South Korea
BirdingBirding
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The Korean Peninsula is good birding year round, and particularly interesting and dynamic during spring migration. Its position on the eastern edge of the Yellow Sea makes the western coast of the country, and especially the numerous islands on the western coast, particularly important migration stopover areas. This short and sweet migration tour is timed to hit the broadest diversity of songbirds and shorebirds that move through the region. After our arrival in Seoul, we will transfer to a hotel near the ferry terminal. The next day we will ferry to the island of Baengnyeong where we will spend the next 4 nights. This island sits on the eastern edge of one of the narrowest crossing points of the Yellow Sea, creating a “Point Pelee” dynamic for people familiar with spring migration in North America. It is also home to South Korea’s only colony of Spotted Seals, and the island itself has an interesting history. A full three days on the island should give us enough time to thoroughly bird the island before ferrying back to Seoul on our fourth morning. We will then spend three nights in Seoul. South Korea has excellent road infrastructure, and the country’s small size means there are many interesting birding sites within a few hours of Seoul. Where we visit will depend on conditions and what we’re still looking for, but possibilities include searching for the endangered Chinese Crested Tern, Black Woodpecker, or owls.
This brand new tour can be linked with Taiwan: Formorsan Endemics for a superb 18 day trip to eastern Asia.
Price
To Be Announced
Length
9 days
Physical Difficulty
Moderate
Pace
Moderate
Focus
Birding
Group size
9 + 1 leader + local guide
Starting City
Seoul
Ending City
Seoul
The tour begins at Taoyuan International Airport. We’ll spend one night in a nearby hotel. No birding is planned for today.
We start the day by exploring the lowlands and relatively developed west coast. A stop at Shimen may reveal the electric blue Formosan Whistling-Thrush and the impressive Taiwan Blue Magpie, before we head farther south to the coastal wetlands of Tainan. By this afternoon we will be enjoying the stunning spectacle of wintering shorebirds and waterfowl near Tainan. Our main quarry will be late Black-faced Spoonbills that may still be hanging around. The spoonbill is not the only rare bird here. Other migrants that we will look for include Red-throated Pipit, Oriental Reed Warbler, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Spot-billed Duck, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Tufted Duck, Hen Harrier, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Lesser and Greater Sand-plovers, Pacific Golden Plover, Black-bellied Plover, Asiatic Dowitcher, Gray-tailed Tattler, Red-necked Stint, Long-toed Stint, Dunlin, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Great and Red Knots, and Common and Spotted Redshanks. The night will be spent in Tainan.
After more coastal and wetland birding, we will head north to Alishan County. In the afternoon we go to an incredible blind that regularly delivers both Swinhoe’s Pheasant and Taiwan Partridge. After dark – if the weather is good and energy levels permit – we might do a night-walk for owls and flying-squirrels, as this area is great for both. We have one night in Alishan.
We’ll depart early so that we can be at the magical Yushan National Park at the crack of dawn. Although this will be our first time in the mountains, and there will be loads of new birds, our main quarry this morning will be the incredible Mikado Pheasant. Other wanted specialties here include Golden Parrotbill and the distinctive local owstoni form of Gray-headed Bullfinch. After the morning is complete, we will head through to the Chingjing area of Wushe township and visit one of a myriad of sites that should deliver us some mid-altitude birds. Exactly where we go will depend on what we have seen already, but Ao Wan Da or Huisun forest reserves are good options.
Today we have a full day to explore this wonderful area. We will go over the highest road pass in Taiwan, looking for high altitude endemics, including the White-whiskered Laughingthrush and Collared Bush-Robin. The pass also holds Alpine Accentor and Taiwan Rosefinch. We’ll then continue down into the scenic Taroko Gorge to see the endemic Styan’s Bulbul and admire the scenery. After lunch, we’ll bird our way back to Wushe, stopping to look for birds like Taiwan Bush-Warbler, Taiwan Yuhina, the moustached White-eared Sibia, the tail-less Taiwan Wren-Babbler, Steere’s Liocichla, and Taiwan Barwing. Joining the endemics in the mixed species parties are Taiwan Vivid Niltava, Black-throated Tit, and Brown Bullfinch. The newly split endemic Taiwan Thrush, with its snow-white head, will be another target, but it is always a tricky bird to find.
After a final morning exploring the Wushe area, we head to the impressive Dashueshan, which literally means ‘Big Snow Mountain’. This area is also one of the best general birding areas in Taiwan. We will enjoy three nights here.
