View source for Han River (Korea)

{{Short description|River in South Korea}}
{{Redirect|Hangang|other uses|Han Gang (disambiguation)|and|Han River (disambiguation)|the South Korean writer|Han Kang}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox river
 | name                 = Han River
 | name_other           = 
 | name_etymology       = [[Baekje]] [[Hanja]], <br />"''Hansu''" (漢水)<ref group=lower-alpha>Presumed to be a tranliterated form of ancient Korean, ''Hangaram''" [the big river; 한가람]</ref><ref name="hrfco1">{{cite web|access-date = 3 July 2014|date = 31 December 2012|pages = 23–24|publisher =Han River Flood Control Office, Republic of Korea|script-title = ko:2013년 한국하천일람|trans-title=List of Rivers of South Korea, 2013|url = http://rhms.river.go.kr/WebForms/sub_03/Books/한국하천일람(2012.12.31기준).pdf|language = ko|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093159/http://rhms.river.go.kr/WebForms/sub_03/Books/%ED%95%9C%EA%B5%AD%ED%95%98%EC%B2%9C%EC%9D%BC%EB%9E%8C%282012.12.31%EA%B8%B0%EC%A4%80%29.pdf|archive-date = 4 March 2016}}</ref>
<!---------------------- IMAGE & MAP -->
 | image                = Seoul satellite map.jpg
 | image_size           = 
 | image_caption        = Satellite image of the Han river flowing through Seoul (upper half of image; 2006)
 | map                  = File:Han River Watershed2.png
 | map_size             = 
 | map_caption          = The Han River watershed
 | pushpin_map          = 
 | pushpin_map_size     = 
 | pushpin_map_caption  = 
 | mapframe             = yes
 | mapframe-zoom        = 8
<!---------------------- LOCATION -->
 | subdivision_type1    = Country
 | subdivision_name1    = [[South Korea]] <small>([[List of IOC country codes|KOR]])</small>, [[North Korea]] <small>([[List of IOC country codes|PRK]])</small>
 | subdivision_type2    = Provinces
 | subdivision_name2    = [[Gangwon Province (South Korea)|Gangwon Province]] <small>(KOR)</small>, [[Gyeonggi Province]] <small>(KOR)</small>, [[Seoul]] <small>(KOR)</small>, [[North Hwanghae Province]] <small>(PRK)</small>
 | subdivision_type3    = 
 | subdivision_name3    = 
 | subdivision_type4    = 
 | subdivision_name4    = 
 | subdivision_type5    = 
 | subdivision_name5    = 
<!---------------------- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS -->
 | length               = {{convert|508|km|mi|abbr=on}}<ref name=hrfco5>[http://rhms.river.go.kr/WebForms/sub_03/Books/한국하천일람(2012.12.31기준).pdf HRFCO 2012] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093159/http://rhms.river.go.kr/WebForms/sub_03/Books/%ED%95%9C%EA%B5%AD%ED%95%98%EC%B2%9C%EC%9D%BC%EB%9E%8C%282012.12.31%EA%B8%B0%EC%A4%80%29.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }}, pp. 22, 25, 33, 82-83.</ref>
 | width_min            = 
 | width_avg            = 
 | width_max            = 
 | depth_min            = 
 | depth_avg            = 
 | depth_max            = 
 | discharge1_location  = [[Hangang Bridge|Hangang Bridge, Seoul]]<ref group=lower-alpha>Discharge average from 2004 to 2013.</ref><ref name=hrfco6>{{cite web|access-date=15 July 2014|date=13 January 2014|format=HWP|page=3|publisher=Han River Flood Control Office, Republic of Korea|script-title=ko:2014년 1월 월간 수자원 현황 및 전망|trans-title=Monthly Status & Predictions Report on Water Resources, January 2014|url=http://www.hrfco.go.kr/servlet/board.common.FileDownload?fd=WaterOutlook&no=1&id=201401|language=ko|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715150153/http://www.hrfco.go.kr/servlet/board.common.FileDownload?fd=WaterOutlook&no=1&id=201401|archive-date=15 July 2014}}</ref>
 | discharge1_min       = 
 | discharge1_avg       = {{convert|613|m3/s|cuft/s|abbr=on}}<ref group=lower-alpha>Discharge average from 2004 to 2013.</ref><ref name=hrfco6/>
 | discharge1_max       = 
<!---------------------- BASIN FEATURES -->
 | source1              = [[Taebaek Mountains]]
 | source1_location     = Geumdae Peak, [[Taebaek]], [[Gangwon Province, South Korea]]<ref group = lower-alpha>'''Geumdae Peak''' (1,418.1m, {{korean|hangul=금대봉|hanja=金臺峰|rr=Geumdaebong}})</ref><ref name=hrfco3>[http://rhms.river.go.kr/WebForms/sub_03/Books/한국하천일람(2012.12.31기준).pdf HRFCO 2012] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093159/http://rhms.river.go.kr/WebForms/sub_03/Books/%ED%95%9C%EA%B5%AD%ED%95%98%EC%B2%9C%EC%9D%BC%EB%9E%8C%282012.12.31%EA%B8%B0%EC%A4%80%29.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }}, pp. 25, 28.</ref>
 | source1_coordinates  = 
 | source1_elevation    = 
 | mouth                = [[Yellow Sea]]
 | mouth_location       = Northwestern tip of [[Gimpo|Gimpo peninsula]], [[Korean Demilitarized Zone|KOR-PRK border]]<ref name=hrfco4>[http://rhms.river.go.kr/WebForms/sub_03/Books/한국하천일람(2012.12.31기준).pdf HRFCO 2012] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093159/http://rhms.river.go.kr/WebForms/sub_03/Books/%ED%95%9C%EA%B5%AD%ED%95%98%EC%B2%9C%EC%9D%BC%EB%9E%8C%282012.12.31%EA%B8%B0%EC%A4%80%29.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }}, pp. 82-83.</ref>
 | mouth_coordinates    = 
 | mouth_elevation      = 
 | progression          = 
 | river_system         = 
 | basin_size           = {{convert|35770|km2|abbr=on}}<ref name=hrfco5 />
 | tributaries_left     = [[Dalcheon]], [[Cheongmicheon]], [[Bokhacheon]], [[Gyeongancheon]], [[Anyangcheon]], ''[[Ara Canal]]'' †
 | tributaries_right    = [[Seom River]], '''[[Bukhan River]]''', [[Jungnangcheon]], [[Gongneungcheon]], '''[[Rimjin River]]'''
 | custom_label         = 
 | custom_data          = 
 | extra                = † : Distributary of Han
}}
{{Infobox Korean name/auto
|title=Han River
|hangul=^한강
|hanja =漢江
}}

