Heungwang Fishing Village launches Black-faced Spoonbill ecotourism

The Heungwang Fishing Village in Ganghwa-gun is operating an ecotourism program through October 31, utilizing the local tidal flats and the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill. This initiative is part of the ‘2026 Incheon Ecotourism Village Selection and Fostering Project’ led by Incheon Metropolitan City and the Incheon Tourism Organization to develop sustainable, resident-led tourism.

A flagship program, ‘Black-faced Spoonbill Boat Birdwatching,’ allows participants to travel by boat to observe the birds at their primary breeding grounds near Gaksibawi. The experience combines expert ecological commentary with stories from local residents about living alongside the tidal flats. Other activities include observing Whimbrels and exploring tidal flat organisms that serve as food for the spoonbills.

In partnership with the ecological education hub ‘Mulsaeal,’ the village is training local residents as ecological guides. This project aims to transform local natural resources into unique tourism content, fostering a virtuous cycle where residents preserve the environment while promoting their community.