Our county, based on the excellence of coexisting with nature in the designated conservation area, including undisturbed primeval forests, mountain wetlands, tidal wetlands, biodiversity, manual fishing, and salt farms, encompassing four towns (573.12㎢) of Jeungdo, Bigeum, Docho, and Heuksan, received the designation of 'Biodiversity Conservation Area' from UNESCO on May 26, 2009. Responding to the requests of local residents and for efficient management at the municipal level, the designation was expanded to cover all 14 towns (3,238.74㎢) of Shinan County on March 19, 2016, establishing a platform to enhance its international recognition.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) established the "Man and the Biosphere Programme" in 1971 as an intergovernmental initiative. It designates areas of exceptional biodiversity worldwide as Biosphere Reserves. These designated areas aim to effectively conserve various elements of biodiversity and ecosystems, while promoting harmonious coexistence between nature and humanity through sustainable utilization.

The core areas of the Shinan Marine Biosphere Reserve, designated as Natural Monument No. 170 within the Dadohaehaesang National Park, consist of Hongdo, Heuksando, Uido, Jangdo Wetland Reserve, Yeongsando Premier Village, Manjaedo Island, Gageodo Marine Reserve, Chilbaldo Natural Monument Reserve, Shinan Tidal Flat Provincial Park, and Bakjido, which have high conservation value. Additionally, the intertidal zone surrounding approximately 1,000 islands, including Jeungdo, Bigeum-myeon, and Docho-myeon, features excellent ecological and topographic landscapes, with a relative abundance of benthic species diversity in the coastal intertidal zone of the Korean Peninsula. This area holds significant conservation value. The global natural heritage value of the Shinan Tidal Flat was recognized, and it was officially inscribed during the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee on July 26, 2021.

Shinan, with its well-developed coastal and offshore ecosystems including Dadohae Sea and the largest tidal flats in Korea, is an area known for its ecological richness. Shinan County operates exhibition halls and educational facilities to showcase, educate, and promote the ecological resources of Shinan. The exhibition halls include Jeungdo Tidal Flat Museum, Jangdo Mountain Wetland Promotion Hall, Bird Museum, Bird Craft Museum, Gageodo Island Marine Protected Area Management Center, and Shinan Plant Research Center. In addition, there is the Shinan County Ecological Education Center as an educational facility.

I hope you visit the website of the Shinan Marine Biosphere Reserve to explore the diverse species and exhibition halls that inhabit the Shinan Biosphere Reserve. I wish that you can gain some understanding and widely utilize the information as learning materials. Thank you.

May 2023.
Shinan County Governor Park Woo-ryang
Shortcut to Shinan head of a Gun Office