The '''Han River''' ({{Korean|hangul=한강}}) is a river in the central region of the [[Korean peninsula]], with some of its [[Tributary|tributaries]] and [[drainage basin]] in [[North Korea]]. It is classified as a national first-class river in [[South Korea]]. The Han River currently has eight river islands: [[Nanjido]], [[Yeouido]], {{ill|Ttukseom|ko|뚝섬}}, [[Nodeulseom]], {{ill|Seoraeseom|ko|서래섬}}, [[Sebitseom]], [[Bamseom]], and [[Seonyudo, Seoul|Seonyudo]].<ref>https://mediahub.seoul.go.kr/archives/2008024 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2025}}</ref>

The Han has the highest flow rate of any river on the [[Korea|Korean Peninsula]] and also has the largest basin area. In terms of length, It is the fourth longest [[List of rivers of Korea|river on the Korean peninsula]] after the [[Yalu River|Amnok]], [[Tumen River|Tuman]], and [[Nakdong River|Nakdong]] rivers.<ref>Shin, Jung-il, "Historic River Flowing through the Korean Peninsula." ''Koreana'' (Summer, 2004), 6.</ref> The river begins as two smaller rivers in the eastern mountains of the [[Korea|Korean peninsula]], which then converge near [[Seoul]].

[[Seoul]], the capital city of South Korea, is the only example of a major metropolis with such a wide river running through it; few large cities are divided by a massive river approximately 1.2 kilometers wide.<ref>서울의 한강이 갖는 특수성도 잘 살려져야 한다. 세계의 도시 속에 도시의 한가운데를 흐르는 1km나 넘는 강의 폭을 갖는 도시는 서울뿐이다. '99. 9. 월간서울 9월호 : 기획특집 「한강다리」 https://news.seoul.go.kr/safe/archives/823</ref> The term "[[Miracle on the Han River]]", referring to South Korea's rapid economic growth, originates from this river.

==Etymology==
The name Han River originates from the Korean word "Hangaram".<ref>https://hangang.seoul.go.kr/www/contents/762.do?mid=561,

『한강사』(서울특별시사편찬위원회, 1985)

『한강의 어제와 오늘』(서울특별시사편찬위원회, 2001)

『경강, 광나루에서 양화진까지』(서울역사박물관, 2018)

한국민족문화대백과, 한국학중앙연구원</ref> In [[Old Korean]], "han" means "big" or "great", and "garam" refers to a river—The [[Hanja]] character Han (漢) is a phonetic transcription. Until the early [[Three Kingdoms]] period, the Han River was called "Daesu" (帶水). It is recorded as ''Arisu'' (阿利水) on the [[Gwanggaeto Stele]]—an ancient stone monument erected in 414 AD. In the kingdom of [[Baekje]], it was called "Ungniha"<ref>《삼국사기》 25권 <백제본기> 제3 개로왕</ref> (郁利河). The ''Samguk sagi'' ("History of the Three Kingdoms"), a historical text, records the river as "Hansanha" (漢山河) or "Bukdok" (北瀆). The name "Han River" began to be used around the time when Baekje started interacting with China's Eastern Jin Dynasty; from then on, it was called "Hansu" (漢水) or "Hangang" (漢江).<ref>{{Cite web |script-title=ko:물환경정보시스템 <우리나라 강 이야기> |url=http://water.nier.go.kr/front/waterEasy/information02.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206213448/http://water.nier.go.kr/front/waterEasy/information02.jsp |archive-date=6 February 2020 |access-date=6 September 2020}}</ref><ref>한강을 부르는 명칭은 시대와 지역에 따라 매우 다양했다. 중국의 한(漢)·위(魏)나라에서는 '대수(帶水)'라 하였으며 후한(後漢, 25년~220년)의 역사가 반고가 저술한 역사서, 『한서(漢書)』 지리지에는 대수(帶水)로 표기되어 있다. '대수'란, 한강의 모습이 한반도의 허리에 띠를 두른 것과 같음을 표현한 것이다. https://hangang.seoul.go.kr/www/contents/762.do?mid=561</ref>

