Geum River
The Geum River (금강; map) is South Korea’s third-longest river, stretching 397 kilometers (247 miles) from its source at in North Jeolla Province. It flows through several provinces, including North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, and North Jeolla, before emptying into the Yellow Sea near Gunsan City.
The Geum River’s route includes slow-moving upper reaches in the Noryeong Mountain Range and more gradual, meandering flows in its middle and lower sections. Its fertile plains have supported agricultural and urban development, and its waters remain essential for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use.
Name and Historical Significance
The Geum River has been known by various names. In the upstream region, it has been called Jeokbyeokgang (“Red Cliff River”) due to the red cliffs along its banks in Geumsan County. In Buyeo County, the river is known as Baekmagang (“White Horse River”), a name tied to Baekje legends about a white horse and its connection to local folklore.
The river played a central role in Korea’s history, particularly during the Baekje (백제; 18 BCE ~ 660 ACE) and Silla Period (통일신라; 668 ~ 935) Kingdoms. The Baekje Kingdom, which moved its capital to Gongju and later Buyeo, utilized the Geum River for transportation, trade, and defense. The river served as a vital route for exchanges with China and Japan, cementing its role as a cultural and economic artery during the Three Kingdoms Period.
Following the unification of Silla, the Geum River continued to hold symbolic and practical significance, as evidenced by its mention in records of national ceremonies and rituals.
Geography
The Geum River originates from Tteumbongsaem Spring on Sinmusan Mountain in Jangsu County, North Jeolla Province, at an elevation of 830 meters. This spring is also close to the sources of the Seomjingang and Namgang Rivers. The river flows in a general “Ω” shape, initially heading north before curving westward and eventually turning southwest to empty into the Yellow Sea in Gunsan Bay.
The river’s path includes notable sections such as the steep valleys of Muju County, where it is called Namdaecheon, and the middle reaches near Gongju and Buyeo, historically significant for their roles in the Baekje Kingdom. The flow slows considerably in the lower plains, forming fertile basins and facilitating agricultural development.
Tributaries and Basin
The Geum River is fed by numerous tributaries, with major ones including Gap Stream (Gapcheon), Miho Stream (미호천; Mihocheon), and Nonsan Stream (논산천; Nonsancheon). These waterways contribute to the formation of alluvial plains such as the Hoseo Plain and the Honam Plain, which are agriculture breadbaskets.
The river’s basin spans 9,912 square kilometers and encompasses parts of North Jeolla Province, North Chungcheong Province, South Chungcheong Province, Daejeon City, and Sejong City. These areas benefit from the river’s water for irrigation, industry, and urban consumption. Key locations along the river include the fertile plains near Nonsan and Buyeo.
Dams and Infrastructure
The Geum River is home to several critical infrastructure projects that regulate its flow and provide essential resources. The Yongdam Dam, located in Jinan County, North Jeolla Province, primarily supplies drinking water and irrigation. Downstream, the Daecheong Dam near Daejeon City plays a multifaceted role, including flood control, hydropower generation, and water storage for urban and industrial use.
At the river’s estuary, the Geumgang Estuary Bank was constructed in 1990 to prevent saltwater intrusion from the Yellow Sea, support agriculture, and control flooding.
The barriers created by dams have also disrupted the migration patterns of fish such as eels and carp, which historically moved between freshwater and saltwater. As a result, species dependent on unimpeded migration have seen population declines. Additionally, the estuary bank has altered the salinity of the river’s lower reaches, reducing the viability of habitats for species like blue crabs and certain fish.
Ecology
The Geum River basin hosts a diverse range of plant and animal life, supported by its varied topography and water systems. Its ecosystem includes 139 species of freshwater fish, spanning 37 families. The carp family dominates with 50 species, followed by the goby family with 22 species. Among these, the Mihojonggae fish is unique to the Geum River.
Aquatic plants thrive in its waters, ranging from common reeds and lotus to species adapted to still or slow-moving sections of the river. The riverbanks support dense vegetation, including willows and pines, which contribute to soil stability and create shelter for wildlife.
Historical Importance
The Geum River played a pivotal role in Korea’s ancient history, particularly during the Baekje Kingdom (18 BCE ~ 660 CE). It served as a critical trade route, facilitating cultural and economic exchanges between Korea, China, and Japan. Ships departing from Gomnaru, near present-day Gongju, could reach Osaka, Japan, within a month. This connection supported Baekje’s flourishing trade and diplomatic relations with neighboring states, cementing its position as a cultural and economic hub.
Archaeological evidence indicates that the Geum River basin was home to some of Korea’s earliest complex societies. Artifacts such as Liaoning-style bronze daggers and pottery from the Mumun Pottery Period (c. 850 BCE–100 CE) highlight the region’s significance in prehistoric Korea.
