1 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:02,360 Korea. 2 00:00:05,960 --> 00:00:08,240 An ancient mountain kingdom. 3 00:00:13,760 --> 00:00:16,120 A land divided by conflict. 4 00:00:26,960 --> 00:00:31,080 But in the natural world, there is another side to Korea. 5 00:00:36,840 --> 00:00:40,160 In the south are pockets of untouched wilderness. 6 00:00:46,840 --> 00:00:48,200 Rich habitats... 7 00:00:54,920 --> 00:00:57,440 ..with extraordinary creatures... 8 00:01:14,680 --> 00:01:17,320 ..and spectacular natural events. 9 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:24,200 HE SHOUTS 10 00:01:30,960 --> 00:01:36,200 A place where nature and mankind have lived in harmony for centuries. 11 00:01:46,320 --> 00:01:47,760 This is Korea. 12 00:01:58,080 --> 00:02:00,760 Korea lies on the eastern edge of Asia. 13 00:02:02,200 --> 00:02:07,320 The peninsula is 700 miles long and 150 miles across... 14 00:02:08,080 --> 00:02:10,280 ..and is split into two nations. 15 00:02:12,600 --> 00:02:15,640 But long before modern conflict divided the land... 16 00:02:16,720 --> 00:02:20,880 ..tectonic plates collided to create a dramatic landscape. 17 00:02:28,480 --> 00:02:31,280 60 million years ago, 18 00:02:31,280 --> 00:02:35,560 unimaginable forces raised the jagged peaks that dominate 19 00:02:35,560 --> 00:02:37,360 the east of Korea. 20 00:02:44,280 --> 00:02:48,400 In the central region are lush, temperate forests. 21 00:02:55,240 --> 00:02:59,280 Further south, these give way to fertile wetlands. 22 00:03:02,880 --> 00:03:06,000 And where the land finally meets the sea, 23 00:03:06,000 --> 00:03:09,000 the shallow incline creates vast tidal ranges... 24 00:03:10,200 --> 00:03:11,760 ..with endless mudflats... 25 00:03:13,720 --> 00:03:15,120 ..teeming with life. 26 00:03:22,480 --> 00:03:25,680 Korea is surrounded on three sides by ocean. 27 00:03:27,160 --> 00:03:30,160 It has over 5,000 miles of coastline. 28 00:03:36,960 --> 00:03:40,960 In the far south, the islands of Jeju 29 00:03:40,960 --> 00:03:43,360 are home to a resident population 30 00:03:43,360 --> 00:03:46,000 of Indo-Pacific bottlenosed dolphins. 31 00:04:03,600 --> 00:04:05,280 Dolphins are often wide-ranging... 32 00:04:07,480 --> 00:04:10,400 ..travelling from place to place in search of food. 33 00:04:12,240 --> 00:04:15,240 But this group chooses to live here all year round, 34 00:04:15,240 --> 00:04:17,840 in the bountiful waters 35 00:04:17,840 --> 00:04:21,320 around these volcanic islands. 36 00:04:36,400 --> 00:04:39,800 Bottlenose dolphins are highly social creatures... 37 00:04:41,640 --> 00:04:44,360 ..and live in tight-knit matriarchal pods. 38 00:04:48,880 --> 00:04:51,360 Group members communicate constantly. 39 00:04:52,680 --> 00:04:56,680 Each dolphin is identified by its own signature whistle. 40 00:04:59,920 --> 00:05:02,200 And they are quick to recognise 41 00:05:02,200 --> 00:05:05,680 the presence of any strangers in their territory. 42 00:05:09,920 --> 00:05:14,240 Today their curiosity is piqued by a presence here that is almost 43 00:05:14,240 --> 00:05:16,080 as ancient as their own. 44 00:05:25,760 --> 00:05:30,240 Dolphins can be wary of divers, but not of this one. 45 00:05:32,840 --> 00:05:36,120 Like them, she dives free, 46 00:05:36,120 --> 00:05:38,520 exploring the depths on a single breath. 47 00:05:43,240 --> 00:05:46,720 The pods have grown up sharing these waters 48 00:05:46,720 --> 00:05:49,720 with an all-female free diving community... 49 00:05:51,320 --> 00:05:53,840 ..known as the Haenyeo, 50 00:05:53,840 --> 00:05:55,200 sea women. 51 00:06:03,520 --> 00:06:07,160 She scours the sea bed in search of its natural treasures. 52 00:06:19,160 --> 00:06:21,080 They live in harmony, 53 00:06:21,080 --> 00:06:24,080 as they have done for hundreds of years. 