''Arisu'' (阿利水) is an archaic term used to refer to both the Han River and the [[Yalu River|Amnok River]]. Because of this historical significance, today it is also used as the brand name for [[Arisu|tap water]] sourced from the Han River. The term seems to derive from ''ari,'' meaning "big" or "great", combined with ''su'' (水), which means "water". During the [[Goguryeo]] period, Arisu referred to the Han River. In the "Samguk sagi" (''History of the Three Kingdoms''), Baekje Annals Volume 3, in the account from early September of the 21st year of King Gaero, there is a record similar to that on the Gwanggaeto Stele in which the Han River is referred to as "Ungniha" (郁里河).<ref>[https://hangang.seoul.go.kr/www/contents/762.do?mid=561 Gwanggaeto Stele] 광개토왕릉비(廣開土王陵碑)에는 아리수(阿利水)라고 표기되어 있는데, 여기서 '아리', 즉 '알'은 고대에 크다거나 신성하다는 의미로 쓰였다. 『삼국사기(三國史記)』의 백제건국설화에는 한수(寒水), 『삼국사기지리지(三國史記地理志)』에는 '한산하(漢山河)' 또는 '북독(北瀆)'이라 표기하였으며, 백제에서는 욱리하(郁里河)라고 부르기도 했다.</ref>

According to historical records from the Three Kingdoms period, Baekje referred to it as "Ungniha" or "Hansu," while in Silla, it was called "Wangbongha" or "Hansanha." During the Goryeo Dynasty, it was also known as "Yeolsu." Among the old names of the Han River, "Arisu" is the most familiar to modern Koreans.

In the 19th century, the river was attested to in one English-language source as the '''Han River''' or '''Hang Kang'''.{{sfnp|''EB''|1878|p=390}}

At one time, the Standard Korean Language Dictionary listed "Arisu" as a dialectal term for "deception", but due to insufficient data and lack of clear evidence, it was deleted.<ref>국립 국어연구원에서 펴낸 표준 국어 대사(1999)에, '아리수'는「한강의 옛 이름」으로 기재되어 있고「속임수의 잘못」이라고 밝혀 놓았음. 이는 '아리수'가「한강의 옛이름」이란 것을 명시한 것이며, 이를 '속임수'로 쓰는 것은 잘못이라는 뜻임.

이전에 발간된 일부 국어 사전에서 '아리수'를 「'속임수'의 방언」으로 기재하고 있으나 어느 지역의 방언인지 확인할 수 없는 상태로 옛날 일부 지방에서 쓰이다가 사라진 말로 추정됨.'''[2004.9.17] Korean Language Society'''</ref>

There are records during the Goryeo period, that the Han River was also called Yeolsu (洌水), Sapyeongdo (沙坪島) and Sarijin. During the [[Joseon]] period, also as Gyeonggang (京江).<ref>고려 때에는 큰 물줄기가 맑고 밝게 흘러내리는 강이라는 뜻으로 '열수(洌水)'라 했으며 조선시대에는 오늘날의 서울 부근의 한강을 '경강(京江)'이라 불렀다.https://hangang.seoul.go.kr/www/contents/762.do?mid=561</ref><ref>https://www.me.go.kr/hg/web/index.do?menuId=998 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2025}}</ref>

==History==

=== Prehistoric Han River ===
Various Paleolithic and Neolithic artifacts have been discovered in the Han River basin, with [[Amsa-dong]] Prehistoric Site in [[Gangdong District]] representing the local area's [[Neolithic|Neolithic culture]]. Artifacts such as pottery, stone tools, and spearheads, which provide insights into their dietary habits, have been unearthed. It is believed that these people engaged in intensive foraging activities in hills and low mountains, utilizing primitive fishing techniques like handline fishing or spear fishing from an early period, using tools such as spears or harpoons to catch fish.<ref name="hangang.seoul.go.kr">{{cite web | url=https://hangang.seoul.go.kr/www/contents/818.do?mid=563 | title=한강의 시대별 역사 }}</ref>
[[File:Han River aerial view.jpg|thumb|387x387px|Han River through Seoul, aerial view]]
However, while handline and spear fishing were individual efforts with limited catch yields, net fishing enabled large-scale catches through collective labor in conjunction with foraging methods. Evidence of net fishing has been found at numerous archaeological sites. These communities accumulated surplus production through such collective activities, enhancing their adaptability to the environment and increasing their chances of survival. Consequently, their populations grew, settlements expanded, and stable, sedentary lifestyles emerged, leading to further cultural development. This progression laid the foundation for the emergence of ancient states in the Han River basin following the advanced cultures of the Bronze Age.<ref name="hangang.seoul.go.kr"/>

=== Bronze Age Han River ===
Geographically encompassing most of central Korea, the Bronze Age in the Han River basin was influenced by the northeastern regions of the Korean Peninsula (Hamgyeongbuk-do and Hamgyeongnam-do) and the northwestern regions (Pyeongannam-do and Hwanghae-do). This led to the establishment of the Bronze Culture in the Han River basin. The cultures of these two regions developed uniquely through their own progress and blending, creating a distinctive Bronze Age culture in the Han River basin. Additionally, the Han River basin served as an intermediary region that facilitated the spread of culture to the southern regions of the Korean Peninsula. By this stage, agriculture had further advanced compared to the Neolithic period.<ref name="hangang.seoul.go.kr"/>

