Press Release

Board View

Learn and experience the beauty of our nature

▷ The Ministry of Environment held a workshop for citizens at DMZ


Sejong, May 23 - The Ministry of Environment (ME, Minister Han Wha-jin) held a workshop on May 20 in Dutayeon and the Yongneup Wetland of Daeamsan Mountain within the DMZ. Forty citizens, including experts, students, office workers, and teachers, participated and experienced nature conservation policies firsthand. The program was organized for the "Month of Biodiversity" to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity in tackling climate crisis by learning about and experiencing nature. The Ministry of Environment intends to expand citizens' participation and events in other nature conservation sites.


Participants in the workshop could learn about ecological policies through presentations on different topics, such as policy on national protection areas (including wetlands); the development process of alpines at the Yongneup Wetland of Daeamsam Mountain and its excellent ecosystem; and the relations among wetlands, forest, and climate change. They also walked the Yongneup Wetland of Daeamsan Mountain and Dutayeon, located inside the DMZ, together with experts and tour guides. Participants discussed policies on protected areas and sustainable strategies to conserve the ecosystem. 


The Yongneup Wetland of Daeamsan Mountain is a peatland built up for over 4500 years and was listed for the first time after South Korea joined the Ramsar Convention in 1997, recognizing its educational value and ecological significance. The site was declared a protected area in 1999. The Yongneup Wetland is a repository of South Korea's natural ecosystem and home to 319 class 2 endangered flora, including Artic starflowers (Trientalis europaea ssp. arctica) and bogbeans (Menyanthes trifoliata L.), and 337 class 2 endangered fauna, including leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) and Eurasian eagle-owls (Bubo bubo). 


The Ministry of Environment continues its efforts to prevent the influx of sand and other contaminants; observe the floodgates, climate, and ecosystem changes; remove exotic plant species, and transplant and restore indigenous species in former military base areas in order to restore proper functions of wetlands and preserve scenery.


Access to Dutayeon has been restricted for over 50 years since it is located in the DMZ, preserving its pristine natural beauty. The name Dutayeon comes from Dutasa Temple, a 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple that has been partially open since 2013.


Kang Seong-gu, Director of Nature and Ecology Policy Division, said, "This event provides a great opportunity to highlight the prominence of our natural ecosystem. We will offer more opportunities for our citizens to learn about the importance of biodiversity and raise environmental awareness."


Contact: YOO Byung-hoon, Deputy Director

Nature and Ecology Policy Division / +82-(0)44-201-7229


Foreign Media Contact: CHUN Minjo

+82-(0)44-201-6055 / rachelmchun@korea.kr