A natural embankment is established along the Han River near Ichon in central Seoul's Yongsan District, as part of the city government's ongoing restoration project. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
Environment South KoreaThey’re Bringing This River Back to Its Original State
The ecosystem surrounding South Korea’s Han River has significantly recovered following an enhanced commitment to environmental restoration and sustainability.
“The Han River Renaissance, a city initiative launched in 2007, has laid the groundwork for restoring nature, and through the Great Han River Project, we aim to achieve ecosystem restoration that closely resembles the river’s original state in the future,” says head of the Seoul Hangang Park Headquarters, Joo Yong-tae.
Since 2007, the number of trees along the river has doubled, and the number of species in the area has increased by nearly 30 per cent. Current plans include transforming 57.1 kilometres of the 82-kilometre embankment from concrete to soil, gravel, and sand to support new plant growth and a healthier overall ecosystem. Even more trees are expected to be planted, soon bringing the total number of trees along the embankment to 3.71 million. Moreover, some endangered bird species have recently been nesting in the area.