Carbonized grains such as rice, barley, millet, and [[Job's tears]] were excavated from habitation sites, indicating that mixed grain farming had become widespread across the Korean Peninsula. It is also inferred that rice farming had become quite common in both the northwestern regions and the southern areas. Rice farming in the Han River basin is closely related to the southward movement of residents from the Pangyi ({{Korean|hangul=팽이|labels=no}}) Pottery culture in the northwestern regions. As these southern-moving Pangyi Pottery people interacted and blended with the local Minmuni-toki-in ({{Korean|hangul=민무늬토기인|labels=no}}) communities, rice farming became widespread in the Han River basin and further extended to the southern regions.<ref name="hangang.seoul.go.kr"/>

=== Three Kingdoms Period ===
During the Three Kingdoms period, the fortunes of nations were closely tied to the gains and losses of the Han River basin. This was because the Han River, as a major river flowing through the central part of the peninsula, became the central stage of the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, it was considered important for military, economic, social, and diplomatic reasons. Consequently, this region became a primary target in the power struggles among the three kingdoms, and controlling the Han River basin provided a strong foundation for territorial expansion and national development. As historical records show, [[Goguryeo]], [[Baekje]], and [[Silla]] alternately ruled the Han River basin. Occupying the Han River basin led to national prosperity, while losing it resulted in decline.<ref name="hangang.seoul.go.kr"/>

Baekje was founded in the basin of the Han River,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0041135 | script-title=ko:위례성 (慰禮城) }}</ref> and from the Three Kingdoms period onward, the zenith of each kingdom was determined by who controlled the middle and lower reaches of this river. Controlling the Han River was so crucial that it essentially defined a nation's golden age. Initially, Baekje held control, followed by Goguryeo, and later by Silla. As each kingdom rose to prominence, the other two would invariably form alliances to balance the power. This power dynamic continued throughout the entire Three Kingdoms period.

The importance of the Han River stemmed from its numerous advantages: the agricultural productivity of its basin, the securing of transportation routes through river navigation, and the establishment of maritime trade routes with China. It was the only region that could simultaneously connect major rivers flowing through the Korean Peninsula—such as the Taedong River, Geum River, Yeongsan River, and Nakdong River—and the shipping routes of the southwestern sea.<ref>『한강사』(서울특별시사편찬위원회, 1985)</ref>

=== Unified Silla Period ===
After the unification of the Three Kingdoms, Silla designated the Hansanha (another name for the Han River) in the north as one of the nation's four great rivers, alongside the Hwangsanha (Nakdong River) leading to the South Sea, the Ungcheonha (Geum River) leading to the West Sea, and the Tojiha (Gokgangcheon in Heunghae-eup, Pohang) leading to the East Sea. These were collectively known as the "Four Waterways" (四瀆). The state held regular rituals (Jungsa, 中祀) for these rivers, underscoring their ideological importance.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://db.history.go.kr/id/sg_032r_0020_0150#:~:text=%EC%A4%91%EC%82%AC(%E4%B8%AD%E7%A5%80).&text=%EC%8B%A0%EB%9D%BC%EC%9D%98%20%EC%82%B0%EC%B2%9C%EC%97%90%20%EB%8C%80%ED%95%9C,%EB%93%B1%206%E8%99%95%EA%B0%80%20%EC%9E%88%EB%8B%A4. | script-title=ko:한국 고대 사료 Db }}</ref>

=== Goryeo Dynasty ===
In the 21st year of [[Munjong of Goryeo|King Munjong]]'s reign, the importance of the Han River basin was recognized, and [[Seoul|Yangju]] (now Seoul) was promoted to Namgyeong (Southern Capital), making it one of the three major strategic locations alongside [[Kaesong|Kaegyeong]] (New/Open capital) and [[Pyongyang|Seogyeong]] (Western Capital). Later, in September 1382 (8th year of King U), the capital was moved to [[Seoul|Hanyang]](Another name for now Seoul). However, due to political and social unrest, along with the prevalence of [[geomancy]] and the belief that the new capital was inauspicious, the capital was returned to [[Kaesong|Gaeseong]] the following February.<ref>김흥순. (2009). 조선 개국 초 한양 천도(遷都) 논쟁. ''국토계획'', ''44''(4), 21-36.</ref>

During the reign of the last Goryeo monarch, [[Gongyang of Goryeo|Gongyang]] (1390), the capital was moved back again to [[Seoul|Hanyang]] in September 1390. However, after the establishment of Hanyang, significant storms, thunder, lightning, and disasters struck the nation, causing frequent misfortunes like people being swept away by the river, alongside bad omens such as tigers killing men. As a result, in February 1391, the capital was moved back to [[Kaesong|Gaeseong]], effectively ending the issue of relocating the capital (to Hanyang, or Seoul) within the Goryeo Dynasty.

