I was pleasantly suprised by Upo. I honestly did not know what to expect. No one in Korea I knew ever visited Upo marsh, while only a few had even heard of it. The Upo wetland is really out of the way for most travelers, located deep in the Gyeongsangnam countryside. I highly recommend upon arrival renting out a bike, which is conveniently located at the entrance of the marsh. The marsh is beautiful, and you will undoubtably see wildlife. I primarily saw cranes and ducks.

The marsh is somewhat small in comparison to most natural nominations. I've been impressed with all of Korea's Ramsar wetlands and Upo is no different. Visiting the site in the early evening was particularly worthwhile.

If you are planning to visit Haeinsa Temple, I would suggest Daegu as a hub destination. From Daegu, you can visit Haeinsa, Goryeong Jisan-dong Tumuli, Dodong Seowon, Changnyeong Gyo-dong Tumuli, and Upo Wetland. In fact, Gyo-dong Tumuli and Upo Wetland are both parts of the Changnyeong Biosphere Reserve.

As an important bird area, along with the nearby Nakdong River, this is an ideal birding location in Korea. Migratory birds pass through here, thus its value its derived mostly from criteria x.

Flickr Album