Major Rivers in South Korea

Geography

South Korea, located on the Korean Peninsula, is home to several significant rivers that have shaped the country’s history, economy, and culture. These rivers provide essential water resources for the country’s population, agriculture, and industry. South Korea’s rivers are also central to the development of its transportation infrastructure and have influenced urbanization patterns, particularly the growth of cities like Seoul, which is located along the Han River. The rivers of South Korea are not just vital for economic activities but are also crucial for cultural heritage, with many of the country’s ancient cities and landmarks being located along their banks.

The Han River

The Han River is one of the most iconic rivers in South Korea, flowing through the capital city of Seoul and serving as the lifeblood of the region. It plays a critical role in the country’s transportation, agriculture, and water supply.

Key Features of the Han River

  • Length: Approximately 514 kilometers (319 miles).
  • Provinces/Regions it passes through: The Han River flows through the Gyeonggi Province and Seoul, the capital city of South Korea.
  • Source: The river originates from the mountains of Gangwon Province.
  • Mouth: It empties into the Yellow Sea, near Incheon.
  • Tributaries: Major tributaries include the Imjin River, the Anyang River, and the Han River’s upper and lower streams.

Overview of the Han River

The Han River is crucial to the development and prosperity of Seoul and the surrounding regions. It has historically been a major waterway for transportation, trade, and communication. The river helped to facilitate the rise of Seoul as the political, economic, and cultural capital of South Korea.

Today, the Han River is essential for providing water to Seoul’s population and surrounding areas, as it is a major source of drinking water, irrigation, and industrial use. The river is also vital for recreation, with numerous parks, bike paths, and cultural sites located along its banks. The city of Seoul is known for its expansive riverside developments, which have become iconic spots for locals and tourists.

The Han River also serves as an important transportation route, and various dams and hydroelectric plants are located along its course. Despite its significance, the river faces challenges such as pollution, overdevelopment along its banks, and concerns about water scarcity in the future due to increased demand.

The Nakdong River

The Nakdong River is the longest river in South Korea and flows through the southeastern part of the country. It has been important for the country’s agriculture, industry, and the development of cities such as Daegu and Busan.

Key Features of the Nakdong River

  • Length: Approximately 510 kilometers (317 miles).
  • Provinces/Regions it passes through: The Nakdong River flows through Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, and the city of Busan.
  • Source: The river originates from the Taebaek Mountains in the eastern part of South Korea.
  • Mouth: It flows into the Sea of Japan (East Sea), near the port city of Busan.
  • Tributaries: Major tributaries include the Geumho River, the Yeongsan River, and the Sincheon River.

Overview of the Nakdong River

The Nakdong River is a vital waterway for the southeastern part of South Korea, supporting agriculture, urban development, and industry. The river’s basin is one of the most fertile regions in South Korea, and it plays an essential role in irrigating crops such as rice, barley, and vegetables. The river also supplies water to several cities, including Daegu and Busan, providing drinking water and water for industrial use.

The Nakdong River has been historically significant, especially during the Korean War. It served as a key line of defense during the conflict and has been the site of many important military engagements. In modern times, the river continues to serve as an important transportation route and has been developed for hydroelectric power generation.

The Nakdong River is also known for its scenic beauty, with numerous parks and cultural landmarks along its course. However, the river faces challenges from pollution, over-extraction of water, and the degradation of its natural habitat due to urbanization and industrial development.

The Geum River

The Geum River is a major river in the central-western part of South Korea. It is essential for agriculture, particularly in the region of Chungcheong, and plays a role in the country’s hydropower production.

Key Features of the Geum River

  • Length: Approximately 397 kilometers (247 miles).
  • Provinces/Regions it passes through: The Geum River flows through the Chungcheongbuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do provinces.
  • Source: The river originates from the Sobaek Mountains in central South Korea.
  • Mouth: It empties into the Yellow Sea, near the city of Gunsan.
  • Tributaries: Major tributaries include the Dongjin River, the Hapcheon River, and the Imcheon River.

Overview of the Geum River

The Geum River has historically been important for agriculture, particularly in the fertile plains of the Chungcheong region. The river’s waters are crucial for irrigation, supporting the cultivation of crops such as rice, barley, and other staple foods.

The Geum River is also vital for hydroelectric power generation, with several dams located along its course. These dams provide electricity to the surrounding areas, supporting both residential and industrial energy needs. The river also has some significance for transportation, although it is less navigable than other major rivers in South Korea.

