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Enjoy Busan

A natural haven for wildlife and citizens

Wide, floor-to-ceiling windows give panoramic views of the environment.

　The Nakdong Estuary Eco Center in Eulsukdo Ecological Park, Saha-gu District, reopened after a year of renovations. The newly revamped space has several exhibition halls, digital displays, various plant and animal collections, galleries and seating areas.

　The Nakdong Estuary Eco Center was established in June 2007 as an ecological education and experience center. The center has helped citizens learn about the history and environment of the Nakdonggang River Estuary. Designated as a National Treasure in 1966, the estuary is located where the river meets the Korea Strait. The area is protected as one of Asia's largest habitats for migratory birds. Over 150 species stop by during their travels between October and March, the most prominent being the whooper swan. In addition to birds, the estuary is home to crabs, shrimp, fish and other marine life that thrive in fresh, salt and brackish water.

　After 15 years, the center needed extensive repairs and renovations. Thus, in March 2023, the city invested 4 billion won into upgrading the facility. The Eco Center is integral to balancing urban development with ecological preservation and is a symbol of Busan's commitment to sustainable living with nature.

　The renovated exhibition hall in the Eco Center has been transformed under the theme of "Eulsukdo Zoom-In: Explore Nature's Paradise." Equipped with the latest digital technology, the new center promises exciting experiences. The center rents out automatic language guides, in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese, and powerful binoculars so that guests can get the most out of their visit. 

　On the first floor, visitors can find two information kiosks, three large displays, a nursing room and a souvenir shop. Look up at the ceiling to find an artificial colony of lifelike hooded gulls, which mimics the dynamic environment just outside. 

　On the second floor, eight media boards present different visual materials. One of the videos, "Four Seasons of Eulsukdo," uses stunning ink-and-wash painting to portray the dramatic landscape and wildlife changes occurring throughout the year on Eulsukdo Island. 

Visitors watching fish specimens.

Exhibits teach visitors about the plants in the wetlands ecosystem.

Exhibits showcasing the different animals living in the Nakdong Estuary.

A display of insects inhabiting the area.

A display of the various bird species that travel through the sanctuary.

Visitors can enjoy a "Zoomed-In" view of local bird specimens. 

　The permanent exhibition hall is also on the second floor and consists of four zones. In Zone 1, visitors learn about the source of the Nakdonggang River and the creation of the area's sandbars. Zone 2 introduces the variety of wildlife and plants inhabiting the area.

　Zone 3 contains a taxidermy collection of 146 birds, several of which died before or while receiving treatment at the nearby Busan Wildlife Treatment Center. Others are specimens donated by citizens. The collection gives visitors an up-close look at birds without disturbing the natural habitat outside.

The Nakdong Estuary Eco Center is the best place to escape the daily grind of city life.

　Zone 4 contains the center's main attraction: The birding station. Wide, floor-to-ceiling windows and two telescopes help bird watchers easily find and enjoy birds in their natural habitat. On the opposite end, stadium-style seating invites guests to sit, relax and enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Nakdong Estuary landscape.

　The new center also has kid-friendly spaces to keep young ones engaged. The interactive video board is a big hit, as children enjoy watching their drawings come to life on screen. Another exhibit invites kids to make music using the various sounds and calls of different birds. There is also the Eulsukdo Gallery, which showcases depictions of the estuary in literature, and an archive space with research materials and videos.

　Guided tours at 10 and 11 a.m. and 2 and 3 p.m. are available for groups of 10 to 30 people aged 8 and up. Reservations are required and can be made via the center's homepage.

　Finally, the Nakdong Estuary Eco Center runs various community engagement programs to raise awareness of nature and promote its preservation. The programs provide hands-on experiences, such as nature walks, providing medical care to wildlife, exploring the wetlands and welcoming migratory birds, and are offered year-round.

Nakdong Estuary Eco Center

Address: 1240 Nakdongnam-ro, Saha-gu

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admission at 5 p.m. Closed every Monday (or on Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday).

Admission: Free

Website: busan.go.kr/wetland

Inquiry: 051-209-2000

Note: No food or drink permitted inside. Pets, bicycles, inline skates and boards are also prohibited. 

※Programs or events may be canceled or suspended due to inclement weather. Please check the website before going.

<Vocab Spotlight>

revamped: 개편된 (*revamp: 개편하다)

Korea Strait: 대한해협

migratory bird: 철새

thrive: 번창하다, 번성하다, 번영하다

brackish water: 기수(해수와 담수가 혼합되어 있는 곳의 물)

specimen: 표본

taxidermy: 박제