The water square in front of the Ipo Weir has prepared the fun summer activities for families. Near the weir, auto-camping sites are organized as well as the sports facilities such as soccer fields, baseball fields, and the bike paths. In addition, the sites to experience nearby ecosystem are expected to become a novel picnic course.
There is a retention area constructed of approximately 1 million m2 in size near the Ipo Weir. It is used as a resting area for the residents, while it becomes a water bowl and holds water in the rainy season. Like the old saying, it is catching two birds with one stone. It has been assessed that Yeoju, the frequently submerged area, was protected safely in the rainy season of this summer as a result of the construction of this retention area.
That day, the visitors of the Ipo Weir fell into the fresh autumn atmosphere as strolling on the pedestrian bridge. The 744m long bridge is a perfect fit for a walk or a bike-ride providing a great view down the Han River. The frequenter, Yong Hwan Kim who habitually visited the Ipo Weir on his way to the weekend farm said, “the Ipo Weir will become one of the representative tourist sites in the metropolitan area,” and “the completion of the weir will boost up the Yeoju’s local economy which have been relatively behind.” A member of MTB (Mountain Bike) club, Yeong Woo Nam said “it only takes 40 to 50 minutes from the Yangpyeong station to the Ipo Weir on a bike,” and he praised the path “it is fantastic to ride a bike as feeling the wind. Because the slope is gentle, the road is the best course for the beginners as well.”
Yeoju has grabbed a new opportunity to leap much higher through the completion of three weirs’ installation. Construction of a multi-use tourism district is in progress, as Yeoju municipal has invested KRW 496 billion in the project. The plan is to create a multi-use tourism district having villages, condominiums, waterfront cafés, an observatory, a culture and arts center, auto-camping sites, sports parks, and etc.
People have continually visited the Gangjeong Weir which connects Dalseong-gun, Daegu with Goryeong-gun, Kyeongnambok-do. Especially, the camera flashes are extra busy in front of The regional resident, Jungja Kim said, “I didn’t know we had this much of space before. I like the widened river after the construction. After it is completed, the surroundings will be much better.”
Gangjeong Weir is the largest in size among 16 weirs of the four rivers with 953.5m in length and 18 million tons in reservoir capacity. To maintain the water level and to prevent flood by discharging water, there are two large-scale rotational water gates of 45m in length and 11.6m in height. The regional characteristic of the Gaya dynasty was reflected upon its outer appearance; the pillars of weir resemble ancient battleships and the right section of fixed weir symbolizing Ureuk’s Gayageum is drawing much attention.
Performance directed by a director, Jin Chaek Son at the Celebrating event for completion of the Ipo Weir
The celebratory performance at the waterfront stage of Gomanaru, the Geum River
The President Myung-Bak Lee and his party walking on the pedestrian bridge at the weir completion celebrating event
An eye-catching feature of Gangjeong Weir is the stair-like structure of difference in height. Water flows along the structure with such distinguished sound. In the upstream of weir, there are an 8.8km bike path and a 24.3km nature walk as well as eco-green places and sports facilities. Nearby Naru Port was restored and Dalseong wetland is developed to welcome visitors. While the Gangjeong Weir is expected to become the regional landmark as a luxurious hot zone of the Nakdong River, the four story memorial cultural center in size of 3400㎡ is under construction and anticipated to open in next June.
Gongju Weir and Seungchon Weir are also very crowded with family-based tourists. For the Gongju Weir, falling waterfall from the elaborate sculpture of pedestrian bridge was the eye-catching feature. The Gongju Weir embodied a phoenix which had stood for King Muryeong, the zenith of Baekje culture. The surrounding areas include Gomanaru (Goma ferry) with a legend of a bear in love with a lumberjack, Ungjinsa, Gongsan Fortress, and Songsan-ri ancient tomb providing the unique activities to experience the regional Baekje cultures. Yung soo Kim who has visited the Gongju Weir over the weekend said, “I am glad that the sedimentary sand islands have been disappeared due to the dredging work. I hope many people use the riverside parks and bike paths.”
The design motive of the Seungchon Weir in the Yeongsan River is ‘Seed of Life,’ presenting the fertility of Hanam Plain. In the nearby areas created are the habitats for migratory birds, rodents, and reptiles and spawning grounds for fish.
The entire weir area was remodeled to become an ecofriendly space and will be loved by the urban residents and tourists. In addition, Hogageong (a pavilion) and Seochang Naru (port) are there to provide sightseers a great view of Seungchon Weir at a glance and the bike path connected to the migratory bird habitat in the Hwangryong River will soon become a popular tourist site.
Citizens cycling along the bike path near Seungchon Weir