The eventual relocation of the capital to Hanyang (Seoul) was achieved in 1394 when [[Taejo of Joseon|Yi Seong-gye]] founded the [[Joseon|Joseon Dynasty]].<ref>오종록. (2007). 왜 이성계는 한양으로 천도했나?. ''내일을 여는 역사'',(27), 162-170.</ref>

=== Joseon Dynasty ===
After ascending to the throne, [[Taejo of Joseon|Taejo Yi Seong-gye]] ordered the relocation of the capital to Hanyang on 3 August 1392, sixteen days after his coronation. This was done on 25 October 1394 (lunar calendar).<ref>태조 이성계는 즉위후 불과 16일만인 1392년 8월 3일에 도평의사사에게 한양천도를 명하여 태조3년(1394년) 10월 25일(음력) 천도를 실현하였다. https://hangang.seoul.go.kr/www/contents/818.do?mid=563</ref>

After the capital relocation, the first time Seoul was the capital since any Korean nation since [[Baekje|Bakjae's]] [[Wiryeseong]], the Han River grew in importance alongside the city's new prestiege. The Korean peninsula, being a very mountainous region, has traditionally relied heavily on canal- and river-based water transport for everything from inter-province trade to taxes, which at the time were mostly paid in commodities.<ref>문광균. (2022). 조선후기 충청도 조운제도의 변화와 금강 일대 군현의 세곡운송. ''한국사연구'',(198), 147-182, 10.31791/JKH.2022.09.198.147</ref>

The capital's position along the Han River meant that the allocation and transportation of grains and various commodities from various provinces to the capital was made much easier, allowing landlords residing in the capital to transport sharecropped grains from provincial (non-capital regions) farms to Hanyang via the river. Additionally, general goods within the capital were largely supplied by ships through the Han River. With the implementation of tax reforms and the introduction of the {{ill|Daedong Law|ko|대동법}}<ref>윤석호. (2022). 대동법에 동조했던 '공(貢)'의 경세 담론들. 한국사상사학,(70), 199-243.</ref> in the late Joseon period, the Han River's importance increased further, facilitating the transportation of rice collected from regions including [[Honam]] and [[Chungcheong Province]] by water. Thus, the Han River became a vital supply route for the state's grain reserves and national finances.<ref name="hangang.seoul.go.kr"/>

As mentioned above, during the Joseon Dynasty when river transport was central, the Han River served as a vital route through which goods from the [[Gyeonggi Province|Gyeonggi]], [[Chungcheong Province|Chungcheong]], and [[Jeolla Province]]s flowed into Hanyang. Additionally, when conducting rituals such as praying for rain at famous mountains and great rivers, the Han River was always included. Even today people set up ritual tables and offer prayers along the banks of the Han River during events such as [[Daeboreum|Jeongwol Daeboreum]] (the first full moon of the lunar year).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://db.history.go.kr/joseon/item/level.do?levelId=jlawb_220r_0010_0010_0260 | script-title=ko:조선시대법령자료 {{pipe}} 한국사데이터베이스 }}</ref>

=== Modern History === 
[[File:Dr. Syngman Rhee at Han River Bridge in Seoul.jpg|thumb| right|South Korean president [[Syngman Rhee]] and his wife posing with [[United States Army Corps of Engineers|US Army Corps of Engineers]] personnel at the Han River Bridge in 1950]]

Within the first week of the start of the [[Korean War]], the [[Republic of Korea Army|South Korean Army]] [[Hangang Bridge bombing|destroyed the Hangang Bridge]] in a bid to stem the advance of the invading [[Korean People's Army|North Korean military]]. In early 1951, there was a [[Operation Thunderbolt (1951)|fair amount of fighting]] between [[People's Republic of China|Chinese]] [[People's Volunteer Army]] troops and US-led United Nations forces in the Han River area surrounding Seoul.

During the first few decades of South Korea's existence, the Han River became very polluted, as burgeoning industry and an impoverished populace used it as a convenient spillway for industrial and urban refuse. Though it no longer plays a central role in commerce or transportation, it is a prime fixture in the life of the South Korean capital. During the [[1988 Summer Olympics]] in Seoul, the Han River was the site of the Olympic rowing regatta.<ref>{{cite news| title=Seoul mates return to Korea – 25 years later | publisher=World Rowing | date=1 September 2013 | url=https://worldrowing.com/2013/09/01/seoul-mates-return-to-korea-25-years-later/}}</ref> It became the focus of government-sponsored environmental efforts to clean it up.

There have been fears, such as the 1986 Water Panic in South Korea, that North Korea could attack Seoul by releasing waters from upstream dams, creating floods downstream.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/07/world/asia/07korea.html North Korea Opens Dam Flow, Sweeping Away 6 in the South] New York Times</ref> In July 2000, the US military admitted to dumping {{convert|20|USgal|liter|abbr=off|sp=us}} of diluted [[formaldehyde]] in the sewer system connected to the river. As the river serves as a drinking source for some 12 million South Koreans, some South Koreans launched large protests and accused the US military of ignoring South Korea's environmental regulations. Activists lobbed toy rockets—filled with water from the river—into the main US Army base. The political party [[Green Party Korea]] had earlier accused the US of dumping nearly 60 gallons of the toxic chemical into the river, and said that "...&nbsp;if people are exposed to the chemical for a long period of time, it could cause lung cancer [and when] dissolved into water, it could kill fish and other aquatic creatures."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/|title=Hürriyet Daily News|website=Hürriyet Daily News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jul-25-mn-58541-story.html|title=U.S. Apologizes for Dumping Chemical|first=Times Wire|last=Reports|date=25 July 2000|via=LA Times}}</ref> The events inspired [[Bong Joon-Ho]]'s acclaimed 2006 film ''[[The Host (2006 film)|The Host]]''.

