The DMZ is a 248km-long ecological axis that links east and west of the Korean peninsula. It is a core ecological axis along with Baekdudaegan, which connects north and south. The east-west ecological axis consists of the following three regions:
First, the central east mountainous area. Located at the basin of Bukhangang River from Baekdudaegan to Hanbukjjeongmaek, it includes high mountains and dense forests. The whole area of Hyangnobong Peak maintains ecosystem close to virgin forest. At the top of Daeamsan Mountain is Yongneup Swamp, the only high moor in Korea.
Second, the central western inland. It includes Cheorwon Plain, a volcanic region in the basin of Hantangang River. Imjingang River is flowing. Cranes and white-naped cranes stay during the winter.
Third, western area. Extensive wetlands and mud flats are developed including Hangang River and Imjingang River estuary. Hangang River estuary is the only natural estuary left in South Korea.
In sum, habitats and land cover of the DMZ district are formed in an east-highwest-low type: from mountainous areas in the east to flat areas in the west, including estuaries and mud flats.
