The Nakdong River (Rakdong when referred from North Korea) is the longest river in South Korea, and passes through major cities such as Daegu and Busan.
[edit] Geography
The Nakdong flows from the Taebaek Mountains to the East Sea (Sea of Japan). The river originates from the junction of the Cheolamcheon and Hwangjicheon streams in Dongjeom-dong, Taebaek city, Gangwon-do. From there to its mouth it winds for about 506 km.
Major tributaries include the Yeong, Geumho, and Nam rivers. Together with its tributaries, the Nakdong drains most of Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do provinces, along with small portions of Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do, and Gangwon-do. The total watershed is 23,384 km2.
Bridge over the Nakdong River, near Andong dam
[edit] History
The Nakdong River has played an important role throughout Korean history. The river basin has been a favored dwelling-place for as long as people have inhabited the Korean peninsula. Numerous Neolithic remains have been found in the valley. When Korea first enters world history around the 1st century, the valley was believed to have been inhabited by the Byeonhan tribes. During the Three Kingdoms period, the allied states of the Gaya federation controlled the valley, until they were overrun by Shilla in 562. These states clearly made use of the river's potential for navigation and commerce, operating a thriving trade in armor and weapons with neighboring countries including Yamato period Japan. Through the Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon periods, the river continued to serve as a major transportation corridor in the Gyeongsang region.
As a barrier to movement, the Nakdong gained sudden prominence during the Korean War. The southern length of the river formed the western portion of the Busan Perimeter, which the UN forces fought to maintain during the autumn of 1950. The bridge over the Nakdong at Waegwan was blown up on August 3, 1950 in an effort to prevent North Korean forces from advancing on Daegu. A large number of Korean refugees were killed in the explosion. Although some North Korean forces did cross the Nakdong in places, for the most part the river still marks their furthest advance.
[edit] Ecology
The Nakdong valley includes the largest extant wetland in South Korea: the Upo wetland in Changnyeong County, Gyeongsangnam-do. This wetland provides habitat to a large number of rare and threatened species of mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates. In the spring and fall, it provides a resting-place for thousands of migratory birds, including ducks, geese and cranes.
Despite being home to the bustling Port of Busan, the Nakdong estuary also provides substantial ecological value. Like Upo, it is noted as a stopping-place for migrant birds.
The Nakdong and its tributaries also serve as a major source of drinking water for the inhabitants of the river basin and others nearby. However, water pollution due to domestic and agricultural wastewater remains a serious concern.
[edit] Economic role
Although all but the southernmost reaches of the Nakdong have ceased to serve as a major commercial waterway, the river continues to feed those dwelling near it, both directly through fishing and indirectly through irrigation. Substantial amounts of snails and catfish are taken from the waters and used in local cuisine.
Near Andong, a series of massive hydroelectric dams have been constructed, creating a small chain of artificial lakes of which Andong Lake is the largest. These lakes also support a substantial recreational industry. Bass fishing is especially popular, since the lakes have been artificially stocked with bass.
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