South Korea's southern city of Suncheon in Jeollanam-do Province has been recognized for its rich biodiversity,... and has made it onto the UNESCO biosphere reserves list this year,... making it the nation's sixth site on the list.
Also making it on the list this year,... North Korea's Mount Kumgang.
Hong Yoo tells us more.

UNESCO has added several new sites to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves,... places around the world it recognizes as having preserved their biodiversity.
Among those newly added by the UN agency are the South Korean city of Suncheon, and North Korea's Mount Kumgang.

The announcement was made on Monday during a UNESCO session held in Palembang, Indonesia.

The entire city of Suncheon, located on the southern tip of South Korea, was listed, in fact,... making it the nation's sixth biosphere reserve, along with Mount Seorak and Jeju Island.
UNESCO said specifically that two main areas of Suncheon, Mount Jogyesan and Suncheonman Bay, which has wetlands,... are home to a diverse range of plants and animals.
It also praised the local residents for preserving the ecosystem there and incorporating it into their economic activities like rice and fruit cultivation.
The city of Suncheon says it now aims to make itself known globally by take action to protect its biosphere reserves... and to promote its local produce.

North Korea's Mount Kumgang was also added to the list,... making it the North's fifth biosphere reserve site.
In the application it sent to UNESCO, North Korea mentioned a project in the works to involve foreign investors in developing an expanded tourist area in the region near Mount Kumgang.
This area includes the tourist resort under construction near Wonsan that Pyongyang hopes to complete by this September 9th,... when the North celebrates the 70th anniversary of its founding.
Hong Yoo, Arirang News.