54 00:06:26,080 --> 00:06:29,040 Soon the season will change, 55 00:06:29,040 --> 00:06:33,200 and these waters will be filled with prizes for the Haenyeo. 56 00:06:47,240 --> 00:06:51,320 300 miles north, on the Korean mainland... 57 00:06:53,680 --> 00:06:56,360 ..the palaces of the Joseon kings... 58 00:06:57,800 --> 00:07:00,800 ..an imposing legacy of the powerful dynasty 59 00:07:00,800 --> 00:07:02,320 that once ruled here. 60 00:07:19,560 --> 00:07:24,480 But the palaces are now home to a family of a different kind. 61 00:07:39,520 --> 00:07:41,880 A family of raccoon dogs. 62 00:07:43,120 --> 00:07:45,720 Though they are named for their resemblance, 63 00:07:45,720 --> 00:07:50,040 they are much more closely related to dogs than they are raccoons. 64 00:07:54,480 --> 00:07:59,040 This opportunistic family have left their usual forest dwelling 65 00:07:59,040 --> 00:08:01,920 for the safety of the palace grounds. 66 00:08:04,600 --> 00:08:07,400 For the most part, life is good here. 67 00:08:13,360 --> 00:08:16,160 But they're not the only ones to take advantage 68 00:08:16,160 --> 00:08:17,800 of the opportunities here. 69 00:08:22,800 --> 00:08:24,960 There is a rival group that occupies 70 00:08:24,960 --> 00:08:27,160 the other side of the palace grounds. 71 00:08:35,480 --> 00:08:39,920 With young pups, the family's father must be extra vigilant. 72 00:08:49,720 --> 00:08:54,160 At around four months old, pups learn to forage for themselves. 73 00:09:00,680 --> 00:09:04,120 But hunting insects requires a little practice. 74 00:09:27,680 --> 00:09:31,720 Raccoon dogs will eat almost anything. 75 00:09:48,160 --> 00:09:51,040 Tonight the family is anticipating 76 00:09:51,040 --> 00:09:53,880 something extra-special on the menu... 77 00:10:07,520 --> 00:10:08,920 ..cicada nymphs. 78 00:10:13,560 --> 00:10:16,720 A lavish banquet of juicy beetles. 79 00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:24,280 The nymphs emerge en masse during a narrow window in the summer. 80 00:10:26,400 --> 00:10:31,240 For one night only, the family will have more food than they can eat. 81 00:10:35,320 --> 00:10:39,440 The nymphs have spent five years slowly growing in the soil. 82 00:10:43,440 --> 00:10:45,440 They must now find higher ground... 83 00:10:46,920 --> 00:10:50,720 ..where they can metamorphosise into their flying form. 84 00:11:05,400 --> 00:11:08,720 Such rich rewards attract hungry rivals. 85 00:11:10,600 --> 00:11:15,320 A pack of young males from the far side of the palace grounds are also 86 00:11:15,320 --> 00:11:17,560 eager to have their fill. 87 00:11:28,560 --> 00:11:31,600 Distracted by the feast, 88 00:11:31,600 --> 00:11:34,400 the usually wary father has strayed into harm's way. 89 00:11:43,120 --> 00:11:45,800 He is outnumbered, and in danger. 90 00:11:59,240 --> 00:12:01,960 The mother and pups retreat to a safe distance. 91 00:12:15,640 --> 00:12:17,760 Their father escapes, 92 00:12:17,760 --> 00:12:20,400 injured, but lucky to be alive. 93 00:12:23,160 --> 00:12:25,200 His mate tends to his wounds. 94 00:12:30,080 --> 00:12:33,360 The palace may provide rich feeding grounds 95 00:12:33,360 --> 00:12:36,200 but such wealth comes at a price. 96 00:12:41,680 --> 00:12:44,480 Some of the cicadas have reached their destination. 97 00:12:46,600 --> 00:12:51,200 After years of lying underground, the lucky ones will get their wings. 98 00:12:53,240 --> 00:12:56,880 During metamorphosis, they are at their most vulnerable. 99 00:13:01,280 --> 00:13:04,760 But up here, at least they are safe from the hungry pups. 100 00:13:07,360 --> 00:13:11,120 Now they will devote the last chapter of their life, 101 00:13:11,120 --> 00:13:12,960 just one month, 102 00:13:12,960 --> 00:13:14,160 to finding a mate. 103 00:13:15,640 --> 00:13:19,720 It is a cycle that has played out here for hundreds of years. 104 00:13:22,520 --> 00:13:27,320 During this time, the world beyond these walls has changed. 