In 2012 the 18-kilometer [[Ara Canal]], suitable for large container and passenger vessels, was completed,<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=김태민 |last2=이병협 |date=May 2013 |script-title=ko:경인 아라뱃길의 과거와 현재, 그리고 미래 |url=https://www.dbpia.co.kr/journal/articleDetail?nodeId=NODE02152507 |journal=대한토목학회지 |language=ko |volume=61 |issue=5 |pages=78–81}}</ref> linking the Han River near [[Gimpo]] in Seoul to [[Incheon]].

On 18 September 2025, the [[Hangang Bus]] ferry service began to operate along a portion of the Han River in Seoul, serving seven ferry piers.<ref name="Lee z284">{{cite web |last=Lee |first=Jung-joo |date=2025-09-18 |title=Hangang Bus officially sets sail, to mixed reaction |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10578675 |access-date=2025-09-26 |website=The Korea Herald}}</ref><ref name="Pulse t311">{{cite web |last1=Jung |first1=Seok-hwan |last2=Yoon |first2=Yeon-hae |date=2025-09-15 |title=Seoul launches Hangang Bus with night views, cultural spaces |url=https://pulse.mk.co.kr/news/english/11419780 |access-date=2025-09-26 |website=Pulse |language=ko}}</ref>

===Joint Utilization Zone===
On 4 November 2018, a team of ten people from North Korea and ten from South Korea began a joint inter-Korean survey which will lead to the development a Joint Utilization Zone along the Han River's estuary.<ref name=nov4>{{Cite web | url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20181105001451315 |title = (LEAD) Koreas begin joint waterway survey along western border|date = 5 November 2018}}</ref><ref name=nov4again>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/9yN3QUUXNik Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200401181159/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yN3QUUXNik&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yN3QUUXNik| title = Two Koreas begin joint waterway inspection on shared use of Hangang River Estuary | website=[[YouTube]]| date = 5 November 2018 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> The zone will allow civilians to access the estuary for tourism, ecological protection and the collection of [[construction aggregate]] under the protection of militaries from both sides of the Korean border.<ref name=nov4 /><ref name=nov4again />  On 5 November 2018, the councils of South Korea's Gangwon and Gyeonggi provinces, which border the [[Korean Demilitarized Zone|DMZ]], signed a "peace working agreement" at Dorasan Station in [[Paju]], giving local approval to the Joint Utilization Zone.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_northkorea/869084.html |title = South and North launch joint hydrographic survey of Han and Imjin estuaries}}</ref>

== Geography ==
[[File:당산철교에서 촬영한 여의도.jpg|thumb|307x307px|[[Yeouido]], next to the Han river. which houses the [[National Assembly Proceeding Hall]] and many skyscrapers.]]
The Han River has an exceptionally high flow variability coefficient and is known for its excessively narrow basin. As a result, during heavy rains—such as monsoons or torrential downpours—the [[Banpo Bridge|Jamsu Bridge]] becomes submerged, and even the expansive riverbanks and [[Hangang Park]] are entirely flooded. This illustrates the significant fluctuations in the river's water volume. Conversely, during the dry winter season, the river's width decreases considerably.

The Han River helps to reduce and mitigate the [[urban heat island]] effect. When the river flows normally, the kinetic energy of the water collides with the air to create wind, which helps circulate the surrounding air.

Several places in Seoul bear names derived from former boat crossings, such as Gwangjin (Gwangnaru), Mapo, Sangam Naru, Ttukseom Naru, Gongam Naru, Songpa Naru, Hangangjin, Yanghwajin (Yanghwa Naru), Sambat Naru, Dongjak Naru, Seogang Naru, Noryangjin (Nodeul Naru), and Yeongdeungpo. These names reflect the Han River's wide expanse and its suitability for river transport, highlighting its geographical features and advantages. Among them, Noryangjin (Nodeul Naru) was renowned as a key transportation hub, managing both passenger and grain transport on the Han River, leading to grain warehouses and fishing ports being established there. Even in the 2020s, Noryangjin is home to the Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market.

The section of the Han River that flows through Seoul maintains a water level above a certain point due to the Singok Submerged Weir installed in [[Gimpo]]. This maintained water level is referred to as the "low water level" (jeosu-wi), and the filled section is called the "low water channel" (jeosu-ro). This is aesthetically pleasing and facilitates the operation of boats. Following the Han River Comprehensive Development Project, extensive aggregate extraction deeply excavated the riverbed, providing sufficient depth for tour boats even without the submerged weir. However, to accommodate docking and other activities, the submerged weir remains necessary unless additional dredging is performed near the docks.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ko:한반도 지질 현황 |language= ko |website= nationalatlas.ngii.go.kr |date= |url= http://nationalatlas.ngii.go.kr/pages/page_109.php |access-date= 26 October 2024 |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= }}

</ref>

The lower stretches of the Han River are lined with pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths, public parks and restaurants, particularly in Seoul. In a 2011 survey conducted by Seoul Development Institute of 800 residents and 103 urban planning and architectural experts, 51% of residents and 69% of experts voted the river the second most scenic location in the city, following [[Namsan]] in the top spot.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 April 2011 |title=Mt. Namsan Picked as Seoul's No. 1 Scenic Attraction |url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/04/28/2011042800508.html |access-date=4 June 2012 |newspaper=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]}}</ref>

