The Ministry of Environment announced the result of its public selection of the well preserved and restored ecological villages, which includes Yangjiri in Gangwon-do, Gosan-dong village in Jeollanam-do, Daepocheon in Gyeongsangnam-do, and 13 other areas.

The public selection was made nationwide for the cases where the damaged ecological state has been successfully restored or for the villages preserved with excellent state of natural ecosystem. First, public subscription was made, and 26 areas were selected through the first round of reviews, and then finally narrowed down to 15 areas during the final review process.

Villages with excellent state of natural ecosystem are the villages where natural environment is well preserved and the residents live harmoniously with the nature in an environment friendly lifestyle. These villages are traditional farmlands or mountain villages with superior landscape, where many species of wild animals and plants are abounding.

The Ministry of Environment plans to continue its effort in environmental preservation by implementing measures for managing the villages with excellent ecosystem, as well as find ways for restoring some of the areas with damaged natural ecosystem. For the 15 places selected, the Ministry will award a certificate and will give priority in providing funds when building environmental facilities or infrastructures.