[Seoul's Future] World-Class Tourist Destinations Balancing History and Environment... Commonality Is River Basin Development

Malley, Waterfront Maintenance Creates Housing and Jobs
Polluted German Emscher River Becomes UNESCO Heritage Site

Famous cities overseas have also made efforts to develop river basins like the Han River in South Korea. They have invested over 6 trillion won in budgets, with governments and local authorities collaborating to improve the river basin environment while preserving history and promoting commerce.

Chasing Three Goals: Commerce, Housing, and Environment... Malaysia's 'River of Life' Project

Malaysia launched a project centered around improving commerce, housing, and the environment, focusing on the capital city Kuala Lumpur. The core of the project is none other than the rivers. In 2011, Malaysia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which plays a role similar to South Korea’s Ministry of Environment, announced the implementation of the 'River of Life Project' to revitalize river basins.

The Malaysian government first decided to renovate eight rivers near Kuala Lumpur, including the Klang River and Gombak River, where they converge. The renovation work focuses on irrigation and drainage for water quality improvement, as well as the installation of waste collection and treatment facilities. The total length of the rivers being renovated reaches 110 km. Bicycle paths were also installed alongside the rivers to enhance aesthetic functions. This project is scheduled to be completed next year.

Efforts are also being made to secure jobs and housing. The Malaysian government announced plans to create a residential complex for 35,000 residents and a commercial district covering 92,892 square meters as part of the River of Life Project. The commercial district is expected to generate 27,000 jobs, according to the Malaysian government. To secure employment, they are also focusing on developing tourist attractions. A large musical fountain has been installed on the Klang River. Additionally, walking along the Klang and Gombak Rivers offers tourists the chance to see attractions such as the High Court building over 100 years old, the National Textile Museum, and the Royal Selangor Club.

To carry out the project, the Malaysian government invested a substantial budget. The River of Life Project’s budget is approximately 4.4 billion ringgit (about 1.2234 trillion won). Moreover, to focus on the project, not only the irrigation and drainage departments of the Malaysian government but also local governments like Kuala Lumpur and NGOs are cooperating.

From Heavy Metal-Polluted River to UNESCO World Heritage Site... Germany’s 'Emscher River' Regeneration Project

Emscher River Basin in Germany / Source=Flicker

The Emscher River basin in Germany is a representative space where history blends with nature. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) in northwestern Germany, through which the Emscher River flows, was famous as a heavy chemical industrial city at the end of the 19th century. While advancing technology brought wealth to citizens, the river became polluted with heavy metals and the ecosystem was destroyed. Eventually, the Emscher River became a dangerous area where human access was prohibited.

With the decline of the steel and coal industries in the 1980s, a restoration project for the 350 km² Emscher River basin emerged. The 151 municipalities along the Emscher River collaborated to start an urban regeneration project. The investment reached 4.4 billion euros (about 6.1771 trillion won). To restore the damaged environment, municipalities created spaces separating residential areas from the river basin like green belts. Additionally, 6,000 buildings were newly constructed or renovated to meet ecological and aesthetic standards. Abandoned steel plants were transformed into opera houses.

The project went beyond simple environmental improvements around the river. Germany established the world’s largest industrial cultural park, 'Emscher Park,' in the Emscher River basin. This preserved the history of the once-thriving coal mines and industry rather than denying it. Emscher Park and the mining facilities were designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2001. Currently, the Emscher River basin attracts about one million tourists annually.

From Canning Factory to Cafe and Restaurant... Urban Redevelopment Agency Leads 'Singapore River' Development

The landmark 'Fullerton Hotel' located along the Singapore River / Source=TripAdvisor website

Tourist spots such as Clarke Quay and Boat Quay in Singapore cannot be overlooked. Clarke Quay and Boat Quay are tourist destinations along the Singapore River, boasting the best night views and a line of restaurants along the river. With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, these places are regaining popularity. The number of tourists visiting Singapore this year is expected to double from the previous year to about 12 million.

The Singapore River basin was also transformed into a tourist attraction through meticulous planning by the Singapore government. In the past, the Singapore River basin was an area with food factories managing canned fish. Due to the transportation of fish, boats and fish warehouses lined the nearby area.

However, as environmental pollution became severe, the Singapore government established the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in 1974 and began full-scale development of the Singapore River. First, warehouses and logistics facilities were relocated to Pasir Panjang, adjacent to the sea rather than the river. As the river was purified, the Singapore River basin was developed into commercial, residential, and entertainment districts. In this process, URA chose a development method that maintained the original building frames. In fact, former canned warehouse buildings and sailors’ lodgings were converted into cafes and restaurants.

The most famous place in the Singapore River basin, known as the 'Street of Youth,' is the Fullerton Hotel. The Fullerton Hotel building was constructed in 1928 to commemorate Singapore’s centennial. However, until 1996, it was used as the Central Post Office. When the post office was relocated, the exterior of the original building was preserved while it was converted into a hotel. Today, it serves as a landmark of the Singapore River with 400 rooms. Beyond being a simple accommodation, it was designated as a Singapore National Monument in 2015, symbolizing its significance.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.