Local photographers have done an incredible job of making some of Taiwan’s most spectacular yet normally skittish birds remarkably easy to see here. First and foremost among these are the spectacular pheasants. The white-backed Swinhoe’s Pheasant is regular at stakeouts along the road. The pheasants are called “the kings of the mist” in local parlance, a celebration of their elegant plumage and secretive nature. The birds themselves are bold and unafraid, and you will not likely find easier pheasants anywhere in the world to photograph and enjoy at leisure. The common but shy Taiwan Partridge is also frequently heard and often seen along this road. Although the game birds are the stars, we have the opportunity to search more many of the interior forest species including some recently split taxa such as the noisy Taiwan Bamboo Partridge, furtive Taiwan Shortwing, scarce and stunning Taiwan Thrush, dapper little Taiwan Cupwing, inquisitive Taiwan Fulvetta, spectacled Flamecrest, and stunning Steere’s Liochichla, as well as a bevy of tits, babblers, drongos, and other flock species. The mixed broadleaved forests ought to reveal some garrulous laughing-thrushes including hopefully Rufous-crowned and Rusty Laughingthrushes. Night drives here can be interesting, and as well as owls, we will search for Red-and-white Giant Flying Squirrel, Taiwan Serow and maybe even a Hog-nosed Ferret-Badger.
On last morning in Dashueshan will give us another shot at any montane endemics we may still be missing; the stunning surroundings of this magnificent area make it a pleasure to explore. The day draws to a close in the western lowlands of Daoliou County.
Our main quarry this morning is the spectacular Fairy Pitta. Other species occurring here include the secretive Malayan Night Heron, Rusty Laughingthrush, Black-necklaced Scimitar Babbler, and many more. After a morning in this area, we head back to Taoyuan International Airport, where the tour draws to a close. We’ll arrive by late afternoon, in time for most international connections.
Day 1: Arrival
The tour begins this evening in Seoul. We will spend the night in a hotel near the Incheon Passenger Ferry Terminal.
Day 2: Ferry to Baengnyeong Island
We will grab breakfast and hop on a high-speed ferry to Baengnyeong. This ferry leaves at approximately 8:00 AM, and it takes about 4 hours to reach Baengnyeong. Baengnyeong is situated northwest of Seoul and is ideally positioned to catch migrating birds completing their exhausting crossing of the Yellow Sea. We will arrive on the island shortly after noon. Here we will be getting our rental vehicle and checking in to our hotel, where we will spend the next 4 nights. We should have time to begin birding this afternoon.
Day 3-5: Baengnyeong Island
Baengnyeong in the spring is perfectly positioned for migration birding, and May is the best month to visit the island. Sitting on the eastern edge of the Yellow Sea at one of its narrowest points, birds crossing from China and moving Northeast can drop in in staggering numbers and diversity with the right wind conditions. Nearly 400 species of bird have been recorded on the island. Some of these are less than annual rarities, and most are time-of-year dependent–we will likely be encountering about a quarter to a third of that impressive 400 species list in our window. Many of these birds are difficult to encounter on their remote breeding grounds, and most will be in their spring finery.
The island has the habitat diversity and migrant turnover to keep us occupied for days; with tidal flats, forests, agricultural land, and opportunities to observe visible migration of raptors and songbirds. With 3 full days we should catch a solid diversity of migrating species. Buntings will be a highlight, with Little Bunting, Chestnut Bunting, Tristram’s Bunting, and Yellow-browed Bunting all expected migrants with varying degrees of abundance. Although never guaranteed, this is also a great location and time of year for the critically endangered Yellow-breasted Bunting. Phylloscopus enjoyers will appreciate Eastern Crowned Warbler and Pallas’s Leaf Warbler among the more common species, as well as many less common possibilities. Blue-and-white Flycatcher and Yellow-rumped Flycatcher are a couple of the more common flycatchers, and less common species often turn up. Shorebird migration is also excellent in Korea with Great Knot, Black-tailed Godwit, and Far Eastern Curlew among other highlights possible in tidal flats and estuaries.
In addition to its status as a world class migration site, Baengnyeong’s picturesque scenery and famous seafood has made it a popular destination for domestic tourism in South Korea, with good hotels, restaurants and other facilities on the island.
Day 6: Ferry to Incheon
We will be taking the same ferry back to Incheon on this day. There is both a morning and afternoon ferry—depending on the weather outlook and birding quality we will decide whether to get one last morning of birding in on Baengnyeong or return to Incheon a bit earlier. Depending on when we arrive back and get our vehicle, there may be time for birding this day in the Korean mainland. We will spend this night and the next two in one or more hotels south of Seoul.
Day 7-8: Korean Mainland
There are good birding sites in northwestern South Korea with resident birds that can’t be encountered on Baengnyeong. Where we visit will be dependent on conditions year to year and what we’re still looking for. Possibilities include bustling estuaries and tidal flats, a handful of owl species that reside in the peninsula’s well-preserved forests, the shy Hazel Grouse, entertaining Azure-winged Magpie, and striking Black Woodpecker.
Day 9: Departure
We will have one final breakfast in time for guests to take transfers to Incheon International Airport. ICN is well connected, with direct flights to many major hubs around the world.
