Hanam City Council "Connecting Broken Waterways"... Blueprint for 'Eumha River' Linking Seoul and Hanam Completed

The Hanam City Council in Gyeonggi Province (Chairman Geum Gwangyeon) is drawing up a blueprint for the "Eumha River," which connects rivers located on the administrative boundary between Hanam City and Seoul into a single ecological and living zone.

The research group of Hanam City Council members, "Eumhacheon Policy Research Group Connecting Cities (Geum Kwangyeon, Park Sunmi, Choi Hunjong)," held the final briefing of the "Research Project on Collaboration Methods Between Local Governments for Efficient River Management" on the 27th at the council's small conference room. Provided by Hanam City Council

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The council members' research group, "Urban Connecting Eumha River Policy Research Group" (Geum Gwangyeon, Park Seonmi, Choi Hoonjong), held the final briefing session of the "Research Project on Collaboration Methods Between Local Governments for Efficient River Management" in the small conference room of the council on April 27.

This final briefing was organized to present a concrete blueprint for the "Eumha River," which connects the rivers (Gami Stream, Mangwol Stream, and Choi Stream) located on the boundary between Hanam and Seoul as a single ecological and living area, overcoming issues such as water pollution and discontinuity of pathways caused by the administrative division of these rivers.

On this day, the research team (Professor Kang Hyuncheol of the Kyonggi University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation) introduced a three-stage integrated management strategy, surpassing the existing paradigm of "fragmented rivers." The strategy consists of joint diagnosis, joint planning, and joint implementation between the two cities.

The key action items proposed include prioritizing the connection of pedestrian and bicycle discontinuities, which cause significant inconvenience for citizens; joint improvement of water quality and odor; establishment of safety measures; and creation of waterfront spaces. In particular, it was emphasized that establishing a metropolitan governance system by institutionalizing the "Eumha River Administrative Council" between Hanam and Seoul is essential for the sustainable implementation of these initiatives.

Representative Assemblywoman Park Seonmi stated, "Through this research group, the term 'Eumha River' was officially established for the first time in Korea, which in itself is a significant achievement. I hope that the 'Eumha River,' which connects cities beyond 'boundary rivers,' will become a valuable asset linking the two cities together."

Choi Hoonjong, Chairman of the Urban Construction Committee, said, "Although Hanam is a city that encompasses the Han River, a national river, the management of major small rivers such as San-gok Stream, Deokpung Stream, Mangwol Stream, Choi Stream, Gami Stream, and Hak-am Stream has been insufficient so far." He called for proactive management based on a strong sense of responsibility.

Chairman Choi further emphasized the need for not only improving river water quality but also creating pleasant waterfront spaces to enhance citizens' welfare.

Chairman Geum Gwangyeon remarked, "This study made us reflect on Hanam's responsibility for the Eumha River that connects the city. The executive body must recognize the neglect of river management that has been justified by differing jurisdictions. The council will spare no effort to support the incorporation of the three-stage integrated management model and the establishment of a metropolitan council, as proposed in the research project, into actual river policies and budgets so that it can become a successful model of coexistence."

The Hanam City Council's "Urban Connecting Eumha River Policy Research Group" plans to use these research results as a foundation for integrated river management between Seoul and Hanam in the future and will work closely with the executive body to ensure their realization as effective policies.

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