Four Rivers Undergo a Facelift

New features include weirs, bicycle paths, and other tourist attractions under the green growth scheme

The four rivers ― the Han, Geum, Yeongsan, and Nakdong ― which have been undergoing a facelift for the past two years, have now been unveiled to the general public with opening ceremonies.
The Four Rivers Restoration Project was launched in the second half of 2009 with the goal of controlling floods, easing drought, improving water quality, restoring riverside ecology, ensuring regional development, and creating jobs under the green growth scheme for bracing for climate change.
The Sejong Weir along the Geum was opened to the general public on Sept. 23, becoming the first to make its debut among the 16 weirs being built along the four major rivers of the nation. The Baekjae Weir along the Geum, the Chuksan, Yeoju and Gangcheon weirs along the Han and the Gumi Weir along the Nakdong were inaugurated during the period between Sept. 24 and Oct. 15.
The Four Rivers Restoration Headquarters, under the umbrella of the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, held a ceremony on Oct. 22 to celebrate the dedication of the Four Rivers Restoration Project in four locations ― at the newly-opened Ipo Weir along the Han, the Gongju Weir along the Geum, the Seungchon Weir along the Yeongsan, and the Gangjeong Goryeong Weir along the Nakdong. The remaining weirs will be dedicated during November.
The opening ceremonies, being held under the catchphrase "The Four Rivers, New Waves," have changed into regional festive events with lots of neighborhood residents in attendance. Some ceremonies have coincided with the traditional regional festivals, such as a ceremony to open the Baekjae Weir, which took place on Oct. 6 during the annual Baekjae Festival, and a rite for inaugurating the Yeoju and the Gangcheon weirs took place on Oct. 15, the same time as the Yeoju Ceramic Festival.
Even prior to the opening ceremonies, facilities such as bicycle tracks, walking paths, sporting facilities, auto camping sites, and riverside ecology parks, which had been off limits due to construction, were opened for public use. Such water sports activities as canoeing, kayaking, rowing, and yachting are expected to be brisker along the rivers, which have changed into safer and more water-abundant ones.
The ceremony to open the Sejong Weir was held under the slogan "The Geum River, Brand City Sejong, Reborn" in connection with the construction of the multifunctional administrative city. The ceremony grew exciting with such pre-ceremony side events as kite-flying, a remote-controlled glider demonstration, water skiing, wind surfing, rowing, and other water sports, as well as residents' singing and quiz contests.
The Sejong Weir is designed with structures symbolizing the creativity of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, and the scientific features of Chukwuki, a rain gauge developed by Korea during the Joseon Dynasty.
The weir is fitted with such major facilities as a small hydro-power plant with a capacity of 2,310kwh (770kwh x 3 units), churning out 12 million kWh of electricity yearly ― equivalent to 10,000 people's electricity needs for one year, substituting roughly 20,000 barrels of crude oil imports and reducing about 8,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Small hydro-power plants with a combined capacity of 50,756kwh have been installed at the 16 weirs along the four rivers to generate about 270 million kWh of electricity per year, equivalent to one-year's power consumption by some 250,000 people.
The Sejong Weir also has urban riverside spaces such as waterfront stands, natural fishways and riverside resting places designed to secure ecological continuity.
Visitors to the weir area can enjoy the scenic landscape of Hapgangjeong Park containing the well-preserved natural wetland, Miho Stream; and the flower garden, Chowhawon. The park has an auto camping site covering 100,000 square meters.
The three weirs along the Han River ― the Ipo, Yeoju, and Gangcheon ― have made their debuts in the Yeongju area. From ancient times, Korean ancestors had a traditional wisdom of preparing a water container for preserving water for later use in irrigating crops. The weir is the modern day version of such a water container.
The Ipo Weir, being installed at Daeshin-myeon, Yeoju-gun, Gyeonggi Province, is patterned after a white crane, the symbol of Yeoju County, on a foundation of beautiful curves as if they were waves on the Han. Oval-shaped hoists, symbolizing the eggs of a white crane, are installed on the top of the weir to control the floodgates. A circular waterfront plaza is in place below the weir, rated to rise to the top in terms of design among the 16 weirs.
The Ipo Weir has already become a must-see spot for foreign officials who seek to take a cue from the Four Rivers Restoration Project for its design excellence. The weir is expected to be a part of routes recommended for visitors who want to tour the Han River.
The Gangcheon Weir, located between the Chungju Dam and the Paldang Dam, is built for the purpose of reducing damage caused by flooding and for preserving water for irrigation. Visitors to the weir, designed to resemble a white crane's ascent into the sky and the image of hwangpo dotbae (an ancient traditional Korean sailboat) in a scenic natural environment, imagine a sailboat plying the waters in a leisurely manner. The weir area has riverside spaces and bicycle tracks with seven themes. One such site is Gangcheon Islet, which has roads lined with a plethora of flowers and indigenous plants as well as bicycle paths.

