‘The Four Seasons of Samicheon’ is a 2026 project planned by ‘Birds Korea Yeoncheon’ (Branch Director Kim Heesong). As the name suggests, the project involves visiting Samicheon throughout the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—to deepen our understanding of the stream, its resident birds and biodiversity. More broadly, it aims to enhance our knowledge of Yeoncheon’s biodiversity and, ultimately, to broaden this understanding to a wider regional level beyond Yeoncheon itself.
First of all, why did we choose Samicheon? ‘Birds Korea’(National Director Dr. Nial Moores) report ‘Yeoncheon Imjin River Biosphere Reserve: Birds Korea Research Findings and Recommendations’(Nial Moores et al., 2025) states the following:
“(From Samicheon outside of the ccz through Baekhak) Habitat includes two small rivers (Samicheon and Seokchangcheon), and a lower stretch of the Imjin River; sand and shingle islands; willow forest; cultivated grass; and c. 150 ha of rice-fields. […]
As shown in the concept sketch (below) drawn by Choi Su-Yeon, construction of small bunds from soils excavated from fields could create a series of water treatment ponds and a larger area of floodplain wetland. Birdwatching hides overlooking this area could then be constructed to help support conservation tourism and environmental education outside of the CCZ, in an area with much bird migration, close to areas used by overwintering Red-crowned and White-naped Cranes.”
source: Yeoncheon Imjin River Biosphere Reserve: Birds Korea Research Findings and Recommendations (Nial Moores et al., 2025)
This habitat is one of three main clusters of sites that Birds Korea has identified as being of international importance to waterbirds within the Biosphere Reserve, based on biodiversity research conducted in Yeoncheon-gun over the past several years. In other words, it is a habitat with great potential for designation as a Ramsar Site in Yeoncheon. If restored to its state as a natural wetland, it could be immediately used by numerous migratory birds and diverse species, contributing to education, tourism, and the local economy.
Towards the sustainable development of Yeoncheon-gun and the peaceful coexistence of humans and nature, ‘Birds Korea Yeoncheon’ has decided to visit Samicheon. Our four official visits—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—are wide open to anyone who wishes to join us, while our members continue to conduct regular monthly birdwatching.
“The four seasons of birds differ from those of humans in their timing. Furthermore, each bird species follows its own seasonal timeline,” says Dr. Nial Moores. For birds, spring signifies migration to breeding grounds, securing territories, courtship, and nest building. However, in Yeoncheon as of late April, spring may be in full bloom for the Grey-capped Greenfinch, whose fledglings are already venturing out. In contrast, for the Fairy Pitta, which has yet to arrive, spring should be a season still to be waited for. There is also a significant time lag between the Long-billed Plover, which has been paired up on shingles since late February, and the Little Ringed Plover, whose mating was only observed in April.
Consequently, ‘Four Seasons of Samicheon’ cannot be said to perfectly align with the four seasons of all birds or any specific species. Yet, it is certain that both these birds and all of us observing them in Yeoncheon circulate through these four seasons together. How do our twelve months and four seasons flow and connect? What kind of place is Samicheon during that time, and what could it be? With these questions in mind, our spring visit has been launched.
| Date | No. of People | Weather | No. of Species | Notes |
| Feb 22 | 6 | Sunny Windy Dusty | 16 | eBird Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S303170712 A pair of Long-billed Plovers observed on a shingle; Four White-naped Cranes flushed from the opposite rice field and flew downstream. |
| Mar 1 Spring | 18 | Cloudy Windy Drizzle | 20 | eBird Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S304871771 A pair of Long-billed Plovers, White Wagtails, a Green Sandpiper, Hen Harriers, etc.; Hundreds of Rooks soaring; hundreds of Greater White-fronted Geese flushing at the appearance of raptors; Red-crowned and White-naped Cranes foraging together in the same area. |
| Apr 12 | 5 | Sunny | 15 | eBird Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S323279898 One Long-billed Plover observed on the same shingle; 10 Bramblings, likely at the very end of their migration. |
The first official birdwatching event ‘Four Seasons of Samicheon—Spring’, held on March 1, was attended by 18 participants. Although it was a relatively large group to birdwatch together, we were able to observe various birds in serenity for about two hours. One participant’s comment—that he had rediscovered the beauty of Samicheon, where he regularly walks—made our efforts as organizers truly rewarding.
The star of the Samicheon spring birdwatching was undoubtedly the Long-billed Plover. They were observed during all three visits from February to April, consistently appearing at the same location. A pair was first spotted in late February, and about ten days later, on March 1, one of them was also seen resting on the shingle.
Long-billed Plover. Samicheon, March 1, 2026. © Lee Suyoung
The Long-billed Plover is designated as an endangered species by the Ministry of Environment. The massive destruction of shingle bars and islands—their essential habitats—due to river dredging is identified as the primary cause of their decline. These birds are a key indicator species for the ecological health of rivers and streams, and are not observed outside of riverine environments.
We did not survey the entire stretch of Samicheon, nor can we claim to have seen every bird present. However, if only a single pair (or even two) of the nationally endangered Long-billed Plover breeds along a stretch of Samicheon exceeding one kilometer, it feels significantly insufficient for the status of Yeoncheon as a UNESCO multi-designated area.
Past wetlands, once cut off from the river by high artificial dikes, have turned into dry land. Natural landscapes—and thus natural habitats—including floodplains, sandbars, shingle islands, and ponds of varying depths, have steadily disappeared. Watching the birds of Samicheon, we imagine a different future: the breathtaking scenery that a restored wetland would unfold, the diverse birds and biodiversity that would grace that landscape, and the vibrant sounds of living nature. We imagine the happy faces of local residents as they care for this UNESCO multi-designated area and guide visitors through it.
