If you've been to Seoul, you've undoubtedly seen the Hangang River. Whether crossing a bridge on the subway, taking a taxi, riding a bus, enjoying a picnic, or cycling, the river is an integral part of the city. It's common to spend evenings with friends or alone, sipping drinks by the riverside.
Day or night, the Hangang River offers a lot to see. On cool summer nights, places like Yeouido Hangang Park or Banpo Hangang Park might even be crowded with no available parking spaces. The Hangang River is a destination not only for Seoulites but also for tourists and people coming from other regions.
Kookmin Ilbo
Media Hyosung
Kookmin Ilbo
Generally, Seoul is divided into "Gangbuk" (north of the Hangang River) and "Gangnam" (south of the Hangang River) when discussing major areas (distinct from the administrative district of "Gangnam"). The name "Hangang River" combines the words "Han," meaning large, and "Gang," meaning river. The source of the Hangang River is said to be the Geomnyongso in Taebaek, Gangwon Province.
1. Thames River (London, United Kingdom):
• Average Width: Approximately 265m
2. Seine River (Paris, France):
• Average Width: Approximately 200m
3. Moskva River (Moscow, Russia):
• Average Width: Approximately 150m
4. Tiber River (Tevere, Rome, Italy):
• Average Width: Approximately 88m
5. Spree River (Berlin, Germany):
• Average Width: Approximately 50m
6. Manzanares River (Madrid, Spain):
• Average Width: Approximately 40m
7. Sumida River (Tokyo, Japan):
• Average Width: Approximately 150m
8. Han River (Seoul, South Korea):
• Average Width: Approximately 1km
For Koreans, the Hangang River is more than just a river; it holds historical significance and remains a symbolic place reflecting the joys and sorrows of the Korean people. In this text, I will briefly explain the long history, modern history, and current significance of the Hangang River.
History of the Hangang River
The oldest historic site of Hangang River is in Amsa-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul. "Amsa-dong Prehistoric Site" dates back to the Neolithic Age. This settlement, located along the Hangang River, reveals evidence of a settled community engaged in fishing during the Neolithic Age, with excavated artifacts such as pit dwellings, fireplaces, and comb-patterned pottery.
The Seoul Research Data Service
(You can see artifacts like intricately designed comb-patterned pottery and exhibits showcasing Neolithic fauna and insects along the Hangang River watershed at the 'Amsa-dong Prehistoric Site Museum' when visiting the site. [https://sunsa.gangdong.go.kr/])
Hangang River during the Three Kingdoms Period
During the Three Kingdoms Period, which is crucial in Korean history, the fertile Hangang River basin was always a target of contention. In the Baekje era, the capital was located at Wirye-seong(Wirye Province), nearby the Hangang River. There were conflicts and alliances among Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje over the Hangang River, even during the peak periods of each kingdom. In the Joseon era, King Taejo, who founded the Joseon Dynasty, chose Hanyang (modern-day Seoul) as the capital two years after ascending to the throne in 1394.
Red circle is where Hangang River is located
Nations were drawn to the Hangang River and present-day Seoul because it offered abundant human and material resources, served as a corridor for expansion north and south, and provided direct transportation routes to China and the seas. It was a place where control over it determined the fate of a nation. The surrounding mountains, offering strategic advantages, also played a role in the city's protection.
Joseon Paldo Gogeum Chongnamdo
Miracle on the Hangang River
In modern times, there is a period known as the "Miracle on the Hangang River," reminiscent of the economic growth experienced by West Germany after World War II. The term originally referred to the rapid economic growth demonstrated by South Korea after the Korean War, roughly spanning from the 1960s to the 1997. Ultimately South Korea, one of the poorest countries in the world, transformed to one of the richest country in the world. However, despite the rapid economic growth, there were side effects. Which has to be discussed much more.
Seoul Museum of History
Dark Side of the Hangang River
For Koreans, 'suicide' is a keyword when thinking of the Hangang River. The high number of suicide attempts by jumping from Hangang River bridges is well-known. In 2023, Mapo Bridge in Seoul's Mapo District was identified as the bridge with the highest number of suicide attempts among Hangang River bridges. Unfortunately, South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates among OECD countries. If you have crossed a Hangang River bridge, you may have seen suicide prevention signs.
BBS News
Since 2012, the city of Seoul has added suicide prevention slogans to Hangang River bridges, but there are concerns about unintended consequences, creating a sort of "memorial effect", making Hangang river bridges as the 'famous suicide spot.' In response, the city is evaluating the effectiveness of the slogans and considering their removal. Some argue that raising the height of the fences would be more effective.
Despite the somber reality, Seoulites sometimes jokingly say they want to "jump into the Hangang River" when something bad happens. Expressions like "Is the Hangang River water warm now?" or "What's the temperature of the Hangang River?" have become famous memes among Koreans.
The Hangang River holds diverse meanings for Koreans. As Korea's history unfolds, it will be interesting to observe how the Hangang River evolves as a historical, functional, and environmental space. However, it is crucial not to forget the rich history of joy and sorrow that the river embeds.