105 00:13:31,440 --> 00:13:36,160 The palace is now surrounded by South Korea's capital city, 106 00:13:36,160 --> 00:13:38,000 Seoul. 107 00:13:46,040 --> 00:13:50,120 Seoul is home to one of the most densely packed human populations 108 00:13:50,120 --> 00:13:51,520 on the planet. 109 00:13:57,320 --> 00:14:01,680 It is easy to see why the raccoon dogs seek refuge in the palace. 110 00:14:11,040 --> 00:14:15,080 But there are places where humans and nature coexist 111 00:14:15,080 --> 00:14:16,560 in perfect harmony. 112 00:14:20,440 --> 00:14:22,080 The island of Marado... 113 00:14:23,360 --> 00:14:25,640 ..the southernmost point of Korea. 114 00:14:30,760 --> 00:14:35,640 Beyond the cliffs and caves, there is a small community, 115 00:14:35,640 --> 00:14:40,160 the Haenyeo, sea women, as they are known here. 116 00:14:48,440 --> 00:14:51,440 Today they are preparing for an important dive. 117 00:14:57,640 --> 00:15:00,120 There are men on the island too, 118 00:15:00,120 --> 00:15:02,800 but a sisterhood drives the local economy. 119 00:15:07,520 --> 00:15:10,200 Most divers are over the age of 60... 120 00:15:11,400 --> 00:15:13,080 ..and some are much older. 121 00:15:18,160 --> 00:15:19,920 At this time of the year 122 00:15:19,920 --> 00:15:23,560 the waters here provide an abundant crop of conches - 123 00:15:23,560 --> 00:15:26,400 a highly valuable mollusc. 124 00:15:32,120 --> 00:15:36,960 The Haenyeo only harvest the conches after the breeding season, 125 00:15:36,960 --> 00:15:39,240 to ensure the harvest remains sustainable. 126 00:15:42,840 --> 00:15:45,920 Choon Geom Kim is captain. 127 00:15:45,920 --> 00:15:47,920 She must decide if it's safe to dive. 128 00:16:28,960 --> 00:16:32,400 Wal Soo Ra is the oldest living Haenyeo. 129 00:16:35,600 --> 00:16:39,520 In fact, she is the oldest diver anywhere in the world. 130 00:16:56,040 --> 00:16:58,800 She is now 94 years old. 131 00:17:00,760 --> 00:17:03,440 The dive captain has decided they will dive. 132 00:17:05,200 --> 00:17:09,200 Conditions are not ideal but the conch season is short 133 00:17:09,200 --> 00:17:12,160 and they must make the most of it. 134 00:17:37,840 --> 00:17:42,120 An experienced Haenyeo can dive to depths of 20 metres 135 00:17:42,120 --> 00:17:45,200 and hold her breath for more than two minutes. 136 00:18:05,840 --> 00:18:08,720 This places significant stresses on the body. 137 00:18:09,960 --> 00:18:13,360 There is a very real risk of blackout, 138 00:18:13,360 --> 00:18:17,600 as the Haenyeo repeatedly travel between the surface and the sea bed. 139 00:18:25,360 --> 00:18:29,240 As they dive, their heart rate slows, 140 00:18:29,240 --> 00:18:33,080 and blood is shifted from their extremities to their core... 141 00:18:34,520 --> 00:18:36,960 ..increasing the availability of oxygen. 142 00:18:42,240 --> 00:18:45,680 The Haenyeo benefit from this adaptation, 143 00:18:45,680 --> 00:18:49,720 to enable them to keep working on their long, cold dives. 144 00:18:52,960 --> 00:18:56,520 But it's exhausting work, even for the younger divers. 145 00:19:43,360 --> 00:19:48,440 She may not be able to hold her breath for as long as she once did, 146 00:19:48,440 --> 00:19:53,640 but, at 94, Wal Soo Ra is still capable of diving all day. 147 00:20:20,160 --> 00:20:23,720 The women work together against a rising tide. 148 00:20:31,280 --> 00:20:33,320 The waters here are changeable... 149 00:20:34,560 --> 00:20:38,200 ..and the longer they stay, the greater the risk. 150 00:20:40,400 --> 00:20:44,280 But the season is short... 151 00:20:45,360 --> 00:20:47,320 ..so the women must persist... 152 00:20:48,400 --> 00:20:51,120 ..and reap the harvest while it is there. 153 00:20:57,880 --> 00:21:00,200 Back on the Korean mainland, 154 00:21:00,200 --> 00:21:02,440 deep in the forests of Yangpyeong... 155 00:21:03,600 --> 00:21:07,080 ..there are other female workers, reaping a harvest. 