Reports find the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating South and North Korea has a well-preserved ecology, containing organisms even on the verge of extinction.

A joint inspection team comprised of officials from the Ministry of Environment and various other organizations completed comprehensive research of the DMZ for the first time in 50 years.

Around 180 organisms, 13 of which are national treasures or rarities, were discovered.

The team said the DMZ could become a worldwide attraction with its combination of wetlands, grasslands, valleys and organisms.

The government plans to use data gathered from the research to create an ecological park near the heavily fortified zone, after which Seoul will request UNESCO designate the area a biosphere reserve.