Twenty Korean striped turtles released into historic Hwedeok Reservoir

In a symbolic return to nature, 20 Korean striped turtles (nam-saeng-i) were released into the Hwedeok Reservoir in Dangjin, South Korea, on July 10. This event continues a local tradition and reinforces the reservoir's unique cultural and ecological significance.

The Hwedeok Reservoir is famously the only place in the country specifically mentioned in a Korean proverb, "Like striped turtles lining up at the Hwedeok Reservoir." This saying describes a scene of many people sitting in a long row, and it offers a glimpse into the reservoir's past as a primary habitat for the Korean striped turtle.

The turtles released this year were either confiscated by the Busan District Prosecutors' Office during an illegal trade bust or were individuals rescued from other regions and cared for by the Korea Turtle Conservation Association. This initiative builds upon a partnership established last year between Dangjin City and the conservation association, which saw 18 turtles released into the wild.

The release event was part of the summer camp for the 14th S-Oil University Student Natural Monument Guardians, who participated in releasing the turtles. This collaboration highlights a community-wide effort to protect and restore the population of this endangered species.

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Like striped turtles lining up at the Hwedeok Reservoir.