156 00:21:08,680 --> 00:21:10,280 Eastern honey bees. 157 00:21:13,800 --> 00:21:16,160 Workers collecting pollen. 158 00:21:19,560 --> 00:21:21,920 They belong to an enormous colony... 159 00:21:23,680 --> 00:21:25,960 ..of 30,000 bees. 160 00:21:27,600 --> 00:21:30,960 The colony has made its home here in this hollow tree... 161 00:21:32,280 --> 00:21:34,640 ..which offers shelter from the elements. 162 00:21:38,640 --> 00:21:42,560 Inside the tree is a complex and cooperative society. 163 00:21:43,640 --> 00:21:46,040 All the bees are dedicated to the colony... 164 00:21:51,480 --> 00:21:54,080 ..at times vibrating their bodies 165 00:21:54,080 --> 00:21:57,200 to produce heat and maintain a perfect temperature 166 00:21:57,200 --> 00:21:59,440 for the next generation. 167 00:22:04,520 --> 00:22:06,960 But the bees are not alone in the forest. 168 00:22:11,280 --> 00:22:15,720 An Asian giant hornet has identified their location. 169 00:22:20,560 --> 00:22:23,960 The hornet studies the nest 170 00:22:23,960 --> 00:22:26,240 before returning to its own colony. 171 00:22:34,280 --> 00:22:36,800 This scout has information to share. 172 00:22:39,680 --> 00:22:43,680 Using an advanced form of chemical communication, 173 00:22:43,680 --> 00:22:47,000 the scout passes on details of the exact location 174 00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:48,600 of the honey bees' nest. 175 00:23:03,040 --> 00:23:04,480 The scout returns. 176 00:23:07,720 --> 00:23:10,800 The bees shake in unison to warn off the hornet. 177 00:23:12,760 --> 00:23:14,760 But this time he is not alone. 178 00:23:23,320 --> 00:23:26,600 The hornets do sometimes eat the bees themselves 179 00:23:26,600 --> 00:23:31,000 but they are more interested in the protein-rich larvae inside. 180 00:23:37,000 --> 00:23:40,160 Individual bees have no chance against the hornets. 181 00:23:42,960 --> 00:23:45,680 Gradually they weaken the bees' defence. 182 00:23:48,360 --> 00:23:49,720 There are many casualties. 183 00:23:56,880 --> 00:23:59,840 But it will take more than this to overcome the colony. 184 00:24:08,560 --> 00:24:10,880 The bees prepare to fight back. 185 00:24:14,320 --> 00:24:17,760 The counterattack is started by a handful of worker bees. 186 00:24:22,000 --> 00:24:23,320 It appears suicidal. 187 00:24:25,760 --> 00:24:28,720 But the bees are programmed to lay down their lives 188 00:24:28,720 --> 00:24:30,960 for the survival of the colony. 189 00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:35,840 And the tables begin to turn. 190 00:24:40,920 --> 00:24:43,240 Bee stings can't kill the hornets. 191 00:24:47,680 --> 00:24:49,040 But they do weaken them. 192 00:24:59,440 --> 00:25:03,680 As the bees gain the upper hand, pushing their attackers back... 193 00:25:05,520 --> 00:25:07,800 ..they now release the full force 194 00:25:07,800 --> 00:25:11,360 of their defence for the last remaining hornet. 195 00:25:21,960 --> 00:25:24,400 They swarm, immobilising it. 196 00:25:28,400 --> 00:25:30,960 The bees vibrate, 197 00:25:30,960 --> 00:25:33,160 raising the temperature at the centre to a level 198 00:25:33,160 --> 00:25:34,960 the hornet cannot withstand. 199 00:25:38,200 --> 00:25:40,640 And the hornet is cooked alive. 200 00:25:45,120 --> 00:25:50,240 The bees have developed this unique and effective defence over millennia. 201 00:25:59,600 --> 00:26:03,040 Many more bees than hornets died in this encounter. 202 00:26:05,240 --> 00:26:07,120 But their colony has survived... 203 00:26:08,520 --> 00:26:11,320 ..and will continue to thrive here in the forest... 204 00:26:13,880 --> 00:26:15,480 ..until the next encounter. 205 00:26:22,160 --> 00:26:23,920 200 miles away... 206 00:26:25,560 --> 00:26:30,160 ..the mud flats of Suncheon Bay in the south of the Korean mainland. 207 00:26:35,920 --> 00:26:39,600 During the monsoon, they receive one of the highest 208 00:26:39,600 --> 00:26:42,200 levels of rainfall anywhere in Korea. 