Janghang Wetland

The Han River Estuary is the only open estuary among Korea's major rivers without an estuary dam, featuring a brackish water zone where freshwater and seawater mix. Additionally, it lies within the civilian control zone around the joint waters of the Han River Estuary, allowing its ecosystem to remain well-preserved. On April 17, 2006, the Ministry of Environment designated the entire water area, including the wetlands of Janghang, Sannam, Siam-ri, Gongneungcheon Estuary, Seongdong, and Yudo, as the 'Han River Estuary Wetland Protection Area.' The designated area is 60.6 km², which is 1.6 times larger than the Nakdong River Estuary Wetland Protection Area and 7 times larger than Upo Wetland. Janghang Wetland is located at the entrance where the brackish water zone of the Han River Estuary begins. Administratively, it spans Sinpyeong-dong, Janghang-dong, and Beopgot-dong in Goyang City. Its length extends from Gimpo Bridge to Ilsan Bridge, approximately 7.6 km, and its area, including wetland forests, reed fields, farmland, tidal flats, and water bodies, reaches about 5.95 km². Janghang Wetland is home to mammals such as raccoon dogs, leopard cats, water deer, moles, striped field mice, harvest mice, lesser white-toothed shrews, and reed voles. In particular, water deer are protected by the barbed wire fence surrounding the wetland, with around 70 individuals observed. Additionally, birds such as black-faced spoonbills, white-naped cranes, and swan geese visit, and 55 species of fish inhabit the area.