In addition to its agricultural and industrial importance, the Geum River is known for its natural beauty. The river’s basin is home to a range of wildlife, including fish species that are vital to local fisheries. However, the river faces environmental threats from pollution, over-extraction of water, and the effects of climate change on water flow.

The Yeongsan River

The Yeongsan River is located in the southwestern part of South Korea and is important for both agriculture and urban water supply, particularly for the city of Gwangju.

Key Features of the Yeongsan River

  • Length: Approximately 163 kilometers (101 miles).
  • Provinces/Regions it passes through: The Yeongsan River flows through the Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do provinces, with Gwangju city located along its banks.
  • Source: The river originates from the Baegunsan Mountains.
  • Mouth: It empties into the Yellow Sea, near the city of Mokpo.
  • Tributaries: Major tributaries include the Seomjin River and the Seonam River.

Overview of the Yeongsan River

The Yeongsan River is important for the agricultural regions of southwestern South Korea. It provides essential irrigation to farms, which grow a variety of crops, including rice, vegetables, and fruit. The river’s basin is one of the key agricultural areas of the Jeollanam-do region, and its waters are essential for local farmers.

The river also supports the city of Gwangju, which is located near its midpoint. Gwangju is a major urban center, and the river provides drinking water and industrial water supplies to the city. Additionally, the Yeongsan River supports local fishing industries, particularly in the estuarine areas where it meets the Yellow Sea.

However, the Yeongsan River faces challenges such as pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste. The river is also at risk from habitat loss due to urban expansion and the pressures of population growth in the surrounding areas.

The Nakdong River (Lower Section)

The lower section of the Nakdong River, which flows through the southern part of South Korea, plays an important role in the region’s agriculture and economy.

Key Features of the Lower Nakdong River

  • Length: Approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) of the total river length.
  • Provinces/Regions it passes through: The lower Nakdong River flows through the Gyeongsangnam-do region.
  • Source: The river flows from the mountainous regions near the city of Daegu.
  • Mouth: It empties into the South Sea near the city of Busan.
  • Tributaries: The river is fed by several smaller tributaries, such as the Geumho and Yeongsan rivers.

Overview of the Lower Nakdong River

The lower section of the Nakdong River is critical for the agriculture of the Gyeongsangnam-do region. It supports large-scale rice farming, as well as other agricultural activities. The fertile lands in the river’s basin make it an essential area for farming, providing water for irrigation during the dry months.

The river is also vital for local industries, particularly in cities like Busan, which rely on the river’s waters for industrial processes and as a water supply. The lower Nakdong River supports fishing activities, providing habitats for various species of fish that are essential to the local economy.

The river faces challenges from pollution, particularly from industrial discharges, and from urbanization, which puts pressure on the river’s ecosystems. Despite this, it continues to be a key resource for both agriculture and industry in the region.

The Hangang River

The Hangang River, or Han River, is another major river in South Korea, specifically in the capital region, where it has shaped much of the country’s urban development and culture.

Key Features of the Hangang River

  • Length: Approximately 514 kilometers (319 miles).
  • Provinces/Regions it passes through: The Hangang River flows primarily through Seoul, the capital of South Korea.
  • Source: The river originates in the mountains of Gangwon Province.
  • Mouth: It flows into the Yellow Sea near the city of Incheon.
  • Tributaries: Major tributaries include the Imjin River, and Anyang River.

Overview of the Hangang River

The Hangang River is one of the most important rivers in South Korea, particularly for the city of Seoul. It has been integral to the city’s development, providing water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial needs. The river’s central location has made it a key part of Seoul’s growth as a political, economic, and cultural hub.

Historically, the Hangang River was essential for trade and transportation, particularly in the early development of Seoul. Today, the river serves as a recreational space, with numerous parks, bike paths, and walking trails along its banks. It is also a popular site for boat tours, kayaking, and other water-based activities.

While the river continues to provide essential resources to Seoul and surrounding areas, it faces challenges related to pollution and the need for better water management as urbanization continues to put pressure on its ecosystem.


The rivers of South Korea, from the Han River in the capital to the Nakdong River in the southeast, continue to play a critical role in shaping the country’s economy, culture, and environment. These rivers provide vital resources for agriculture, industry, and urban areas while also supporting biodiversity. However, they face challenges such as pollution, overuse, and the impacts of climate change. Sustainable water management is crucial for maintaining the long-term health and utility of these essential rivers.