209 00:26:46,080 --> 00:26:49,400 It can rain constantly here for weeks at a time. 210 00:26:56,040 --> 00:26:58,120 But it is not the torrential downpours 211 00:26:58,120 --> 00:27:00,080 that have shaped this landscape. 212 00:27:05,720 --> 00:27:08,800 Suncheon Bay is a tidal ecosystem 213 00:27:08,800 --> 00:27:11,440 that is neither land nor sea. 214 00:27:14,120 --> 00:27:17,560 Each day, the tidal waters of the bay withdraw 215 00:27:17,560 --> 00:27:21,560 to reveal over eight square miles of thick mud - 216 00:27:21,560 --> 00:27:24,840 a seemingly inhospitable landscape. 217 00:27:26,640 --> 00:27:29,560 But the local people thrive here, 218 00:27:29,560 --> 00:27:31,960 as they have done for thousands of years. 219 00:27:33,960 --> 00:27:38,680 No modern vehicle can cross the mud. 220 00:27:39,920 --> 00:27:44,760 Instead, the local people get around here on specially designed boards. 221 00:27:51,800 --> 00:27:55,120 It is hard going but the rewards are huge. 222 00:28:08,040 --> 00:28:10,680 The mud of the day is rich in nutrients 223 00:28:10,680 --> 00:28:14,840 and supports one of the most diverse ecosystems in Korea. 224 00:28:25,040 --> 00:28:28,640 Today the mud flat industry is larger than ever before. 225 00:28:33,960 --> 00:28:37,600 Seafood makes up a huge part of the Korean diet. 226 00:28:40,240 --> 00:28:42,400 And much of it comes from Suncheon Bay. 227 00:28:53,040 --> 00:28:56,480 Thousands of tonnes are harvested here every year. 228 00:28:58,120 --> 00:29:02,360 Yet, despite the increase in fishing activity in the bay, 229 00:29:02,360 --> 00:29:04,160 the mudflats are so rich 230 00:29:04,160 --> 00:29:06,840 that they are quick to replenish 231 00:29:06,840 --> 00:29:08,680 what is taken out during the harvest. 232 00:29:15,800 --> 00:29:19,040 Some of the most abundant creatures here 233 00:29:19,040 --> 00:29:21,600 are various forms of mudskipper, 234 00:29:21,600 --> 00:29:23,680 the misfits of the aquatic world. 235 00:29:25,120 --> 00:29:30,240 They spend almost as much time out of the water as they do in it. 236 00:29:31,920 --> 00:29:35,880 And that's possible as long as they remain moist, 237 00:29:35,880 --> 00:29:38,920 allowing them to absorb oxygen through their skin. 238 00:29:49,600 --> 00:29:53,960 There are several different species of mudskipper here. 239 00:29:53,960 --> 00:29:57,200 Shuttles hoppfish is among the smallest. 240 00:30:01,400 --> 00:30:05,240 This male is just five centimetres long, 241 00:30:05,240 --> 00:30:08,360 and he has only just reached sexual maturity. 242 00:30:14,680 --> 00:30:18,280 Now this young hopeful must find himself a mate. 243 00:30:25,800 --> 00:30:31,000 70 miles north is Upo, the largest natural swampland in South Korea. 244 00:30:36,000 --> 00:30:40,840 This prehistoric wetland is home to many rare species, 245 00:30:40,840 --> 00:30:43,280 and it's a protected conservation zone. 246 00:30:51,040 --> 00:30:54,880 In summer much of Upo is carpeted with lilies. 247 00:30:57,760 --> 00:31:02,800 One of the most prolific is the ancient and aptly-named 248 00:31:02,800 --> 00:31:04,000 prickly water lily. 249 00:31:13,920 --> 00:31:16,240 The jacana has developed 250 00:31:16,240 --> 00:31:18,440 exceptionally long toes 251 00:31:18,440 --> 00:31:21,480 to spread its weight across the thin lilies 252 00:31:21,480 --> 00:31:23,920 and create a bridge above the spikes. 253 00:31:27,560 --> 00:31:31,480 But even for jacana, it takes a little practice. 254 00:31:39,640 --> 00:31:42,760 Their reward is an abundance of insect life 255 00:31:42,760 --> 00:31:44,760 on the surface of the water. 256 00:32:12,280 --> 00:32:15,160 As night falls over the wetlands, 257 00:32:15,160 --> 00:32:18,720 another type of predator takes their place on the lilies. 258 00:32:28,960 --> 00:32:30,560 A raft spider. 