How was it like during the previous rainy seasons?
It was common to see the river overflow in rainy seasons even a couple years ago. When my family had a farm, more often than not I saw crops floating away or being buried under pile of dirt in every rainy season. But the flood prevention has surely been enhanced by the Four Rivers Restoration Project. I experienced it myself.
Did you expect the flood damage would be minimized by the Four Rivers Restoration Project?
I’ve already realized it last year that the Four Rivers Restoration Project will save Yeoju district out of inundation. During last harvest season, there was no damage in Icheon area of Yeoju even with more than 270mm of precipitation. By witnessing how fortunately and smoothly water was drained away after much flood damage of every rainy season, I felt this is real outcome from the Four Rivers Restoration Project.
What do you think are the reasons of Han River’s increased flood capacity?
It’s done by the dredging of riverbed and riverside restoration. Until now the riverbed has been escalated by continuously compiled soil and dykes were not mended that more than often river overflew over. River overflow has been completely disappeared by removing the cause of the problem.
Did you support the Four Rivers Restoration Project from the beginning?
In the beginning, I rather felt indifferent. Wasn’t sure what this was going to do to better our condition. But soon I could feel each improvement. Not only with repeated seasonal crop damage and river overflow but also with carried away plastic waste, pesticide containers, all kinds of garbage over the riverside, its scenery was in total disaster. But after the Four Rivers Restoration Project’s renovation of riverside environment which removed all of the existing rubbish, I feel as if sclerosis-like symptoms on this matter have been all cleared away.
Three weirs including Ipo weir will be constructed in Han River. What are your expectations?
Most beneficiaries of the Four Rivers Restoration Project would be the residents of Seoul, or the metropolitan area. Once Ipo weir is in completion to deposit water, residents of the metropolitan area could enjoy leisure by participating in canoe competition or windsurfing. Not only that, it will also develop the regional economy.
