Yeongamho Lake (migratory bird habitat)

Yeongamho Lake migratory bird habitat is the freshwater portion of the Yeongam-Mokpo reclaimed-coast network in southwestern Jeollanam-do, and one of Korea's most important wintering grounds for Baikal teal, white-fronted geese, and tundra swans. From November through February the surface and surrounding mudflats fill with tens of thousands of birds — Baikal teal counts can exceed 300,000 individuals in peak weeks, forming the dense flocking formations that draw wildlife photographers to the site each winter — and an observation tower with mounted scopes lets visitors watch without disturbing them. The reclaimed-lake network was created in the 1980s-1990s as part of Korea's Yeongam-Mokpo tidal-flat reclamation project, and the freshening of the formerly saltwater area created the specific migratory-bird habitat that has drawn the current species mix. The Ministry of Environment designated the surrounding area a Wetland Protection Area to safeguard the wintering populations. Outside winter the lake is calm and far less photographed but still pleasant for slow walking. Volunteer guides sometimes lead morning bird counts, and a small visitor center has bilingual displays explaining the migration routes. Pair with the nearby Wolchulsan National Park (30 minutes east) for a full nature day, or with the Yeongam wine and Yeongam Waegwan Buddhist site cluster.