Yeongsan River
The Yeongsan River (영산강; map) flows through North and South Jeolla Provinces, passing through Korea’s fourth largest city, Gwangju, before emptying into the Yellow Sea at the southwestern tip of the Korean peninsula.
Despite being shorter than other major rivers, the Yeongsan River holds unique importance due to its geographic reach and utility. Historically a tidal river, its lower stretches were influenced by seawater until the construction of the Yeongsangang Estuary Bank in 1981, which reshaped its flow and ecosystem.
Yeongsan River & the Honam Region
As one of South Korea’s four major rivers, the Yeongsan River is central to the Honam region‘s identity and development. Its waters irrigate the fertile Naju Plain, a key agricultural area that has supported rice production for centuries.
The river’s historical significance is tied to its role as a transportation artery. Ports such as Yeongsanpo in Naju were hubs of trade during the Goryeo (고려; 918 ~ 1392) and Joseon (대조선국; 1392 ~ 1897) Dynasties, facilitating the movement of goods, including grain and seafood.
In the modern era, the river remains vital for agriculture and urban water supply. It also serves as a cultural symbol, with festivals and conservation efforts celebrating its historical and ecological value.
Historical Background
The name “Yeongsan River” (영산강) likely derives from Yeongsanpo, a historical port village in Naju. During the Goryeo Dynasty, the area was home to granaries that collected and shipped tribute rice to the capital via maritime routes. Over time, the port’s significance led to the river being associated with the name Yeongsan.
Alternative theories link the name to Yeongsando Island, near Heuksan Town, where settlers from the island migrated to Yeongsanpo. Another story connects the river’s name to Yeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, which honored Yeongsan Shin, a local figure known for filial piety.
Transportation and Trade
The Yeongsan River played a crucial role as a transportation and trade route. During the Goryeo and early Joseon Dynasties, the port of Yeongsanpo served as a center for waterborne commerce. Goods such as rice, seafood, and salt were transported to and from the area.
However, by the mid-20th century, the advent of modern land transportation diminished the river’s importance as a trade route. The construction of the Yeongsangang Estuary Bank in 1981 further curtailed its use for shipping by altering water flow and blocking tidal influences.
Geography
The Yeongsan River (영산강; map) begins at Gamagol Yongso in Damyang County, South Jeolla Province, and flows southwest through Gwangju City, Korea’s fourth largest city, Naju City, Yeongam County, Hampyeong County, and Mokpo City before emptying into the Yellow Sea at the Yeongsangang Estuary Bank.
Spanning 115.5 kilometers, it is a defining feature of South Jeolla Province’s landscape, connecting urban centers, agricultural plains, and tidal zones. Major tributaries such as the Hwangnyong River and Gwangju Stream join the river in its journey, contributing to a basin area of 3,371 square kilometers.
Reclaimed Land and Tidelands
Historically, Yeongsan River’s lower reaches were covered with tidal flats. During the post-glacial period, rising sea levels transformed the southern Naju Plain into a bay, allowing seawater to flow deep inland near Yeongsanpo and Wolchulsan Mountain. Over centuries, sedimentation from the river, combined with human intervention, shaped this landscape into productive farmland.
Efforts to reclaim the river’s banks began after the Imjin War (1592–1598) and intensified during the late Joseon Dynasty. Population growth and the need for arable land drove the development of tidelands into farmland. Notable reclaimed areas, such as Jinamjedeul in Yeongam and Sopojedeul in Muan, emerged during this period, led by local leaders.
The Japanese colonial era brought further transformation, with large-scale reclamation projects like the Janghangpo Farms. Even after Korea’s liberation, reclamation continued, culminating in the 1981 construction of the Yeongsangang Estuary Bank, which reshaped the river’s hydrology and further expanded usable land.
Tributaries
The Yeongsan River is fed by numerous tributaries, which shape its basin’s geography and ecosystem. Major tributaries include the Hwangnyong River and Gwangju Stream, both joining the river near Gwangju Metropolitan City. Downstream, Jiseok Stream and smaller waterways like the Hampyeong and Gomakwon Steams converge.
Yeongsangang Estuary Bank
The construction of the Yeongsangang Estuary Bank in 1981 was a pivotal event in the river’s modern history. Designed to prevent flooding and enhance water resource management, the bank transformed the lower stretches of the river into freshwater reservoirs. This allowed for more consistent irrigation of the Naju Plain and reduced the risk of saltwater intrusion, which had previously threatened crops.
