Traditionally our ancestors knew how to love and enjoy the arts in nature.However, due to the rapid industrialization since 1970's, our rivers were exposed under reckless and indiscriminated development. Finally, the rivers went contaminated so not to be granted even approaches. Now revitalizing the riparian area works gather speed. Riverside areas once polluted with wastes are getting to be clearly arranged and grasses start to grow in green again.
As concerned as Korean national rivers, the 58% oftotal terrace lands of the river on the mainstream ofthe Nakdong is being used as vinyl houses orfarmlands; 65% in the Geum; 67% in the Yeongsan.By cultivating in riverside areas, riparian zones are considerably damaged, moreover, fertilizers, agricultural pesticides and manure flow into the rivers without being filtered, these play a part inwater quality degradation.The first thing we did was to pull down unlicensed vinyl greenhouses. Then, we had to sweep out the wastes on the riverside areas and lay vegetation mats to plant grasses on it. Already the areas rooted down by the grasses make green scenery in harmony with rivers. From now on, these natural areas are to be created as 'eco experience area' which the locals could observe wild species of animals and plants while they enjoy taking a walk.
