'One-in-Tens-of-Thousands' Super-Rare Golden Eel Returns to Its Home, Soyang Lake

Gangwon Province Wishes for Abundant Catches and Safe Operations for Inland Fishermen
Golden Eel Released at Naepyeong-ri Dock in Soyang Lake

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced that on September 28, a super-rare golden eel-estimated at 50 cm in length and weighing between 500 and 600 grams-was discovered by a couple, Kim Soonil and Choi Byungsun, members of the Soyang Lake Fisheries Cooperative, during their work in the midstream area of Soyang River Dam. The eel, which has a probability of occurrence of less than one in tens of thousands, was transferred to the Inland Fisheries Resource Center and, following expert consultation, will be released back into Soyang Lake at the Naepyeong-ri dock in Chuncheon on October 30.

The golden eel at the time of discovery. Provided by Gangwon Province

Approximately 30 people attended the release event, including representatives from the Chuncheon Soyang Lake Fisheries Cooperative, Kim Heenam, President of the Inland Fisheries Association, Yeom Noseop, CEO of Gongjicheon People, Park Jungho, CEO of the Ecological Survey and Assessment Association, the director of the Inland Fisheries Resource Center, and local residents.

The Inland Fisheries Resource Center sought advice from the Ecological Survey and Assessment Association and the Korea Freshwater Fish Ecology Research Institute to ensure optimal care for the golden eel. Experts noted that, globally, climate change is disrupting ecosystems, increasing the importance of conserving rare genetic variants and restoring habitats. In Korea, golden eels have traditionally been regarded as symbols of good fortune.

The experts unanimously agreed that "the most desirable course for the survival and safety of the golden eel, as well as for the conservation of the local ecosystem, is to release it back into its original habitat, Soyang Lake."

Kim Soonil, the fisherman who first discovered the golden eel, said, "My wife and I were astonished when we saw the golden eel had entered the net on its own. We transferred it to the Inland Fisheries Resource Center so that many people could see it, and upon hearing that, based on expert advice, it would be returned to its home, we felt both happy and relieved."

Current appearance of golden eel. Provided by Gangwon Province

Park Jungho, CEO of the Ecological Survey and Assessment Association, stated, "The golden eel caught in Soyang Lake holds special significance in this era of climate change and declining biodiversity. Keeping it in captivity for exhibition purposes poses a high risk of death due to stress, and globally, there is a trend toward preserving rare wild animals in their natural state." He added, "This golden eel will also have great value as a resource for future ecological education."

Choi Youngsook, Director of the Inland Fisheries Resource Center, said, "Since the golden eel is considered a symbol of good fortune, its release carries great significance for the prosperity and safe operations of inland fisheries. I hope the golden eel will live freely and peacefully in its home, Soyang Lake, for the rest of its life." She also expressed gratitude to her colleagues at the center who took good care of the golden eel for over a month.

On this day, attendees wished for the wellbeing of the golden eel, abundant catches for the fishermen, and safe operations free from disasters. The golden eel, discovered in Soyang Lake around 9 a.m. on September 27 and transferred to the Inland Fisheries Resource Center the next day, received dedicated care at the center for over a month. Now, it returns to its home, leaving behind the remarkable fact that "a super-rare golden eel lives in Soyang Lake," and will once again enjoy its freedom.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.