Characteristics of Wetlands by Type and Local Community Use in Seonheulgotjawal(lava land)

This study investigated 39 wetlands in Seonheulgotjawal that were heavily used by residents, organizing the classification and characteristics of their regional distribution, wetland types, and resident usage. Additionally, changes in resident usage before and after the installation of water supply systems and before and after the designation of wetland protection areas were recorded. The wetlands are distributed in large numbers in and around Dongbaekdongsan, and wetland types were classified into natural wetlands and artificial wetlands. Natural wetlands were classified into ponded rainwater formed by rainwater and spring water emerging from groundwater, with ponded rainwater further classified into four types including formation on bedrock. Artificial wetlands consist of one type created through collective work by residents. Resident usage was classified into eight types including drinking water and one type used exclusively by leprosy patients, totaling nine types. After the installation of water supply systems in the early 1970s, residents of Seonheul 1-ri stopped using wetland water, and the relationship between the village and wetlands was severed. Later, in November 2010, Dongbaekdongsan was designated as a wetland protection area, and the village restored its relationship with the wetlands. Unlike the past when only natural resources such as water and trees were obtained, the wetlands are now being utilized as cultural resources for eco-tourism and ecological education. During this period when resident usage of wetlands is diversifying, investigating and recording wetlands that were heavily used in the past will serve as an opportunity to re-evaluate wetlands as heritage and establish conservation measures.