Home > National > Environment

Endangered species find homes, thrive along the Han River

Published: 14 Apr. 2026, 12:31 Updated: 14 Apr. 2026, 14:06

Gray herons spotted in Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park in western Seoul [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

Recent ecological monitoring of the Han River area has confirmed the presence of endangered species such as otters and leopard cats, along with breeding activity by gray herons, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday.

The most notable change was observed at Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park in western Seoul, where four gray herons were seen sitting side by side, nesting eggs. Gray herons are an important indicator that the Han River ecosystem’s food chain is being stably maintained up to the top predators.

A rare scene was also observed in which around 100 carp leaped above the water surface in a large-scale spawning activity.

Various forms of life activity were also confirmed across the Han River’s ecological parks as spring arrived.

At Nanji Hangang Park in western Seoul, otters — a key species in the river ecosystem — were found to be actively moving at night.

An otter, which is a protected piece of natural heritage [KOREA HERITAGE SERVICE]

In the Godeok Riparian and Amsa Ecological Park areas in eastern Seoul, traces of leopard cats were found, along with 37 species of birds, including swallows. At Gangseo Wetland Ecological Park in western Seoul, more than 40 species of birds, including kestrels and Korean black-naped green woodpecker, were also observed nesting.

The city plans to significantly expand ecological experience programs to share the results of this monitoring with the public.

“We have been able to confirm the breeding and habitats of various species through continuous monitoring in cooperation with private organizations,” said Park Jin-young, a city government official. “We will continue to operate programs that allow citizens to participate in directly experiencing the rich ecosystem of the Han River.”

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY KO SEUNG-PYO [[email protected]]