PACE: Moderate. For all birding we will need to be up early, around 5-5:30am, and stay out late, around 5:30pm, in order to take advantage of the best birding hours. Where possible we will use the middle of the day to relax, or travel between localities, but many days will be full days in the field. The ferry to Baengnyeong is four hours each way. “Convenience store” breakfasts are the norm, which are preferable to the breakfasts served in most hotels. We’ll also have a few picnic lunches, but hot water is usually available to have hot beverages and instant noodles. All dinners and some lunches are sit-down affairs.
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Mostly easy. There is a fair amount of walking involved, and one should be comfortable birding for 6-7 hours a day and walking around 2 miles (3 km) per day. Almost all the birding is done from roadsides or easy trails, but there are a couple of small exceptions, and a walking stick can come in handy.
CLIMATE: This tour takes place in spring. On Baengnyeong you can expect chilly and sometimes breezy evenings and mornings (down to around 38F/3C) and pleasant afternoons around 60F/15C), on average. The mainland is a bit warmer. Some rain can be expected, but it is usually not too much this time of year.
ACCOMMODATION: Very good: all have private, en-suite bathrooms, full-time hot water, 24-hour electricity, and wi-fi.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Photography can be challenging on this trip, especially compared to the Taiwan trip is links with. Many of the birds are small, forest dwelling species, and there are no feeders or blinds. However, like on any trip, there will be some decent chances.
WHEN TO GO: We time our set-departure tour for when wintering birds are departing and many summer birds are arriving. Simultaneously, the residents are breeding, so it makes it a great combo.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, must obtain a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA); this needs to be done online at least 3 days before you depart for South Korea, and costs around US$10. For other countries, please check with the nearest embassy or consulate, or ask our office staff for help. Travel requirements are subject to change; it’s a good idea to double check six weeks before you travel.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Tips to drivers, local guides, and lodge/restaurant staff; accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night day 8; meals from dinner on day 1 (unless you arrive too late for dinner service) to breakfast on day 9; reasonable non-alcoholic drinks with meals; safe drinking water between meals; Tropical Birding full-time bird tour leader with scope and audio playback gear from the evening of day 1 to the evening of day 8; one arrival and one departure airport transfer per person specifically on arrival day and departure day respectively (transfers may be shared with other participants of the same tour if they arrive at the same time); ground transport for the group to all sites in the itinerary from the morning of day 2 to the afternoon of day 8 in a suitable vehicle; entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance).
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Optional tips to the tour leader; tips for luggage porters at hotels (if you require their services); international flights; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; airport-hotel transfers on days that fall outside the prescribed arrival and departure days; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; excess baggage fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included.
After arrival in Taipei (arrival at Taoyuan before 5 pm required) we will make our way through to Keelung Port where we will eat dinner and board the ferry for the Matsu archipelago, located along the migrant-laden coast of mainland China. We overnight in comfortable cabins on the ferry, which arrives at the two square km Dongyin Island the following morning (sometimes it makes a stop at another island en route). Migration birding can be fickle, but we hope for good conditions during our stay.
With two full days to explore Dongyin we will hit all the main spots hoping for some great birds. The variety of buntings can sometimes be amazing, with Little, Black-faced, Chestnut, Japanese Yellow, Yellow-breasted, and Yellow-browed all possible. The scrubby hillsides hold potential for Narcissus, Gray-streaked, and Asian Brown Flycacthers, Common Rosefinch, Oriental Greenfinch, and if we are lucky, perhaps a rarer Mugimaki or Yellow-rumped Flycatcher. Shorebirds can also be found: Little Whimbrel, Red-necked Stint, and Terek Sandpiper are frequent visitors, and while targeting those, we’ll keep our ears and eyes out for other migrants. We overnight on the tiny islet where we may see the spectacular blue bioluminescence that makes the rocky coastline sparkle by night.
Today we take a two hour ferry journey from Dongyin to the larger Nangang island. With additional shorebird habitat and some slightly different habitats we hope to find some different birds.
After some last minute birding, we transfer from Nangang to Taipei’s Songshan Airport in downtown Taipei via a short flight. We will swing over to the Botanical Gardens where we hope to catch up with the resident Malayan Night-Heron, Light-vented Bulbul, and Japanese White-eye, as well as our first endemic, Taiwan Barbet. The city parks may be holding thrushes or other good passage migrants. We head over the hills north of Taipei for the night, where we enjoy an evening of Dim-sum, and maybe some of the unique Taiwanese dumplings.
We will spend the morning birding the Yehliu Peninsula which is the best migrant trap on mainland Taiwan. What may be around is impossible to guess, but over the years Yehlui has hosted many unusual birds, and is a regular stopover for for Siberian Rubythroat, Asian Stubtail, and more. We have some other spots to try depending on how our luck holds at Yehliu, before heading to Taoyuan International Airport, where we meet up with those joining our main tour.
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