UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Suncheon
General information
 Situated on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, the biosphere reserve includes the terrestrial ecosystems surrounding Suncheon City (centred on Mount Mohusan and Mount Jogyesan), as well as coastal tidal flat wetland ecosystems in Suncheonman Bay. The site’s rich biological resources include crustaceans, fish and shellfish, as well as medicinal herbs, communities of reeds (Phragmites communis) and East Asian Seepweed (Suaeda japonica). The inhabitants – rural, fishing and mountain-dwelling villagers – utilize ecosystem services in their economic activities, which include rice cultivation, medicinal herbs and fruits such as plums and persimmons. Â
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2018
Country
Republic of Korea
Total population
281389
Area
Surface
93,840.00 ha
Total terresterial area
91,040.00 ha
Total Marine area
2,800.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 34.99 - Longitude: 127.39
Contact
Ecological Characteristics
Located in the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, both Suncheon Biosphere Reserve’s tidal flat and forest are very rich in their biodiversity. It is a significant wintering and stopover site for the endangered hooded cranes (Grus monacha), as well as it is home to the the black-faced spoonbills (Platalea minor), the white-tailed eagles (Haliaaetus albicilla) and leopard cats (Felix bengaliensis), among others. Its aquatic ecosystems do not fall short in terms of biodiversity, featuring various crustaceans, such as Japanese ghost crabs (Macrophthalmus japonicus).Its eco-axis is divided into two: terrestrial ecosystems centered on Mt. Jogyesan, and ecosystems of coastal tidal flat wetlands in the Suncheonman Bay. On the other hand, ecosystems of rivers (e.g. Isacheon River and Haeryongcheon River) function as corridors between terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, forming ecological networks.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
Suncheon City has a population of 281,389 with 104,507 households. The Biosphere Reserve’s buffer and transition zones are home to rural, fishing and mountainous villagers, who make their living by cultivating rice, medicinal herbs, special products (like plums and persimmons), and by collecting forestry products. It also has, though, a big potential for tourism, since Suncheon’s natural landscape is intertwined with a rich historical and cultural background, which includes occasional festivals, temples and fortresses.
