Seok-ho

Seok-ho (석호) is a Korean term that refers to a coastal lagoon, often formed by the development of a sandbar or barrier island across a bay or estuary. It is a shallow body of brackish or saltwater, separated from the open sea by a narrow strip of land. Seok-ho are typically characterized by a limited exchange of water with the ocean, leading to unique ecological conditions and often supporting diverse flora and fauna adapted to these conditions. The formation of seok-ho is a geomorphological process influenced by coastal erosion, sediment transport, and sea-level changes. They are found along various coastlines globally, including the Korean peninsula, and play an important role in coastal ecosystems by providing habitats, filtering pollutants, and buffering against storm surges. Seok-ho ecosystems are vulnerable to human activities such as pollution, land reclamation, and climate change.