However, the estuary bank also disrupted the natural flow of water and sediment, leading to ecological challenges. Fish populations dependent on tidal movements declined, and water quality issues arose due to reduced circulation.
Infrastructure
The Yeongsan River is home to several significant structures. The Yeongsangang Estuary Bank, constructed in 1981, is the most prominent. It transformed the river’s estuarine landscape into freshwater reservoirs, while also serving as a flood control mechanism, safeguarding the low-lying areas around the river’s mouth.
Other notable structures include the numerous historic bridges that range from historical crossings to modern feats of engineering, such as the Naju Bridge and Muyeong Bridge.
Additionally, the construction of water control facilities like the Seungchon Weir and Juksan Weir in the 2010s further altered the river’s flow. While controversial for their environmental impacts, they play a key role in water management.
Environment
In the past, Yeongsan River’s lower basin featured tidal flats along the Yellow Sea, shaped by centuries of sedimentation. These tidal zones, located near Yeongsanpo and the estuary supported unique ecosystems and local fisheries. However, reclamation projects and the Yeongsangang Estuary Bank significantly altered these landscapes.
Sedimentation continues to shape the river’s dynamics, with upstream erosion depositing soil downstream. While this process has created fertile land, it now presents challenges, such as reduced water flow and increased risk of flooding.
Flora and Fauna
The Yeongsan River basin is home to diverse plant and animal life, supported by its mix of wetlands, riparian zones, and reclaimed farmlands. Native vegetation, including reeds and willows, stabilizes riverbanks and provides habitats for insects and small mammals. Migratory birds, such as herons and egrets, rely on the river’s estuarine zones for feeding and nesting.
The river’s aquatic ecosystem includes fish species like carp, catfish, and gobies. However, habitat disruption caused by reclamation, pollution, and altered water flow has led to a decline in biodiversity.
Water Quality
Water quality remains a concern for the Yeongsan River. Urban runoff, agricultural fertilizers, and untreated wastewater have led to nutrient pollution and algal blooms, particularly in stagnant areas created by the estuary bank. These threaten aquatic life and impact communities relying on the river for irrigation and drinking water.
Efforts to combat pollution include stricter regulations on agricultural runoff, improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, and public awareness campaigns. Restoration projects aim to reintroduce natural filtration systems, such as wetlands, to improve water quality organically.
Cultural and Historical Sites
The Yeongsan River is known as the “backbone” of the Honam region because its waters have irrigated the fertile Naju Plain, a key rice-producing area, for centuries. Its banks hosted ancient villages and bustling ports. Notably, Yeongsanpo in Naju served as a major hub during the Goryeo and early Joseon Dynasties. This port facilitated the transport of rice and other goods to Seoul, making the river a key artery for commerce in the Honam region.
Many reclaimed tidelands along the river, such as Jinamjedeul in Yeongam, evolved into thriving agricultural villages. These settlements supported the local economy and became cultural centers.
Local Festivals
The Yeongsan River is celebrated through local festivals such as the annual Naju Yeongsanpo Festival, which honors the river’s history. Visitors can experience traditional performances, taste local delicacies, and participate in activities that connect them with the river’s legacy.
Another example is the Yeongsangang Ecological Festival, which focuses on the river’s natural heritage and conservation efforts.
Recreation
The Yeongsan River is a recreational hub in the Jeolla Provinces. Since 2007, efforts have focused on building a scenic riverside road from Naju Bridge in Naju City to the Yeongsangang Estuary Bank. This road integrates practical transportation with recreational access, blending urban planning with environmental and cultural preservation. The route links cities like Gwangju and Naju to rural areas, offering wide-open views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
Announced in 2023, the Y-Project includes the creation of a 100-ri River Trail, connecting urban and rural areas with bike paths and pedestrian zones. Key developments include the Yeongsan River Exciting Zone near Gwangju, featuring water sports, outdoor performance areas, and a themed water park. Further downstream, Eco-Land will offer gardens, ziplining, and eco-friendly activities. By 2030, these projects aim to balance development with sustainability, securing the Yeongsan River’s role as both a resource and a thriving ecosystem.
