Han River (Korea) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Han River |
|
|---|---|
Satellite image of the Han river flowing through Seoul (upper half of image; 2006)
|
|
The Han River watershed
|
|
| Country | South Korea (KOR), North Korea (PRK) |
| Provinces | Gangwon Province (KOR), Gyeonggi Province (KOR), Seoul (KOR), North Hwanghae Province (PRK) |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Taebaek Mountains Geumdae Peak, Taebaek, Gangwon Province, South Korea |
| River mouth | Yellow Sea Northwestern tip of Gimpo peninsula, KOR-PRK border |
| Length | 508 km (316 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 35,770 km2 (13,810 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
|
| † : Distributary of Han | |
| Han River | |
| Hangul |
한강
|
|---|---|
| Hanja |
漢江
|
| RR | Hangang |
| MR | Han'gang |
The Han River (Korean: 한강) is a very important river in the middle of the Korean peninsula. Parts of its water system also reach into North Korea. In South Korea, it is known as a top-class national river. The Han River is home to eight islands, including Nanjido, Yeouido, Ttukseom, Nodeulseom, Seoraeseom, Sebitseom, Bamseom, and Seonyudo.
This river carries more water than any other on the Korean Peninsula. It also has the largest area of land that drains into it. The Han River is the fourth longest river in Korea. Only the Amnok, Tuman, and Nakdong rivers are longer. It starts as two smaller rivers in the eastern mountains. These two rivers then join together close to Seoul.
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is special because such a wide river flows right through it. Not many big cities have a river about 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) wide dividing them. The phrase "Miracle on the Han River" comes from this river. It describes South Korea's amazing economic growth.
Contents
The Name of the Han River
The name "Han River" comes from the old Korean word "Hangaram." In ancient times, "han" meant "big" or "great." "Garam" was the word for a river. The Chinese character Han (漢) is used to sound out this Korean word.
Long ago, the Han River had many different names. During the early Three Kingdoms period, it was called "Daesu." An old stone monument from 414 AD, the Gwanggaeto Stele, called it Arisu. The kingdom of Baekje knew it as "Ungniha."
Later, historical books like the Samguk sagi called it "Hansanha" or "Bukdok." The name "Han River" became common when Baekje started trading with China. From then on, it was often called "Hansu" or "Hangang."
Today, Arisu is a special name for the Han River. It is even used as the brand name for tap water in Seoul. This shows how important the river has always been.
History of the Han River
Ancient Times Along the Han River
Life in the Stone Age
Many ancient tools and pottery have been found near the Han River. These items show us how people lived long, long ago. The Amsa-dong Prehistoric Site is a great example of this. Early people used stone tools and spearheads. They hunted and gathered food from the hills and mountains.
They also fished in the river using simple methods. They might have used spears or their hands to catch fish. Later, they learned to use nets. Net fishing allowed them to catch more fish together. This helped their communities grow stronger. They built more stable homes and their culture developed. This was the start of early kingdoms in the Han River area.
The Bronze Age and Farming
During the Bronze Age, the Han River area was a central hub in Korea. It was influenced by cultures from both the north and the south. This mix created a unique Bronze Age culture here. The river basin also helped spread new ideas and ways of life to other parts of Korea.
Farming became much more advanced during this time. People grew many types of grains, like rice, barley, and millet. Rice farming became very common. It spread through the Han River area as different groups of people moved and mixed together. This helped farming grow across the entire peninsula.
The Han River and Ancient Kingdoms
The Three Kingdoms' Struggle for Control
During the Three Kingdoms period, controlling the Han River was key to a kingdom's success. The river flowed through the center of the peninsula. This made it very important for military power, trade, and connecting with other regions. The kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla all fought to control it.
Baekje was actually founded near the Han River. Whichever kingdom held the river's middle and lower parts usually became the strongest. First, Baekje controlled it, then Goguryeo, and finally Silla. When one kingdom grew powerful, the others often teamed up to balance the strength.
The Han River was so important for many reasons. Its fertile lands were great for farming. The river itself was a perfect route for transporting goods. It also connected to sea routes for trade with China. This made it a vital link for all of Korea's major rivers and sea trade.
Unified Silla's Recognition
After the Three Kingdoms united, Silla recognized the Han River as one of the nation's four great rivers. These rivers were very important for the country. The government even held special ceremonies for them. This showed how much they valued the Han River.
The Goryeo Dynasty and Capital Moves
During the Goryeo Dynasty, leaders saw how important the Han River basin was. They even made Yangju (now Seoul) a "Southern Capital." It was one of three main strategic cities. Later, the capital was moved to Hanyang (another name for Seoul) in 1382.
