols are when a crisp autumn breeze let reeds to dance. As the reeds turn gold and shine through the sunlight, the wetlands boast their spectacular view.

 

 

As mentioned above, these gorgeous Korean tidal flats are also subject to protection and conservation. Due to global warming, the sea levels continuously rising, and by 2100, the average sea level will rise up to 73m, and all the getbols will be on the verge of disappearing. According to a research by the National Institute of Environmental Research and Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, Getbol which reached 3,200㎢ in 1987, decreased to 2,500㎢ in 2008 and continuously decreased to 2,482㎢ in 2018.

 

In order for the present and future generations to conserve Getbol, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee designated Getbol, Korean tidal flats, as World Natural Heritage. With their outstanding universal value for all mankind and exceptional natural significance and the values that transcend national boundaries, getbols now have been recognized by UNESCO, and they are now going to be carefully taken care of. Getbols were once in danger of disappearing, but today, as they are registered in UNESCO World Heritage List, so efforts to protect and preserve getbols will also be made by the central and local governments, with the help of pirvate and international organizations.

 

 

 

Getbols, the geological treasure troves of Korea, are true natural majesty, embracing ecological splendor. Their gentle views and tranquil mood also provide visitors sense of stability. Along with their distinct features, getbols offers a chance to learn about natural importance that transcend national boundaries and how efforts should be made for future sustainability. Pay a visit to one of Korea’s getbols and experience the sensation that getbols can only bring.

 

Due to the ongoing global Covid-19 situation, visiting Korea and its getbols might be a difficult task for you, but below here you can enjoy the astonishing views of getbol with videos produced by K-Heritage TV YouTube channel, offered by Cultural Heritage Administartion of the Republic of Korea and Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation.

https://youtu.be/eSlAs9vHwH4

 

You can also visit our Flickr account for more eye-catching photos of Korean tidal flats, getbols.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/vank1999/albums/72157719212473106

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