Excavations near Buyeo and Gongju have uncovered burial mounds, ancient fortifications, and remains of settlements, offering a glimpse into the region’s development during the Three Kingdoms Period.
Joseon and Beyond
During the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), the Geum River continued to be a vital artery for transportation and commerce. Boats plied the river, connecting key towns like Gunsan, Gongju, and Ganggyeong. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, an estimated 15,000 ships traversed the river annually. Steamships could travel from Gunsan to Bugang in as little as five hours, while sailing ships took about two days.
However, the advent of modern transportation networks, such as railways and highways, diminished the river’s role in logistics and trade. The construction of the Geumgang Estuary Bank in 1990 halted waterborne commerce by blocking access for large ships. Once-thriving ports like Ganggyeong lost their prominence, and waterway transportation faded into history.
Cultural Significance
The Geum River is steeped in folklore, with one of its most enduring legends tied to the Baekmagang, or “White Horse River,” in Buyeo County. According to local lore, during the fall of the Baekje Kingdom in 660 CE, General So Jeongbang of China’s Tang Dynasty sought to cross the river to launch an assault on Baekje’s stronghold.
However, a storm and the dragon believed to guard the river obstructed his army’s advance. To calm the tempest and pacify the dragon, the general used a white horse as bait on a massive iron hook. This act is said to have subdued the river’s spirit, allowing his forces to cross and ultimately defeat Baekje. The rock where this event is believed to have occurred, Joryongdae (조룡대; map), still stands today as a symbolic reminder of the kingdom’s fall and the river’s mythical significance.
The Geum River has also inspired countless works of art and literature. The traditional Korean song Dreaming Baekmagang (꿈꾸는 백마강) is a well-known sin minyo that celebrates the river’s beauty and its ties to the Baekje Kingdom.
Heritage Sites
The Geum River flows through several historic locations. Gongju and Buyeo, former capitals of the Baekje Kingdom, are situated along its banks. These cities are part of the Baekje Historic Areas, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area includes royal tombs, fortresses, and ancient temples that showcase the Baekje era.
Prominent heritage sites include Gong Mountain Fortress in Gongju, a mountain fortress overlooking the river, and Buso Mountain Fortress in Buyeo, a site known for its cultural significance and views of the Baekmagang.
Recreation and Tourism
The Geum River offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities. Notable spots include Daecheong Lake, an expansive reservoir created by the Daecheong Dam. Surrounded by lush forests, the lake is a popular destination for hiking, boating, and picnicking.
The Buyeo Bridge in Buyeo County provides panoramic views of the river and connects visitors to nearby cultural landmarks, such as Buso Mountain Fortress.
The river’s estuary near Gunsan is another highlight, where the Geumgang Estuary Bank creates a unique landscape blending fresh and saltwater ecosystems. The area is great for birdwatching, particularly during migration seasons, when rare species flock to the wetlands.
Along the river’s banks, camping and fishing are common activities, with numerous riverside parks and campgrounds offering facilities for visitors.
Festivals
Communities along the Geum River host festivals that celebrate the river’s historical and cultural significance. One of the most notable is the Great Baekje Festival (대백제전) held in Gongju and Buyeo, showcasing traditional music, dance, and re-enactments of Baekje’s royal ceremonies.
Economic Impact
The Geum River plays a vital role in supporting the agricultural and industrial activities of the regions it traverses. Its waters irrigate the fertile Hoseo Plain, which is among Korea’s most productive agricultural areas. Crops such as rice, barley, and vegetables thrive in the plain, benefiting from the steady water supply and nutrient-rich soil deposited by the river.
In addition to agriculture, the river supplies water to key industrial hubs in cities like Daejeon and Sejong. The Yongdam and Daecheong Dams are crucial infrastructure, providing water for drinking, manufacturing, and power generation.
Decline of Waterway Transportation
Historically, the Geum River was a bustling trade route, facilitating the movement of goods between inland regions and the Yellow Sea. Ports like Ganggyeong once thrived as logistics hubs, connecting farmers, merchants, and traders to larger markets via the river. During the Joseon Dynasty and into the early 20th century, thousands of ships traversed the river annually, with steamships and sailing vessels linking major towns.
However, the construction of railways, highways, and modern ports during Korea’s industrialization led to a sharp decline in water-based trade. The completion of the Geumgang Estuary Bank in 1990 effectively ended the river’s use as a major shipping route, blocking access for large vessels. Ganggyeong, once a vibrant port town, transitioned into a quieter community, retaining its legacy as a historical site rather than an economic hub.
