Climate, Energy and Environment Ministry announces first Seomjin River photo contest

The Climate, Energy and Environment Ministry said it will hold its first Five Major Rivers photo contest for the Seomjin River, inviting South Korean citizens to enter from Aug. 18 through Oct. 6.

The National Institute of Ecology said the Five Major Rivers series will record and share the rivers' ecological value. The opening contest covers the Seomjin River basin, which includes a nationally protected wetland and a natural estuary without an estuary barrage.

The contest will select 20 winning entries in youth and general divisions for images of the river, nearby wetlands and estuary, endangered wildlife and other biodiversity, and people who live alongside it. The themes also cover the river's value and the importance of conservation. Entrants aged 34 or younger will compete in the youth division, while those 35 or older will enter the general division. Each submission must include an explanation of the photograph's background and intent.

Photography and ecology specialists will jointly assess the works' artistic and ecological value. Entries will also be evaluated for thematic relevance, promotional value and originality, then undergo a public verification process. Final results will be announced on the contest website in November.

Awards include one grand prize and one top excellence prize, three excellence prizes and five encouragement prizes in each division. The awards carry 18 million won ($12,722) in total prize money. The winning photographs are planned for use as records of the Seomjin River's ecology.