Seoul named protector of 'Penguin Village' in Antarctica

SEOUL, April 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has been given special management rights
over a new protected zone in Antarctica that will allow it to oversee research
and other activities there, the country's environment ministry said Sunday.

Located about 2 kilometers from Korea's King Sejong Antarctic research station,
Narebski Point -- also known as the "Penguin Village" -- is home to three types
of penguins as well as various species of flowering plants, seagulls and lichens.
The country has sought to designate Narebski Point as a special protected area
since June. The decision to designate the area as such and place it in South
Korea's control came at recent Antarctic Treaty talks held in Baltimore.
"This will help improve our country's reputation as a leading environmental
protector while allowing us to speed up our research on climate change," the
ministry said.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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