Rason

Rason Migratory Bird Reserve lies on the lower Tumen River in the Rason special economic zone in the far northeast. It was named a Ramsar site in 2018^[1].

More than 50,000 waterbirds of about 250 species are recorded each year, including endangered species. The small island of Al was designated a seabird sanctuary in 1959 and is a breeding ground for gulls, cormorants and other seabirds^[1].

The reserve has islands and dense forest around its lakes, and reed beds and marsh at the water's edge^[1].

The reserve is a coastal lagoon landscape of lakes and bays beside the Tumen River estuary^[1].

The far northeast coast has a cool temperate climate with cold winters and mild humid summers.

The area lies close to the borders with China and Russia, and the island of Al has been a protected seabird colony since 1959^[1].

Rason became a Ramsar site in 2018^[1].

The main attractions are the lakes with clear water, the bays, and the island seabird colonies^[1].

The nearest town in the row is Sonbong, about 10 km away.

Ramsar listing recognises the wetland's international value. The Hanns Seidel Foundation Korea supports conservation here through capacity building, education, local biodiversity surveys and study tours^[1].