Swan Goose Citizen Science Roundtable
Protecting the Swan Goose: Exchange and Research at the Swan Goose Citizen Science Roundtable in Paju

The Swan Goose Citizen Science Roundtable was co-organized by Eco Korea, the Bookcity Culture Foundation, the Paju Bookcity Corporate Association (Ecology Committee), and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) Korea on 20 November 2025 in Paju. The event provided an opportunity for participating organizations to share their activities and exchange perspectives on the ecological significance of the Swan Goose. Although many important migratory and protected species inhabit the Han River and the inter-Korean border region, the Swan Goose is considered the most symbolic and ecologically important species in this area. Despite its global importance, public awareness and research on the Swan Goose in South Korea have remained limited, prompting key questions that this roundtable sought to address. In contrast, North Korea has shown strong interest in the species, notably hosting the 2019 Mundok Swan Goose Festival in cooperation with EAAFP and HSF Korea. Countries such as Mongolia, Russia, and China also regard the Swan Goose as a highly significant migratory bird. The roundtable therefore explored why the Swan Goose holds particular importance across Northeast Asia and what its role implies for conservation and site management in the Han River region.
Mr. Young-Kwon Cho, Gongreungcheon Friends presented the status of the Gongreungcheon estuary. Gongreungcheon Friends was formed by local residents who voluntarily organized out of concern that the river maintenance project initiated in 2021 could threaten the area’s natural environment. Historically, the Gongreungcheon landscape consisted of rice paddies, wetlands, and nearby villages seamlessly connected, creating an ideal habitat frequently visited by Swan Geese and numerous other migratory species. However, concrete reinforcement of irrigation channels and changes in surrounding agricultural land have drastically altered the habitat, making Swan Goose sightings increasingly rare. Large-scale river works conducted between 2022 and 2023 caused further ecological changes to the estuary.
Mr. Kyeong-Soo Park, Paju Bookcity Ecological Survey Team introduced the history of ecological monitoring in Paju Bookcity, which began in 2020. Munbal Wetland, part of the monitoring area, is a brackish estuarine system influenced by both freshwater inflow and tidal seawater. Regular ecological surveys in Paju Bookcity have confirmed high biodiversity, demonstrating that this purpose-built industrial complex also possesses substantial ecological value. The formation of a citizen-based ecological monitoring group has strengthened Bookcity’s identity as an environmentally friendly urban area while enhancing ecological awareness among employees, local residents, and partner organizations. The ecological data gathered provides an important evidence base for addressing local environmental issues and contributes to collaborative efforts with Paju City.
Ms. Eung-Jeong Kim, Citizen Science Group presented on the monitoring status of Janghang Wetland. Monitoring activities began in 2003 in response to the construction of the Ilsan Bridge. Eco Korea, the leading organization, has continued monthly monitoring and citizen-engagement efforts for 23 consecutive years. Since 2002, civic participation in Janghang Wetland has steadily increased, establishing a strong foundation for recognizing its ecological importance.
Lastly, Dr. Hyun-Ah Choi, HSF Korea, presented a case study on Mundok Wetland and emphasized the ecological connectivity between Mundok and the Han River estuary wetlands, including the Siam-ri Wetland.
The participants agreed and emphasized that, as a species that relies entirely on healthy wetland ecosystems, the Swan Goose can only return when suitable habitats are preserved.

Prior to the roundtable, the citizen science group conducted a bird survey along Munbal Wetland and recorded several species, including the Tundra Bean Goose, Black-faced Spoonbill, and Eurasian Spoonbill. However, the Swan Goose had not yet appeared at Munbal Wetland during the week of the survey.