Travel
Korea Destinations: Jeongyang Swamp — A living landscape of color and wildlife in Hapcheon’s summer
Haps Magazine Korea
July 22, 2025
(Image: Hapcheon-gun)
Jeongyang Swamp Ecological Park, located in Daeyang-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, stands as one of the eight scenic views of Hapcheon and offers a vivid glimpse into the rhythms of nature from July through November.
In the heart of summer, the swamp transforms into a lush wetland filled with lotus blossoms and diverse wildlife.
During the 2025 summer season, deep green lotus leaves blanket the water’s surface, while white and red lotus flowers bloom delicately in between.
Dragonflies hover above, golden frogs lie in wait below, and mallards glide silently through the water, blending into the peaceful scene.
One of the highlights for young visitors is the butterfly dragonfly, which perches on lotus buds and shifts colors depending on the light, captivating children who often pause to watch, momentarily letting go of their parents’ hands.
(Image: Hapcheon-gun)
The park features an Ecological Learning Center, walking trails, and observation decks. The Jeongyang Marsh Life Path offers a 2.8-kilometer course that loops around the wetland.
It begins behind the learning center, crosses stepping stone paths, passes through a metasequoia-lined trail, and returns via the observation deck route. The walk takes about 45 minutes and is accessible to visitors of all ages.
Despite being modest in size, covering 410,000㎡ with a 3.2 km perimeter, Jeongyang Swamp supports impressive biodiversity.
The area is home to roughly 20 fish species, 239 types of insects, 50 bird species, 11 types of mammals, and 285 plant species. Notably, it shelters protected and endangered species such as otters, wildcats, whooper swans, sandpipers, golden frogs, and southern black-faced spoonbills.
Guided programs at the Ecological Learning Experience Center allow visitors to observe and learn about local plants and animals with support from environmental interpreters.
Even during peak summer heat, the shaded trails and gentle breezes of Jeongyang Swamp offer a refreshing escape.
The area has become a favored spot for morning walks and quiet moments, offering both visitors and residents a rare opportunity to experience a living ecosystem up close.