Exploring the Untouched Beauty of Tunnup Ecological Park
Blog Reporter Jo Yoon-hee, 15th Term
Tunnup Ecological Park
- Address: 1714 Wolchon-ri, Gunbuk-myeon, Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
During a visit to my great aunt's house in Gunbuk with my parents, we stopped by Tunnup Ecological Park, a lesser-known spot with blooming lotus flowers.
Tunnup Ecological Park is a natural ecological park located in Wolchon-ri, Gunbuk-myeon, Haman-gun, where visitors can enjoy walking and observing nature while preserving the ecology of wetlands and marshes. The restrooms here are maintained by local residents, and I always find them clean during my visits.
Worried about mosquitoes due to the season, I was relieved to find that the heat seemed to have driven them away, allowing us to enjoy a pleasant walk in the park without any insect disturbances.
The walking paths and decks surrounding the marsh take about 20 to 30 minutes to explore, so I recommend wearing comfortable sneakers. If you come to see the lotus flowers like I did, bringing an umbrella or hat and some water is advisable.
When visiting Tunnup Ecological Park in summer:
- 1️⃣ Wear sneakers
- 2️⃣ Bring an umbrella or hat
- 3️⃣ Prepare drinking water
In 2010, a natural ecological learning area with aquatic plant complexes and observation zones was established in Tunnup, covering an area of 13,792㎡ with facilities such as deck roads, railings, trails, and rest areas.
As I noticed the fading colors of the plaque commemorating the "Tunnup Wetland Flower Rest Area" created during a volunteer activity hosted by Hyosung Heavy Industries and other organizations, I realized how much time has passed since its establishment.
Tunnup Ecological Park features areas divided into reed, bulrush, and lotus wetlands, but these divisions are not rigid; they blend naturally for easy exploration.
The marsh, which curves along the long embankment of the Namgang River, is called Tunnup. This name refers to the small village located inside the field and the marsh in front of it, where the full moon appears to rise from the marsh.
Tunnup receives water from nearby mountains and flows into the Seokgyocheon River. The surrounding area consists of farmland and residential areas, with plants such as bulrush, reed, and various aquatic plants, and fish like carp and catfish. Bird species include white-cheeked ducks and herons.
Walking through the bulrushes, known for their therapeutic properties and role in purifying water, I made my way to the lotus wetlands, where summer was in full bloom.
The lotus wetlands in Haman are tributary wetlands formed by the flooding of the Namgang and Nakdong Rivers. While some natural wetlands are well-preserved, the area is gradually shrinking due to development and agricultural encroachment. The local government collaborates with residents, businesses, and educational institutions to promote ecological value and biodiversity through various activities and education.
As July approaches, the lotus flowers become a much-anticipated sight. After several attempts to capture their beauty, I was thrilled to finally see them this time. My parents were also delighted by the blooming flowers, making the trip even more worthwhile.
While Tunnup Ecological Park may not compare in scale to the Haman Lotus Theme Park, the scenery here inspires creativity, evoking a desire to capture the beauty in words or art.
The park is home to both water lilies and lotus flowers, with the latter's delicate pink or white blooms rising above muddy waters, symbolizing purity and beauty. The lotus flowers bloom from June to September, and their meanings vary: pink represents love and happiness, white symbolizes purity and perfection, blue signifies wisdom, and red stands for sincerity and passion.
It’s advisable to visit in the morning to catch the lotus flowers in full bloom. My experience at Tunnup allowed me to appreciate the deepening summer while enjoying the serene environment.
While snakes may occasionally appear in this natural setting, I have yet to encounter one. However, wearing sneakers and being cautious of the surroundings is wise. Tunnup Ecological Park was designated as the "5th Excellent Wetland of Gyeongsangnam-do" in June 2022, but some areas need management to maintain its beauty.
As an excellent wetland, I hope Tunnup continues to be well-maintained and becomes a proud tourist attraction in Haman. This beautiful place deserves attention and love from visitors.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/arahaman/224348886446
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