| One of the construction sites at Nakdong River |
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism arranged tours of reservoirs along four of Korea’s major rivers from July 20 to 24 members of the Tourism Sciences Society of Korea, Korean Tourism Organization and reporters.
The Four Major Rivers Project part of Korea’s green growth, and aims at the restoration of the Han River, Nakdong River, Geum River and Yeongsan River. The project objectives include securing abundant water resources, improving water quality, creating multipurpose spaces for local residents and implementing flood controls.
The ministry is seeking to create tour and leisure sport businesses in these areas, maximizing the use of local culture, history and space. It has actively developed cultural resources around the four major rivers to make quality tourism sites for visitors as well as residents.
The ministry-guided tour included Sinreuksa Temple, Gangcheonbo Reservoir, the Icheon World Ceramics Center, Sangjubo Reservoir and Bongamsa Temple.
Sangjubo Reservoir in the city of Sangju, South Gyeongsang Province, offers and exceptional view of the Nakdong River, and will open to public from September. The recreational area will include facilities like walking paths and pools.
Previously, officials from Korail and several travel companies cooperated to create a tour of the four great rivers area, visiting Sangjubo, Dalseongbo and Buyeobo Reservoirs.
An artificial island called Nangrakseom is being built at Gangjeongbo Reservoir, and will be completed in December. Dalseongbo is also equipped with a hydropower plant that is being renovated into a leisure site with wetlands and a plaza.
Ministry official Park Su-hyang said, “Despite concerns, Incheon Bridge and Saemangeum Seawall have become famous tour places since their respective national projects were completed. We're trying to build eco-friendly tour spots along the four great rivers for citizens to relax and enjoy their leisure time.”
By Jessica Seoyoung Choi
Korea.net Staff Writer
