The Geum River has its source in the Tteunbong Spring in Jangsu County of Jeonbuk Province, inflows to the Gunsan Bay toward the Yellow Sea after running 401 km long. The Geum River, called as 'Silky River ('Geum' in Chinese character means 'silk') from its beautiful water reflection and curves of stream, gave birth to Muju Gucheondong (literally, 'Town of Nine Thousand Valley in Muju') in upper area, Eight Famous Spots of Yangsan in Yeongdong county. Reaching to the lower stream in Buyeo area, the river gained another alternative name of Baekma River and carved 'the Nakhwaam' (literally meaning is falling flowers rock', the rocky cliff on the Geum River with legend of 3000 imperial maids perished when Baekjae collapsed) with magnificent view which marked significant stroke in last moment of Baekjae Kingdom. It is not that there is only the beautiful scenery on the Basin of Geum River. The River soaks the granary of Honam Plain which produces up to 15% of national amount of rice.
But industrialization and modernization loomed up on our rivers. After the creation of the Daecheong Dam, there had been positive signals like increased water volume and newly settled wild underwater species. However, due to the accumulated sediments on the river bed flowed in from the tributaries, abnormal thick layer of sediments increased.
It has been long time that the estuary of the Geum River became to be stuck with stagnant water since embankment dividing the river from the sea constructed. Today, the estuary of the Geum is destined to get sediments annually 20~25 centimeters so to degenerate into under 5-grade water not potable even for agricultural use in 10 years, according to experts opinions.
To the midstream, it was deep enough for shipping service. But today, some spots merely 1-meter deep. Hence, it is needed that urgent countermeasure to secure adequate depth. As the deposits get accumulated on the river bed, the Geum River already lost its ability to cope with flood. As a result, having no way to avoid the damage of flood, then we pour tremendous amount of money every year into vicious circle of ex post facto recovery. Extensive property damage had ranged to KRW 1.2 trillion from 1997 to 2006. Among them KRW 0.5 trillion was out of damages by typhoons; KRW 0.7 trillion was from heavy rainfall.
