Vulture Restaurant in Goryeong: A Unique Ecological Tourism Attraction for Nature Lovers

Published on December 21, 2025

The “Vulture Restaurant” in Goryeong County, North Gyeongsang Province, has become a popular ecotourism destination. This innovative initiative, which helps the endangered vulture population, has piqued the interest of nature lovers and environmentalists alike. The project began as a grassroots effort to combat the rising death toll among vultures unable to find food during the harsh winter months. Today, it exemplifies community-driven conservation and the growing importance of ecological tourism in South Korea.

The Origins of the Vulture Restaurant

The concept of the Vulture Restaurant was born in 2014 after the discovery of three dead vultures in Gaejin-myeon, Goryeong. This tragic event highlighted the challenges faced by vultures, especially during the winter when food sources become scarce. The rising number of vulture fatalities prompted citizens and environmental groups to take action. Thus, the Vulture Restaurant initiative was established in 2018, and it has been operating successfully for over eight years now.

What started as a local effort to address the food scarcity problem has grown into a thriving conservation programme. The restaurant, situated in the serene Hoicheon plains of Goryeong, serves as a vital feeding station for migrating vultures. This area, which is naturally rich in biodiversity, has transformed into a crucial hub for these endangered birds.

The Winter Migration of Vultures to Goryeong

Vultures are migratory birds, travelling thousands of kilometres to reach their wintering grounds. The vultures that frequent the Vulture Restaurant make an impressive journey, flying from Mongolia in early October. They cover an astonishing 3,000 km, arriving in Goryeong to spend the winter months until March the following year. These birds have become an iconic part of the region’s winter wildlife, contributing to the area’s growing appeal for ecotourism.

The Vulture Restaurant has become a key stopover for these migrating vultures. With the assistance of local residents and environmental groups, the vultures are provided with essential food supplies to sustain them during the winter months. The effort to protect these birds has evolved into a collaboration between local communities, students, and environmental organizations, all working together to safeguard the vultures’ migration and survival.

Operation and Feeding Activities

The Vulture Restaurant operates with the mission of ensuring the vultures have enough food to survive during the harsh winter months. Every day, a remarkable 200 kg of food is supplied to the birds, amounting to a total of approximately 5 tonnes by the end of the season. This food is distributed twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and consists primarily of shredded meat, which is scattered along the riverbanks.

The sight of hundreds of vultures descending upon the feeding site is nothing short of spectacular. With wingspans exceeding 2 metres, the vultures gather in large numbers, eagerly feeding on the food provided. The scene is both awe-inspiring and humbling, offering a rare opportunity to witness the raw beauty of nature in action. Each year, more and more vultures arrive at the Vulture Restaurant, with the number steadily increasing as the years go by. By the 21st of the month, over 200 vultures had already visited the restaurant, with more expected as the winter season progresses.

Community and Educational Involvement

The success of the Vulture Restaurant is due, in large part, to the active participation of local communities and schools. Environmental clubs from Haeol High School and Hwadong Elementary School, among others, play a pivotal role in maintaining the feeding sites. These students contribute by keeping the areas clean and supporting donation activities to ensure a continuous food supply for the vultures.

In addition to student involvement, the community also rallies around the Vulture Restaurant. Local citizens, including butcher shops and other businesses, donate meat to support the initiative. Over the years, this collective effort has grown, with more people coming forward to assist in sustaining the project. The sense of shared responsibility and pride in preserving the vulture population is palpable throughout Goryeong.

The opening ceremony for the Vulture Restaurant’s season is always a significant event, drawing attention from various groups. On the 6th of the month, approximately 100 people attended the opening ceremony, including members of environmental organizations, local religious groups, students, and citizens. This marks the beginning of the feeding season, during which the community comes together to celebrate and support the vultures.

The Growth of the Vulture Restaurant Network

While Goryeong is the flagship location, the success of the Vulture Restaurant has led to the establishment of similar feeding stations across South Korea. There are now 10 Vulture Restaurants operating in various regions, including Paju, Seosan, and Goseong. These locations form a network that helps monitor vulture migration periods and track population numbers, ensuring that these birds receive the care and attention they need throughout their migratory journey.

The network of Vulture Restaurants is vital not only for the protection of vultures but also for the ongoing study of their migration patterns. By collaborating with environmental organizations and academic institutions, the Vulture Restaurant initiative contributes valuable data to the understanding of vulture conservation and migratory behaviour.

Eco-Tourism and the Future of the Vulture Restaurant

The Vulture Restaurant in Goryeong has become more than just a feeding station; it has evolved into a key player in the region’s ecotourism industry. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to Goryeong to witness the incredible spectacle of vultures feeding in their natural habitat. The restaurant has not only helped raise awareness about endangered species but also contributed to the local economy by attracting tourists interested in wildlife and conservation efforts.

As ecotourism continues to grow in popularity, initiatives like the Vulture Restaurant will play a crucial role in promoting sustainable travel and environmental education. With the increasing interest in wildlife conservation, the Vulture Restaurant in Goryeong is well-positioned to become a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience South Korea’s unique natural beauty and support wildlife protection efforts.

Conclusion

The Vulture Restaurant in Goryeong is an outstanding achievement in wildlife conservation, community involvement, and ecotourism. This initiative, which was made possible by the combined efforts of local citizens, students, and environmental groups, has successfully saved the endangered vulture population. The breathtaking scenes of vultures feeding in Goryeong serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our natural environment and the wildlife that lives in it. As the Vulture Restaurant expands, it promises to remain an important part of South Korea’s ecotourism landscape, providing a unique experience for both nature lovers and eco-conscious travellers.