The Korea National Park Service (KNPS, Chairman Joo Dae-yeong) under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) announced that, following the removal and restoration of illegal structures in the Dohak-dong Valley area of Palgongsan National Park that had been used as an illegal prayer site for approximately 70 years, various wild animals, including yellow-throated martens and northern goshawks, have recently been observed using the valley.

A total of 92 illegal structures, including shade shelters, steel bridges, candle holders, and altars, had been installed in the area. The Palgongsan National Park Eastern Office worked with relevant agencies and continued to persuade the occupants to voluntarily remove the structures and vacate the site, completing the removal of the illegal structures and restoration of the valley in May.

During the restoration process, the illegal structures were removed and approximately 356 tons of waste, including waste concrete, were disposed of. Natural stones that had been removed from the area were also returned to the valley, restoring the damaged terrain to a state as close to its natural condition as possible.

From early June to early August, ecosystem monitoring using unmanned sensor cameras in the area con.firmed a total of 17 species of wild animals using the valley for movement or rest, including six mammal species (such as yellow-throated martens, raccoon dogs, and water deer) and 11 bird species (including northern goshawks, grey wagtails, and scaly thrushes). The observations included yellow-throated martens and northern goshawks, both classified as Class II endangered wildlife species.

This demonstrates that the removal of illegal structures and reduced human disturbance are restoring the valley’s natural environment and transforming it into an ecological space used by wildlife.

The KNPS plans to continue managing the restored area by operating an unmanned guidance system and conducting regular patrols at the valley entrance, while also continuing ecological monitoring using unmanned sensor cameras.

Chairman Joo Dae-yeong said, “Following the removal of illegal structures and the restoration of the damaged valley to nature, we have con.firmed that it is being used by a variety of wild animals, including yellow-throated martens and northern goshawks.” He added, “We will continue to restore damaged areas of national parks and manage them systematically so that nature can recover on its own.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com