Geum River Estuary Bank
The Geum River Estuary Bank (금강하구둑; map) was completed in 1990 as part of a large-scale agricultural development project spanning six cities and counties in North Jeolla Province and South Chungcheong Province.
Built over eight years with a budget of approximately 100 billion won, the estuary bank extends 1,841 meters across the Geum River, serving as a bridge between the two provinces. It holds up to 130 million tons of water, supplying agricultural and industrial use while controlling flooding in the region.
Before its construction, travel between Gunsan and Janghang Port required long detours or ferry crossings. Today, it serves as a key transportation route for both vehicles and the Janghang Line railway.
Beyond its functional role, the Geum River Estuary Bank helps maintain Gunsan Port by preventing sediment accumulation at the river’s mouth. This ensures that the port remains operational and accessible for shipping and trade.
The estuary bank also acts as a barrier against seawater intrusion, protecting nearby farmlands from salt damage that could otherwise render agricultural land unusable. The fresh water supply provided by the bank supports the irrigation needs of extensive farmlands in both provinces.
Ecological Importance
The Geum River’s estuary attracts large flocks of migratory birds. Each winter, species such as swans, mallards, and rare birds like black-faced spoonbills and Saunders’s gulls gather in the wetlands.
The Geum River Estuary is now recognized as a critical habitat for waterfowl, with its expansive reed fields providing shelter and feeding grounds. In response to this, Gunsan City built the Geumgang Estuary Bird Sanctuary on the estuary’s north side to accommodate birdwatchers and researchers.
The changing tides of the Yellow Sea once allowed seawater to push far upstream, influencing the river’s ecosystem. With the completion of the estuary bank, water levels are now regulated.
While this has helped prevent flood damage, it has also significantly altered the natural estuarine environment. Some conservation groups continue to debate the long-term environmental effects, calling for the possibility of controlled seawater flow to restore natural ecological processes.
Cycling and Tourism
The Geum River Estuary Bank acts as the final stop on the Geumgang Bike Path, with the Geum River Estuary Bank Certification Center (금강하구둑 인증센터; map) resting next to the estuary bank’s management building.
Cyclists can also enjoy the estuary’s open landscapes: the wide river merging into the sea; the reed-covered wetlands stretching along its banks. The area is stunning at sunrise and sunset, when golden light reflects off the water and the sky fills with migrating birds.
Beyond the bike path, the estuary is a popular destination for leisure activities. The surrounding area includes parks, walking trails, and a handful of waterfront cafés that cater to visitors looking to relax by the water.
