Junam Wetlands Park

Two hours west of Busan near Changwon City lies 705 acres (285 hectares) of natural habitat known as Junam Wetlands Park. Bird watchers from around the globe visit the park, Korea’s largest migratory bird habitat, to witness the spectacle of anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 winter birds – white-naped crane, spoonbill, swans, geese and mallards among them – who fly into the park daily. In the summer some 5,000 migratory egrets, herons, orioles and warblers join the park’s permanent residents, including ducks, pheasants and skylarks.

Much of the park is accessible via a series of elevated wooden boardwalks with pullouts for scenic views and bird blinds where you can observe the birds more easily without startling them. While October to April is prime birdwatching season, there’s something to see no matter the season.