== Ecology ==
=== Plants ===
[[File:Han River and Han River Park from Jamsil Bridge (14219133434).jpg|thumb|212x212px|Han River and Han River Park from Jamsil Bridge]]The riparian zones of the Han River are predominantly dominated by willow species in most areas, and locust trees are frequently found in some sections. Additionally, through planting efforts, species such as poplar, Eastern cottonwood, lacebark elm, pin oak, birch, and metasequoia are widely distributed. The found number of plant species has shown a continuous increasing trend, with 1299 types of plant life dispersed around the river in 2022. The number of newly planted species in parks and flower beds has significantly increased, and the number of native aquatic plants is also steadily rising.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |script-title=ko:한강의 생명 |url=https://parks.seoul.go.kr/hangang/hangangLives.do#n |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=parks.seoul.go.kr}}</ref>

=== Fish ===
A total of 19 families and 69 species were recorded, similar to the 2017 survey. The main river's fish species were relatively abundant, and Seoul's protected species, Gyeongmochi (''[[Microphysogobio jeoni]]''), Kkeokjeongi ([[roughskin sculpin]]), and Hwangbok (''[[Takifugu obscurus]]''), with the first and last being Korean endemics, were found. In the main stream of the Han River, ''[[Tridentiger brevispinis]]'', Barbel steed, and Acheilognathus were the dominant species, while in the tributaries, Pale chubs, Stripe False Gudgeons, and Crucian carp were predominant.<ref name=":0" />

=== Mammals ===
A total of 13 species, including [[water deer]], raccoon dogs, moles, otters, and lynx, were identified. In the main stream, water deer were frequently observed, while wild cats and dogs were commonly found in the tributaries. Legally protected species include otters, which are designated as natural monuments and classified as Category I endangered wildlife, and lynx, classified as Category II endangered wildlife. Otters serve as indicator species for assessing ecosystem health and act as regulators of aquatic ecosystems by consuming non-native species such as bass and bluegill.<ref name=":0" />

== Course ==
[[File:Angler 1977-01-06.png|thumb|Ice fishing in the Han River (1977)|215x215px]]
The Han River is formed by the confluence at [[Yangpyeong County|Yangpyeong]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Water, nature and people |url=http://english.kwater.or.kr/eng/sust/jourDownload.do?downloadSeq=24 |website=kwater.or.kr}}</ref> [[Gyeonggi Province]], of the [[Namhan River]] (South Han River), which originates from [[Daedeoksan (Samcheok/Taebaek)|Daedeoksan]], and the [[Bukhan River]] (North Han River), which originates on the slopes of [[Mount Kumgang]] in North Korea. The river flows through [[Seoul]] and then merges with the [[Imjin River]] (or "Rimjin River") shortly before it flows into the [[Yellow Sea]]. Broad tidal flats can be found at the mouth of the Han River, where it meets the sea along the [[Korean Demilitarized Zone]] that divides South and North Korea.<ref>Kim Jae-il, "Preservation of the Hangang's Ecology", ''Koreana'' 18:2 (Summer 2004).</ref>

The total length of the Han River is approximately {{convert|514|km|mi|0}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Han River |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Han-River-South-Korea |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]}}</ref><ref name="hrfco5" /> Although it is not a long river, the lower Han River is remarkably broad. Within Seoul city limits, the river is more than {{convert|1|km|mi}} wide. Prior to the construction of several major dams, the river was known for its huge coefficient of [[River regime (hydrology)|river regime]] (ratio between the maximum and minimum amount of flow) of 1:390. (For comparison, the [[Thames]] and the [[Rhine]] have coefficients of 1:8 and 1:18, respectively.)<ref>Korea Water Resources Association: {{cite web |title=KWRA-Korea Water Resources Association |url=http://www.kwra.or.kr/news/en_02.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070826101915/http://www.kwra.or.kr/news/en_02.html |archive-date=26 August 2007 |access-date=1 October 2007}}</ref>