259 00:32:38,120 --> 00:32:39,840 For an ambush predator... 260 00:32:41,720 --> 00:32:43,400 ..location is everything. 261 00:32:56,000 --> 00:33:00,200 She cleverly positions herself where the traffic is busiest. 262 00:33:07,000 --> 00:33:09,800 Highly sensitive to vibrations, 263 00:33:09,800 --> 00:33:12,440 these spiders can detect potential prey 264 00:33:12,440 --> 00:33:14,520 beneath the surface of the water. 265 00:33:24,800 --> 00:33:28,240 But this is no ordinary insect-eating spider. 266 00:33:29,920 --> 00:33:32,120 She has bigger fish to fry. 267 00:33:37,600 --> 00:33:40,200 She is poised, ready to strike. 268 00:33:47,320 --> 00:33:48,760 The first attempt fails... 269 00:33:50,200 --> 00:33:51,400 ..and the prey escapes. 270 00:33:58,920 --> 00:34:03,200 Patience, however, is the fisherman's best weapon. 271 00:34:08,080 --> 00:34:09,680 She bides her time... 272 00:34:15,440 --> 00:34:16,800 Success! 273 00:34:20,880 --> 00:34:25,160 The spider immediately sinks its hollow fangs into the prey 274 00:34:25,160 --> 00:34:27,440 to deliver a lethal dose of venom. 275 00:34:33,480 --> 00:34:35,920 And it's over within a matter of moments. 276 00:34:46,280 --> 00:34:49,480 20 miles away is Junam reservoir... 277 00:34:52,280 --> 00:34:56,560 ..the site of one of Korea's most spectacular natural events. 278 00:35:11,880 --> 00:35:17,160 A cloud of Baikal teal, all soaring in perfect unison. 279 00:35:23,080 --> 00:35:26,480 Junam reservoir is the largest 280 00:35:26,480 --> 00:35:28,680 migratory bird sanctuary in South Korea. 281 00:35:30,360 --> 00:35:32,600 The lake never freezes, 282 00:35:32,600 --> 00:35:37,240 making it a perfect winter stopover for many migrating birds. 283 00:35:47,120 --> 00:35:51,760 Each year, around a million of these water birds arrive in Korea. 284 00:35:54,120 --> 00:35:56,640 They migrate from eastern Siberia... 285 00:35:57,760 --> 00:35:59,760 ..in search of warmer climes. 286 00:36:18,520 --> 00:36:22,720 They fly in dense formations, wing tip to wing tip. 287 00:36:42,240 --> 00:36:47,120 This hypnotic spectacle has earned these visitors a unique place 288 00:36:47,120 --> 00:36:49,400 in the heart of Korean culture. 289 00:36:53,240 --> 00:36:57,520 In this part of the world, many birds are seen as sacred. 290 00:37:02,720 --> 00:37:04,840 One of the most revered species 291 00:37:04,840 --> 00:37:08,200 lives in the mountainous forests of central Korea. 292 00:37:11,200 --> 00:37:15,560 Amongst the dense woodland, an ancient tradition endures. 293 00:37:23,400 --> 00:37:26,200 That of the falconer. 294 00:37:26,200 --> 00:37:31,400 Yong Soon Park has recently captured a goshawk from the wild, 295 00:37:32,000 --> 00:37:36,080 and is crafting a sichimi. 296 00:37:36,080 --> 00:37:38,920 Equipment like this cannot be bought. 297 00:37:41,160 --> 00:37:44,800 Each falconer must learn to craft his own. 298 00:37:44,800 --> 00:37:46,840 It is a part of the tradition. 299 00:37:49,720 --> 00:37:53,120 The feather and bell help to track his bird, 300 00:37:53,120 --> 00:37:56,560 and the bull-horned head shows that the bird belongs to him. 301 00:37:58,480 --> 00:37:59,440 At least, for now. 302 00:38:03,640 --> 00:38:06,120 Goshawks are as individual as we are. 303 00:38:07,560 --> 00:38:09,800 Some are nervous, 304 00:38:09,800 --> 00:38:12,200 others are stubborn. 305 00:38:22,280 --> 00:38:25,520 So the falconer must learn to tailor his approach. 306 00:38:39,480 --> 00:38:43,240 More than anything, falconry requires trust. 307 00:38:46,080 --> 00:38:50,640 Falconer Park has spent many, many hours with his hawk, 308 00:38:50,640 --> 00:38:51,840 to build that bond. 309 00:38:58,560 --> 00:39:02,800 But however strong their connection, it is also fleeting. 