Han River facts for kids
The Han River is a really important river in South Korea. It's the fourth longest river on the Korean Peninsula. After flowing through the big city of Seoul, it joins another river called the Imjin River. Then, it flows into the Yellow Sea. The Han River is about 514 kilometers long!
This river starts from two smaller rivers. They are called the Namhan River and the Bukhan River. When these two rivers meet, they form the Han River. At its widest point, the Han River can be over one kilometer wide. There are 27 bridges that cross the river in Seoul. These bridges help connect the northern and southern parts of the city. The areas along the riverbanks are used as parks and places for sports.
The Han River's Past
The Han River has always been super important in Korean history. Which kingdom controlled the river often decided if they would become powerful or not. During a time called the three kingdom period, there were big fights to control the Han River.
- Baekje was the first kingdom to take control of the Han River. They knew it was a key waterway. It connected the central part of the peninsula to the Yellow Sea. This was great for trade and travel.
- Later, the kingdom of Goguryeo took over the Han River. This happened when their King Jangsu was in charge.
- In the year 553, the kingdom of Silla broke its friendship with Baekje. Silla then took control of the whole river.
The Han River had different names during the Three Kingdoms period. Goguryeo called it the Arisu. Baekje knew it as the Ugniha. And Silla called it the Iha.
Bridges Over the Han River
There are 27 bridges that cross the Han River in the Seoul area. This includes Seoul itself, Gyeonggi, and Incheon. Some of the bridge names are Ilsan Bridge, Gimpo Bridge, and Seongsan Bridge. You can also find Mapo Bridge, Hangang Bridge, and Banpo Bridge. There's even a Jamsil Bridge and an Olympic Bridge!
The very first bridge built over the Han River was the Hangang Railway Bridge. It opened on July 5, 1900. That's a long time ago! Today, there are 27 bridges. Two more bridges, the World Cup Bridge and Amsa Bridge, are planned for the future.
Some nights, the Han River bridges have beautiful lights. These lights turn on about 15 minutes after the sun sets. They stay lit until 11 at night. It's a lovely sight!
Fun at Han River Parks
The Han River Park covers almost all the land along both sides of the river. There are 12 different parks along the Han River. Some of them are Yeouido Park, Jamsil Park, and Ttukseom Park. You can also find Banpo Park and Nanji Park.
Each park has its own special features. Yeouido Park, Jamsil Park, and Ttukseom Park are very popular. This is because you can take a ferry cruise on the Han River from these parks. On a cruise, you can see the city buildings and enjoy the river breeze. Ttukseom Park is also famous for exciting water sports. You can try windsurfing and water-skiing there!
There are many other fun things to do in the Han River parks. You can go yachting or boating. Fishing and camping are also popular. You can even go inline skating! The parks also have lots of sports fields. You'll find places for soccer, volleyball, basketball, and even swimming pools.
