Mayor Kim Byungsoo: "Gimpo Reviving Han River Waterways, Will Restore Dokdo's History and Ecology"

Gimpo City Begins Restoration of "Dokdo" in the Han River Estuary
Commemorative Campaign Held on the 25th for Dokdo Day
Dokdo, Reclaiming Its Name, Emerges as a New Cultural Asset

Dokdo, an island in the Han River Estuary that drew attention after Gimpo City under the 8th popularly elected administration restored its name, has taken its first step toward reclaiming its historical and cultural value. On October 24, Gimpo City held the "2025. 10. 25 Dokdo Day Commemoration Campaign" at "Dokdo" located in the Han River Estuary (423-19, Geolpo-dong).

Kim Byungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo City, is holding the "2025. 10. 25 Dokdo Day Commemoration Campaign" on the 24th at "Dokdo" (423-19 Geolpodong), located at the Han River estuary. Provided by Gimpo City

This campaign, held in celebration of Dokdo Day, marks the first event aimed at restoring the presence of "Dokdo" as a resource of the Han River Estuary and launching an ecological cleanup and historical restoration movement together with citizens. The city plans to continue these efforts, engaging citizens in ongoing ecological and historical restoration activities starting with this event.

The Dokdo Day Commemoration Campaign was attended by Mayor Kim Byungsoo, the Gimpo River Restoration Task Force, the Han River Fisheries Cooperative, and about ten other participants. Attendees staged a Dokdo-loving Taegeukgi performance and carried out environmental cleanup activities, reaffirming the importance of Dokdo.

This event represents the first phase of the "Dokdo Utilization Policy for Activating Han River Waterway Use." Moving forward, the Gimpo River Restoration Task Force plans to establish a "Han River Network" to conduct regular cleanup activities in the Han River Estuary, including Dokdo. Gimpo City also plans to launch a research project in 2026 aimed at restoring the historical legacy of Dokdo.

Furthermore, Gimpo City will study the historical value and potential for cultural and tourism development of Dokdo, with plans to establish the "Dokdo Ferry Terminal" and pursue policies in connection with waterfront space development projects such as Baekmado. The city is also determined to develop the area as a resting spot for water leisure activities and to accelerate tourism development through storytelling initiatives.

Mayor Kim Byungsoo stated, "Gimpo is a city that embraces the Han River Estuary, which was the largest inland waterway during the Joseon Dynasty. Now is the time to prepare for the West Coast era by developing inland waterways via the Han River. As the waterways of the Han River are revived in Gimpo, we will take the lead in historical and ecological restoration centered on Dokdo together with citizens, creating new tourism competitiveness."

Meanwhile, following Mayor Kim Byungsoo's inauguration, Gimpo City succeeded in officially designating the administrative name of the island in front of Geolpo-dong in the Han River Estuary as "Dokdo." According to the "Eight Provinces County Records" compiled during the Joseon Dynasty, the island was called "Dokdo" at that time, and it is known that until the 1920s, the island had a ferry terminal connecting to the former Goyang County and residential houses.

Gimpo City has also confirmed the existence of a structure inside the island, presumed to have been used as a guard post, and by installing a sign on the building's wall displaying the administrative address "423-19, Geolpo-dong, Gimpo City," the city has clearly asserted its jurisdiction over the island.

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