310 00:39:02,800 --> 00:39:05,480 HAWK SQUEAKS 311 00:39:08,160 --> 00:39:09,680 HE MAKES CLICKING NOISES 312 00:39:22,720 --> 00:39:26,400 The most important tradition of Korean falconry 313 00:39:26,400 --> 00:39:30,280 is that the falconers do not keep their birds for life. 314 00:39:30,280 --> 00:39:35,080 They accept that a hawk is wild and can never be fully tamed. 315 00:39:56,200 --> 00:39:58,440 HE SHOUTS 316 00:40:18,160 --> 00:40:21,040 The goshawk has short, wide wings, 317 00:40:21,040 --> 00:40:26,000 allowing it to pass through gaps at speeds of up to 40mph... 318 00:40:31,080 --> 00:40:33,960 ..and a long rudder-like tail for sharp turns. 319 00:40:54,120 --> 00:40:56,840 That makes it an extremely successful hunter. 320 00:42:28,200 --> 00:42:32,440 In Suncheon Bay, it's the mating season for mudskippers, 321 00:42:32,440 --> 00:42:35,760 and this young male is searching for a suitable mate. 322 00:42:49,120 --> 00:42:51,520 It appears the odds are stacked against him. 323 00:42:55,400 --> 00:42:58,440 In his quest, he must cross open water 324 00:42:58,440 --> 00:43:02,360 to reach a potential mating site on the far side. 325 00:43:06,320 --> 00:43:08,360 There are predators in these waters. 326 00:43:22,000 --> 00:43:26,360 He makes it across, but is not yet completely out of harm's way. 327 00:43:31,240 --> 00:43:34,840 Mudskippers, although hardly considered a delicacy... 328 00:43:36,200 --> 00:43:37,200 ..are eaten. 329 00:43:39,680 --> 00:43:41,920 They are also used in Chinese medicine 330 00:43:41,920 --> 00:43:45,560 and there is a profit to be made for this fisherman. 331 00:44:58,880 --> 00:45:00,280 A near miss. 332 00:45:13,160 --> 00:45:18,160 The young mudskipper escapes and moves on to unexplored territory. 333 00:45:21,400 --> 00:45:24,680 Other species of mudskipper can be territorial. 334 00:45:38,480 --> 00:45:40,120 Some are highly aggressive. 335 00:45:46,400 --> 00:45:47,840 He wisely moves on. 336 00:45:53,360 --> 00:45:57,720 Eventually, the young male spots a patch he likes the look of. 337 00:46:00,040 --> 00:46:01,400 Far fewer rivals. 338 00:46:05,480 --> 00:46:07,200 This will do very nicely. 339 00:46:13,600 --> 00:46:14,840 A single female. 340 00:46:18,120 --> 00:46:20,480 He performs his courtship dance. 341 00:46:24,400 --> 00:46:26,640 She seems unimpressed. 342 00:46:35,160 --> 00:46:37,120 But he shuffles a little closer... 343 00:46:43,080 --> 00:46:44,080 ..and tries again. 344 00:46:50,360 --> 00:46:52,680 She is much larger, 345 00:46:52,680 --> 00:46:55,600 so this is very much her decision to make. 346 00:47:00,000 --> 00:47:03,320 Just when it looks like the young male's luck has run out... 347 00:47:07,280 --> 00:47:09,720 ..she appears to have a change of heart. 348 00:47:17,400 --> 00:47:18,840 He sucks her face... 349 00:47:21,720 --> 00:47:23,880 ..and she is not completely put off. 350 00:47:32,920 --> 00:47:34,600 The pairing has been agreed. 351 00:47:36,520 --> 00:47:39,760 But the next stage won't happen in front of an audience. 352 00:47:42,640 --> 00:47:45,680 Their mating will take place below ground... 353 00:47:46,960 --> 00:47:49,400 ..safely inside a mud burrow. 354 00:48:01,600 --> 00:48:04,360 North of the mudflats of Suncheon 355 00:48:04,360 --> 00:48:08,400 is a very different but equally rich environment. 356 00:48:10,040 --> 00:48:15,240 60% of South Korea is forested and much of its biodiversity is found 357 00:48:16,400 --> 00:48:18,160 in these ecosystems. 358 00:48:29,160 --> 00:48:32,720 This peculiar-looking creature is a beetle larva. 359 00:48:34,000 --> 00:48:36,600 It is following a trail across the forest floor. 360 00:48:38,080 --> 00:48:39,080 A slime trail... 361 00:48:41,320 --> 00:48:43,320 ..left by its intended prey. 362 00:49:03,360 --> 00:49:07,320 The helpless marsh snail produces a foaming mucus 363 00:49:07,320 --> 00:49:10,280 in an attempt to confuse its attacker. 364 00:49:14,400 --> 00:49:15,840 But to no avail. 365 00:49:20,440 --> 00:49:23,760 The larva injects paralysing digestive fluids 366 00:49:23,760 --> 00:49:25,400 directly into the snail... 