== Tributaries ==

Tributaries are listed in order from the mouth of the Han River to the source. Subtributaries are listed accordingly.[[Image:Jungnangcheon meets Han, seen from Donghodaegho.jpg|thumb|[[Jungnancheon]] meets Hangang, seen from [[Dongho Bridge]] ]]
[[Image:Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-03.jpg|thumb|[[Cheonggyecheon]] ]]
[[Image:Tancheon - 07 - Looking north from Bundang's Seoul University Hospital.jpg|thumb|[[Tancheon]]]]
[[Image:View of YangJe-Cheon.jpg|thumb|View of [[Yangjaecheon]]]]
*[[Gongneungcheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=곡능천|labels=no}})
*[[Najinhacheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=나진하천|labels=no}})
*[[Changneungcheon]]
*[[Anyangcheon]]
**[[Dorimcheon]]
*[[Jungnangcheon]]
**[[Cheonggyecheon]]
*[[Tancheon]]
**[[Yangjaecheon]]
**[[Yeosucheon]]
**[[Bundangcheon]]
**[[Pungdeokcheon]]
*[[Gyeongancheon]]
**[[Neungwoncheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=능원천|labels=no}})
**[[Yangjicheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=양지천|labels=no}})
**[[Unhakcheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=운학천|labels=no}})
*[[Bukhan River]]
**[[Munhocheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=문호천|labels=no}})
**[[Hongcheongang River]] ({{Korean|hangul=홍천강|labels=no}})
***[[Sandaecheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=산대천|labels=no}})
***[[Deoksancheon]]
****[[Seongjeoncheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=성전천|labels=no}})
***[[Yasidaecheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=야시대천|labels=no}})
**[[Gapyeongcheon]]
**[[Soyanggang River]] ({{Korean|hangul=소양강|labels=no}})
**[[Sanaecheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=사내천|labels=no}})
***[[Yongdamcheon]]
**[[Magunaemeo]] ({{Korean|hangul=마구내머|labels=no}})
***[[Mahyeoncheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=마현천|labels=no}})
***[[Bongocheon]]
*[[Namhangang River]] ({{Korean|hangul=남한강|labels=no}})
**[[Sinnaegaeul]] ({{Korean|hangul=신내개울|labels=no}})
***[[File:View of Han river park .jpg|thumb|View of Han River park]] [[Heukcheon]]
**[[Yongdamcheon]]
**[[Bokhacheon]]
***[[Jukdangcheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=죽당천|labels=no}})
***[[Pyogocheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=표고천|labels=no}})
***[[Gwanricheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=관리천|labels=no}})
**[[Yanghwacheon]]
**[[Geumdangcheon]]
**[[Cheongmicheon]]
***[[Gyecheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=계천|labels=no}})
****[[Ungcheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=웅천|labels=no}})
**[[Seomgang River]] ({{Korean|hangul=섬강|labels=no}})
***[[Iricheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=이리천|labels=no}})
**[[File:Seoul-Han.River.at.night-01.jpg|thumb|Seoul-Han River]] [[Mokmicheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=목미천|labels=no}})
**[[Hwangsancheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=환산천|labels=no}})
**[[Guryongcheon (Cheongwon County)|Guryoncheon]] ({{Korean|hangul=구룡천|labels=no}})
**[[Yeongdeokcheon]]
**[[Daejeoncheon]]
**[[Dalcheon]]
***[[Yodocheon]]
**[[Donggang River (South Korea)|Donggang]]

=== Crossings ===
A total of 31 bridges cross the Han River in [[Seoul National Capital Area]] ([[Seoul]], [[Gyeonggi Province]], [[Incheon]]), South Korea. They are:

''From the '''west''' to the '''east'''''
[[Image:Yanghwa Bridge.jpg|thumb|[[Yanghwa Bridge]] ]]
[[Image:Dangsan Railway Bridge.jpg|thumb|[[Dangsan Railway Bridge]]]]
[[Image:Hangang Railway Bridge, Seoul, Korea.jpg|thumb|Hangang Railway Bridge and Hangang Bridge]]

*	[[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]]
There are 11 subway crossings below the river.
*[[Seoul Subway Line 1]] ([[Yongsan station|Yongsan]]–[[Noryangjin station|Noryangjin]])
*[[Seoul Subway Line 2]] ([[Gangbyeon station|Gangbyeon]]–[[Jamsillaru station|Jamsillaru]], [[Dangsan station|Dangsan]]–[[Hapjeong station|Hapjeong]])
*[[Seoul Subway Line 3]] ([[Oksu station|Oksu]]–[[Apgujeong station|Apgujeong]])
*[[Seoul Subway Line 4]] ([[Ichon station|Ichon]]–[[Dongjak station|Dongjak]])
*[[Seoul Subway Line 5]] ([[Singil station|Singil]]–[[Yeouido station|Yeouido]], [[Yeouinaru station|Yeouinaru]]–[[Mapo station|Mapo]], [[Gwangnaru station|Gwangnaru]]–[[Cheonho station|Cheonho]])
*[[Seoul Subway Line 7]] ([[Jayang station|Jayang]]–[[Cheongdam station|Cheongdam]])
*[[AREX|Airport Railroad]] ([[Gimpo International Airport station|Gimpo International Airport]]–[[Digital Media City station|Digital Media City]])
*[[Suin-Bundang Line]] ([[Apgujeongrodeo station|Apgujeongrodeo]]–[[Seoul Forest station|Seoul Forest]])
*[[Seoul Subway Line 8]] ([[Jangja Lake Park station|Jangja Lake Park]]–[[Amsa History Park station|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]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
* {{citation |first=Hugh Alexander |last=Webster |display-authors=0 |contribution=[[s:Encyclopædia Britannica, Ninth Edition/Corea|Corea]] |title=Encyclopædia Britannica|edition=9th|volume=VI|editor-last=Baynes |editor-first=Thomas Spencer |display-editors=0 |publisher=Charles Scribner's Sons |location=New York |date=1878 |ref={{harvid|''EB''|1878}} |pages=390–394 }}.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Han River (Korea)|Han River}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130414092606/http://hangang.seoul.go.kr/ Hangang Citizen's Park] operated by Seoul Metropolitan Government
*[http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/opinion/200504/kt2005041016271254130.htm Korea Times article on the river's modern history]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100612131834/http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&m=0004003002015&p=03&art_id=10833&lang=en Brief History of Hangang (River)]
*[https://infomap.travel/en/contexts/along-the-han-river-in-seoul/215#map Informational map of the points of interest along the Han River within the boundaries of the Seoul municipality]

{{Districts of Seoul}}

{{coord|37|45|N|126|11|E|display=title|region:KR_type:river_source:GNS-enwiki}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Han River (Korea)| ]]
[[Category:Rivers of Gangwon Province, South Korea]]
[[Category:Rivers of Gyeonggi Province]]
[[Category:Rivers of Seoul]]
[[Category:Rivers of North Korea]]
[[Category:North Hwanghae Province]]
[[Category:International rivers of Asia]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Seoul]]