The Saemangeum reclamation, South Korea
Saemangeum Reclamation: The Yellow Sea coast, South Korea
pronounced: Say-man-goom.
To see the year by year changes as the area was destroyed, click on the buttons below:
To read an account of my first visit to the Saemangeum Reclamation Project in 2005, click on the dead bird.
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Many of the migratory birds that stop to feed at the Saemangeum on their way to the breeding areas in Russia and Alaska fly from Australia and New Zealand.
•Construction began in 1991 and was completed in 2006 •There was no environmental impact study •The seawall is 33Km. in length •The area reclaimed is 40,000 ha. eight times the area of Sydney Harbour •It was rich in marine life •The area was the most important staging wetland in South Korea for Australia’s migratory birds. •An estimated 10% of the 400,000 birds will die •Two species could go extinct •20.000 traditional fishing families are displaced Planned outcomes for the reclamation •Expansive industrial estates •Two freshwater dams •Golf courses and country clubs •High density accommodation towers •A coastal resort •Casinos •Proposed Formula 1 racing circuit |
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