Tourism Attractions Along the Four Rivers

KTO offers tourism packages on transformed riversides through yearend

With the government's large-scale Four Rivers Restoration Project nearing completion, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) have come up with travel packages available until the end of the year to showcase the transformed riversides.
Reflecting how rivers have long been at the center of culture and business, each of the four major rivers in South Korea ― the Han, Geum, Nakdong, and Yeongsan ― are situated near numerous cultural attractions.
Depending on your choice, a day along the river can be an enriching exploration of cultural heritage sites, a retreat into nature, or even a culinary trail savoring local meals.
The Han River ― Empress Myeongseong's birthplace and Yeoju Premium Outlet
Tired of the same old view of the Han River from the similar parks and roads alongside it in Seoul― Go to Yeoju in Gyeonggi Province.
Located along the lower reaches of the river, the city has many historical sites including the birthplace of the Empress Myeongseong, the tragic last empress of the Joseon Dynasty, killed by Japanese assassins in 1895, and Sinreuk Temple, which was established by Master Wonhyo, the great Buddhist thinker of the Silla Kingdom. The temple is well known for its beauty, nestled in the untouched scenery near the river.
The tomb of King Sejong is also nearby, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. King Sejong, the fourth King of the Joseon Dynasty who created Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, and his wife Queen Soheon lie there together. In the memorial hall, visitors can see scientific tools developed at the time, among the many great achievements of the 15th century king.
For a bit of relaxation, visit the Yeoju Reservoir, which is famous for its sunset. For a quality shopping spree, visit Yeoju Premium Outlet. The KTO offers a package tour, which visits Empress Myeongseong's birthplace, Shinreuk Temple, King Sejong's tomb, Yeoju Reservoir and Yeoju Premium Outlet for 39,000 won.
The Geum River ― Ganggyeong Jeotgal Market and Saemangeum Seawall
The Geum River flows through Ganggyeong, South Chungcheong Province, and Gunsan, North Jeolla Province.
The KTO tour starts from the Baekje Reservoir and leads to the Ganggyeong Jeotgal Market where visitors can find different types of salted seafood pastes. The market holds a big festival every October consisting of performances, tasting events and opportunities to buy products at bargain prices. The 1,300-year-old Naeso Temple and a fir forest packed with 150-year-old trees nearby are also must-visit spots.
In Gunsan, the Saemangeum Seawall, the world's longest breakwater, is worth driving by. The trip leads to the lower reaches of the Geum River and the Maryang-li camellia forest, where migratory birds will soon be returning.
The KTO offers a two-day package tour, which includes visits to the Baekje Reservoir, Ganggyeong Jeotgal Market, Nabawi Cathedral, and Naeso Temple on the first day, and Gunsan Samangeum Seawall, a habitat for migratory birds around the lower reaches of the Geum River, and the Maryang-li camellia forest on the second day. The tour package costs 99,000 won.
The Nakdong River ― Confucian culture tour in Andong
The nation's representative Confucian cultural heritages are mostly found along the Nakdong River, which flows through Andong and Yeongju, both in North Gyeongsang Province.
Byeongsanseowon in Andong, established in 1613, was used as an educational institute for Confucian scholars during the Joseon Dynasty. Nearby is Hahoe Folk Village, which is well known for its many beautiful hanok, or Korean traditional houses. The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Yeongju, the Buseok Temple, Sosuseowon Confucian School and Seonbichon well represent the region's characteristics. Visitors can imagine what it must have been like to live as a scholar in the Joseon period and participate in craft-making, dyeing or tofu-making classes.
The KTO offers a package tour that visits Byeongsanseowon and the Hahoe Folk Village on the first day, and Buseok Temple, Sosuseowon Confucian School, and Seonbichon on the next day for 129,000 won.
The Yeongsan River ― Jeolla Province gourmand tour
The tour around Yeongsan River allows visitors to explore the delicious dishes of South Jeolla Province, a province known for its tasty meals. Ganjang gejang, or raw crab marinated in soy sauce, in Jindo; figs in Yeongam; and sliced raw skate in Naju are the most recommended dishes.
There are also many tourist attractions along the Yeongsan River that offer something for every family member to enjoy. Kids can ride on a mock version of the famous turtle ship, an ironclad warship invented by Admiral Yi Sun-sin, at Uldolmok, the battleground of Admiral Yi's Myongryang Battle. A 3-D film about Admiral Yi is screened inside the ship. Adults may prefer strolling around the famous raw skate street near Yeongsanpo wharf ― from the Yeongsanpo lighthouse to the Naju Railroad Park.
The KTO offers a package tour that visits the Baekjae Reservoir and Uldolmok on the first day, and the Yeongam fig farm, Yeongsanpo wharf, and Seungchon Reservoir, where tourists can check out the views of the Yeongsan River, on the next day. The cost is 99,000 won. nw

Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs Kwon Do-yeop delivers a speech during an opening ceremony of Ipo Weir on Han River in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 22. Photos on courtesy of the MLTM

(from top) People enjoy a scenic view of Gongju Weir on Geum River during an opening ceremony in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province, on Oct. 22.
Local residents enjoy riding on a bike road built along the Ipo Weir on Han River.

People enjoy a scenic view of the Taehwa River Park, built along the Nakdong River, which has undergone a facelift under the Four Rivers Restoration Project.