The water fog seen in the morning, in particular, is a popular attraction and explains the old history and varied features of Upo Wetland. In winter, an internationally significant group dance of migratory birds can be observed being a way station of the Asia-Australia migratory route, and the whole site can be viewed from a viewing platform. The site is designated as an Ecological Conservation Area by the Korean government.Īt the site, water plants grow in spring, and in autumn water fog is formed due to temperature difference between water and air. In addition, the geological features formed by low hills surrounding the wetland are home not only to migratory birds but also to a variety of plants and animals, creating an outstanding landscape. Numerous aquatic plants and migratory birds are observed in the site every season, and due to the site's particular position as an important migratory route connecting between Asia and Australia, the wetland and its surrounding areas are utilized as a natural resource for ecological education. The aesthetic value of Upo Wetland, derived from its cultural, geographical and ecological features, is significantly high. (vii) Contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance Justification of Outstanding Universal Value It also reveals how the relationship between the wetland and human beings has changed with the flow of time. These archeological relics prove the previous interaction with sea water in this area which is now regarded as a freshwater zone, and also provides a glimpse of lifestyles of the Neolithic era. Besides, other archeological discoveries including stone pestles, grinding stones, wooden goods, pottery shards and a mesh bag significantly enhances the site's archeological value. The shell mounds, a pit for storing acorns and fishery tools, are believed to have been used by people in communities who lived along the seashore, being evidence of prehistoric lifestyles in this area. The wooden boat found in the shell mound is estimated to be 7500 years old, which places it amongst the world's oldest boats such as those found in Kuwait and China (8000~7000 years). The shell mounds are very important evidence in understanding the creation of Upo and its adjacent wetlands. The small riverine marshes surrounding Upo were also created in this process. Recent archaeological discoveries such as an old wooden boat found in Bibongri Shell Mound Site confirm that in the past the inland area of Changnyeong region was affected by the intrusion of sea water that flowed along the Nakdonggang River. The beautiful landscape surrounding the wetland area increases the invaluable aspect of the wetland as a rich repository of the primitive ecosystem. In addition, the wetland plays an important role as a habitat for more than 10 endangered species, a fact that draws global attention. It has provided people with a means of livelihood, while retaining its well-preserved primitive ecosystem.

The creation of Upo Wetland dates back to when the Korean peninsula was formed. In recognition of its values as a migratory bird habitat, the wetland has been inscribed on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance in 1998, and during the 10th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP10) held in 2008, many experts visited the wetland. The area of Upo Wetland spans about 2.3km2 and many smaller wetlands are scattered around. Upo Wetland located in Changnyeong-gun County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, is the largest riverine wetland in the Republic of Korea with a well preserved natural environment.

Upo word build