However, there were many problems and bad omens. People believed the new capital was unlucky. So, the capital moved back to Gaeseong soon after. The idea of moving the capital to Hanyang was put on hold for a while.
The Joseon Dynasty and River Trade
The capital finally moved to Hanyang (Seoul) in 1394. This happened when Yi Seong-gye started the Joseon Dynasty. This was the first time Seoul was a capital city since the Baekje kingdom. The Han River became even more important.
Korea is a very mountainous country. So, people relied on rivers and canals for transport. They used them for trade between provinces and to pay taxes. Taxes were often paid in goods like grain.
The Han River made it easy to bring goods and grains to the capital. Landowners could transport their crops from farms to Hanyang by river. Most goods for the capital also arrived by ship on the Han River. Later, new tax laws made the river even more vital. It became a key route for the nation's food supply and money.
The Han River was also a sacred place. People held rituals there, like praying for rain. Even today, people offer prayers along the riverbanks during special events.
Modern History of the Han River
The Korean War and Reconstruction
During the first week of the Korean War, the South Korean Army destroyed the Hangang Bridge. This was an effort to slow down the invading North Korean military. In early 1951, there was also fighting between Chinese and UN forces near the Han River in Seoul.
Environmental Efforts and Public Awareness
For many years, the Han River became very polluted. Growing industries and a large population used it to dispose of waste. Even though it is no longer a main route for trade, it is a central part of life in Seoul. The river was cleaned up for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. It became a focus for government environmental projects.
There have been concerns about the river's water quality. In 2000, an incident involving chemicals raised public awareness. It highlighted the importance of protecting the river. The Han River provides drinking water for millions of South Koreans. This event inspired the popular 2006 film The Host.
In 2012, the 18-kilometer Ara Canal was finished. This canal connects the Han River near Gimpo to Incheon. It allows large ships to travel between the river and the sea.
On 18 September 2025, the Hangang Bus ferry service began operating. This service runs along a part of the Han River in Seoul. It serves seven different ferry stops.
Cooperation Across the Border
On 4 November 2018, teams from North and South Korea started a joint survey. They explored the Han River's estuary. This led to plans for a "Joint Utilization Zone." This zone allows people to visit the estuary for tourism and to protect nature. It is protected by military forces from both sides of the border.
Geography of the Han River
The Han River's water level can change a lot. During heavy rains, like monsoons, the Jamsu Bridge can go underwater. Even the large riverbanks and Hangang Park can flood. This shows how much the river's water volume can change. In dry winter months, the river becomes much narrower.
The Han River also helps cool down the city. When the water flows, it creates wind. This wind helps move the air around, reducing the "urban heat island" effect.
Many places in Seoul are named after old boat crossings on the river. These names show how wide the Han River is. They also show how good it was for river transport. For example, Noryangjin was a key hub for passengers and grain. Today, it is still home to the Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market.
A special weir (a low dam) in Gimpo keeps the Han River's water level high in Seoul. This makes the river look nice and helps boats operate. Even though the riverbed is deep enough for tour boats, the weir is still needed for docking.
The lower parts of the Han River in Seoul have walking and bike paths. There are also public parks and restaurants. In 2011, a survey found that the river was the second most beautiful spot in Seoul. Many residents and experts agreed.
Han River Ecology
Plants and River Life
.jpg)
The areas along the Han River are mostly filled with willow trees. You can also find locust trees in some spots. Other trees like poplar, birch, and metasequoia have been planted. The number of different plant types around the river keeps growing. In 2022, there were 1299 kinds of plants. This includes many native aquatic plants.
Fish Species and Their Life Cycles
Scientists have found 69 different kinds of fish in the Han River. These fish belong to 19 different families. This is similar to what was found in 2017. The main river has many fish species. Some protected species, like Gyeongmochi and Hwangbok, live here. These two are unique to Korea.
In the main part of the Han River, you'll often see Tridentiger brevispinis, Barbel steed, and Acheilognathus. In the smaller streams that feed into the river, Pale chubs, Stripe False Gudgeons, and Crucian carp are common.
Mammals and Their Habitats
A total of 13 mammal species have been seen near the Han River. These include water deer, raccoon dogs, moles, otters, and lynx. Water deer are often seen along the main river. Wild cats and dogs are common near the smaller streams.
Otters are a very special animal found here. They are protected as natural monuments and are an endangered species. Otters help us understand how healthy the river's ecosystem is. They also help control the population of non-native fish like bass and bluegill. Lynx are also a protected endangered species in the area.