367 00:49:27,840 --> 00:49:29,200 ..and begins to feed. 368 00:49:39,800 --> 00:49:41,000 It may seem cruel... 369 00:49:42,880 --> 00:49:46,720 ..but the beetle must feed to fulfil its role in life. 370 00:49:57,400 --> 00:50:01,160 The nutrients it has gained will help its transformation. 371 00:50:02,680 --> 00:50:06,880 Bioluminescent chemicals in its abdomen begin to glow. 372 00:50:10,280 --> 00:50:15,440 It is a firefly larva, and once freed from its casing, 373 00:50:15,640 --> 00:50:17,600 it lights up the dark skies... 374 00:50:21,120 --> 00:50:24,360 ..a spectacle South Korea is renowned for. 375 00:50:32,040 --> 00:50:34,280 Proof that in nature, 376 00:50:34,280 --> 00:50:39,400 scenes of great beauty can often conceal a darker reality. 377 00:50:51,520 --> 00:50:53,840 In the southern province of Jeju, 378 00:50:53,840 --> 00:50:56,160 the conch season is drawing to a close. 379 00:50:59,880 --> 00:51:05,120 For many years, the island was known as Geumdo, meaning "forbidden", 380 00:51:05,880 --> 00:51:08,160 because of the treacherous conditions here. 381 00:51:11,360 --> 00:51:12,680 The sea is rough 382 00:51:12,680 --> 00:51:16,840 but the Haenyeo have been diving all day. 383 00:51:19,960 --> 00:51:22,800 There is still an abundance of conch to collect. 384 00:51:27,680 --> 00:51:30,320 The Haenyeo are highly sensitive 385 00:51:30,320 --> 00:51:33,800 to any changes in the underwater currents. 386 00:51:33,800 --> 00:51:38,800 Even a small change down here can signal life-threatening conditions. 387 00:51:57,280 --> 00:51:59,120 But the Haenyeo are tenacious. 388 00:52:00,400 --> 00:52:03,160 Today, despite the increasing risk, 389 00:52:03,160 --> 00:52:07,680 they decide to stay in the water and now, they must work quickly. 390 00:52:45,880 --> 00:52:49,200 Finally, with their nets filled, their work is done. 391 00:53:05,360 --> 00:53:08,640 Exhausted from hours of diving, they are vulnerable. 392 00:53:19,000 --> 00:53:22,560 Having lost one woman to the sea last year, 393 00:53:22,560 --> 00:53:25,880 they know all too well the cost of making a mistake now. 394 00:54:03,720 --> 00:54:08,120 With a final effort, they drag their heavy nets out of the water. 395 00:54:35,800 --> 00:54:39,360 All that remains now is to weigh the day's catch. 396 00:54:50,640 --> 00:54:53,080 The signs are good. 397 00:54:53,080 --> 00:54:55,200 The harvest has been a successful one. 398 00:54:57,960 --> 00:55:00,560 The risks that they have taken have paid off. 399 00:55:15,640 --> 00:55:17,680 But, the day has taken its toll... 400 00:55:20,840 --> 00:55:23,320 ..more so for some than others. 401 00:55:26,280 --> 00:55:29,000 The Haenyeo will return to dive again tomorrow. 402 00:55:31,240 --> 00:55:32,720 But perhaps not all of them. 403 00:56:10,840 --> 00:56:16,120 Wal Soo Ra has worked in the waters of Marado for 80 years, 404 00:56:16,840 --> 00:56:19,160 sharing them with the others that live here. 405 00:56:20,800 --> 00:56:24,160 She hopes that the knowledge she has gained will be passed on... 406 00:56:26,120 --> 00:56:29,600 ..and that the Haenyeo culture will continue to prosper here... 407 00:56:30,960 --> 00:56:33,600 ..existing in harmony with the seas. 408 00:56:43,560 --> 00:56:48,600 The traditional ways of life that endure in Korea today remind us 409 00:56:48,760 --> 00:56:51,720 that people have thrived for millennia, 410 00:56:51,720 --> 00:56:55,320 living harmoniously with the natural world... 411 00:56:57,760 --> 00:57:00,400 ..and its many fascinating inhabitants. 412 00:57:09,360 --> 00:57:12,640 In Korea today, as in much of the developed world... 413 00:57:13,960 --> 00:57:15,400 ..things are changing quickly. 414 00:57:17,880 --> 00:57:20,920 But wild Korea still has its treasures... 415 00:57:22,120 --> 00:57:24,760 ..and its place in the country's heart.