Bamseom
Bamseom is a pair of islets in the Han River in Seoul, South Korea. The uninhabited islets, with a total area of about and length of, are located between the larger island of Yeouido, to which they were once connected, and the north shore. They remain connected to one another by a narrow strip of sedimentary silt. Seogang Bridge passes directly over the western islet, though there is no access available, as the islets have been left as a natural sanctuary. There is, however, an observation point for bird-watching. Migratory birds use the islets often and among the birds which can be seen are mallards, great egrets, mandarins, common kestrels, and Eastern spot-billed ducks.
History
The islands were inhabited until the Seogang Bridge was built over them, using the west islet as a support for one of the beams. Most of the inhabitants of Bamseom in the Joseon era were shipbuilders.On February 10, 1968, Bamseom was detonated for the purpose of collecting rubble required for the construction of the embankment for the development of Yeouido, and the island was divided into upper Bamseom and Lower Bamseom.
Ecosystem
Bamseom is a key location for a wide variety of bird species, such as the Mandarin duck, and it serves as a shelter for migratory birds during the winter. There are also about 108 species of plants on the island, such as willow trees and itch reeds. Additionally, Bamseom is an excellent place for children living in the city to experience nature. In 1999, the Seoul metropolitan government registered Bamseon as a"natural preservation district".
Banseom was designated Ramsar site 2050 on 21-06-2012. Banseom's waters are a spawning and nursery ground for many Korean indigenous fish, including Acheilognathus yamatsutae, Acanthorhodeus gracilis, and Sarcocheilichthys nigripinnus morii. It is also a wintering habitat for many waterfowl, and in summer it is a breeding ground for species such as Spot-billed Ducks and Black-crowned Night Herons.