Ulsan's Taehwa River earns 5th consecutive eco-tourism designation

Ulsan city announced Friday that the Taehwa River has been redesignated as an eco-tourism zone by the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy for the fifth consecutive time. The designated area covers the stretch of the river from Samho Bridge to Myeongchon Bridge.

The ministry designates areas where visitors can experience and learn about ecosystem conservation as eco-tourism zones, evaluating their operations every three years. A total of 40 sites across the country currently hold the designation, including the Nakdong River estuary in Busan, Anggang Bay in Namhae, Upo Wetlands in Changnyeong, Hwapocheon Wetlands in Gimhae, Sajapyeong Wetlands and Jaeyaksan in Miryang, Junam Reservoir in Changwon, and Byeolcheonji Eco-Village in Hadong.

The Taehwa River was first designated as one of the country's 12 major eco-tourism zones in 2013. With this latest redesignation, it will retain its status as a nationally designated eco-tourism zone through 2028.

Ulsan city has consistently operated seasonal eco-tourism programs and nature interpretation services led by certified environmental guides to promote the Taehwa River eco-tourism zone.

Seasonal observation programs run throughout the year — wild mustard flowers in spring, egret chick-rearing in summer, silver grass in autumn and rook flocks in winter. The city also runs an eco-friendly electric bus service called the "Migratory Bird Travel Bus," offering birdwatching tours and biodiversity conservation activities.

Building on the fifth consecutive redesignation, Ulsan city plans to develop the Taehwa River into a sustainable tourism resource beyond simple nature conservation, drawing eco-tourists to the area.

The city will also work with the Taehwa River Eco-Tourism Council, the nonprofit managing the eco-tourism zone, to create local jobs and attract environmentally conscious visitors, aiming to establish the site as a model for eco-tourism where the local economy and natural environment grow together.