The Course of the Han River
The Han River starts when two smaller rivers join together. These are the Namhan River (South Han River) and the Bukhan River (North Han River). The South Han River begins in the Taebaek Mountains. The North Han River starts on Mount Kumgang in North Korea. They meet near Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province.
The river then flows through Seoul. It joins with the Imjin River (or "Rimjin River") just before it reaches the Yellow Sea. At the mouth of the Han River, where it meets the sea, there are wide muddy areas. This area is along the Korean Demilitarized Zone that separates South and North Korea.
The Han River is about 514 kilometres (319 mi) long. Even though it's not the longest river, the lower part of the Han River is very wide. Within Seoul, the river is more than 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) across. Before many dams were built, the river's flow could change a lot. The difference between its highest and lowest water levels was huge.
Tributaries of the Han River
Tributaries are smaller rivers or streams that flow into a larger river. Here are some of the Han River's tributaries, listed from its mouth to its source.
- Gongneungcheon (곡능천)
- Najinhacheon (나진하천)
- Changneungcheon
- Anyangcheon
- Dorimcheon
- Jungnangcheon
- Tancheon
- Yangjaecheon
- Yeosucheon
- Bundangcheon
- Pungdeokcheon
- Gyeongancheon
- Neungwoncheon (능원천)
- Yangjicheon (양지천)
- Unhakcheon (운학천)
- Bukhan River
- Munhocheon (문호천)
- Hongcheongang River (홍천강)
- Sandaecheon (산대천)
- Deoksancheon
- Seongjeoncheon (성전천)
- Yasidaecheon (야시대천)
- Gapyeongcheon
- Soyanggang River (소양강)
- Sanaecheon (사내천)
- Yongdamcheon
- Magunaemeo (마구내머)
- Mahyeoncheon (마현천)
- Bongocheon
- Namhangang River (남한강)
- Sinnaegaeul (신내개울)
- Heukcheon
- Yongdamcheon
- Bokhacheon
- Jukdangcheon (죽당천)
- Pyogocheon (표고천)
- Gwanricheon (관리천)
- Yanghwacheon
- Geumdangcheon
- Cheongmicheon
- Gyecheon (계천)
- Ungcheon (웅천)
- Gyecheon (계천)
- Seomgang River (섬강)
- Iricheon (이리천)
- Mokmicheon (목미천)
- Hwangsancheon (환산천)
- Guryoncheon (구룡천)
- Yeongdeokcheon
- Daejeoncheon
- Dalcheon
- Yodocheon
- Donggang
- Sinnaegaeul (신내개울)
Han River Crossings
There are many ways to cross the Han River. A total of 31 bridges connect the two sides in the Seoul National Capital Area. There are also 11 subway lines that run underneath the river.
Bridges Over the Han River
From the west to the east
- Ilsan Bridge
- Gimpo Bridge
- Haengju Bridge
- Banghwa Bridge
- Magok Bridge
- Gayang Bridge
- World Cup Bridge
- Seongsan Bridge
- Yanghwa Bridge
- Dangsan Railway Bridge
- Seogang Bridge
- Mapo Bridge
- Wonhyo Bridge
- Hangang Railway Bridge
- Hangang Bridge
- Dongjak Bridge
- Banpo Bridge with Jamsu Bridge
- Hannam Bridge
- Dongho Bridge
- Seongsu Bridge
- Yeongdong Bridge
- Cheongdam Bridge
- Jamsil Bridge
- Jamsil Railway Bridge
- Olympic Bridge
- Cheonho Bridge
- Gwangjin Bridge
- Guri-Amsa Bridge
- Godeok–Topyeong Bridge
- Gangdong Bridge
- Misa Bridge
- Paldang Bridge
Subway Lines Under the Han River
- Seoul Subway Line 1 (Yongsan–Noryangjin)
- Seoul Subway Line 2 (Gangbyeon–Jamsillaru, Dangsan–Hapjeong)
- Seoul Subway Line 3 (Oksu–Apgujeong)
- Seoul Subway Line 4 (Ichon–Dongjak)
- Seoul Subway Line 5 (Singil–Yeouido, Yeouinaru–Mapo, Gwangnaru–Cheonho)
- Seoul Subway Line 7 (Jayang–Cheongdam)
- Airport Railroad (Gimpo International Airport–Digital Media City)
- Suin-Bundang Line (Apgujeongrodeo–Seoul Forest)
- Seoul Subway Line 8 (Jangja Lake Park–Amsa History Park)
See also
- List of rivers of Asia
- List of rivers of Korea
- Geography of South Korea
- Miracle on the Han River
- Hangang Park
 | Madam C. J. Walker |
 | Janet Emerson Bashen |
 | Annie Turnbo Malone |
 | Maggie L. Walker |
