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Seoul's River Blooms: Biodiversity Surges After Restoration
23 Oct
Summary
- Hangang River saw species increase from 1,608 in 2007 to 2,062 in 2022.
- 46.9 kilometers of riverbanks were restored using natural materials by 2022.
- Millions of trees were planted, increasing from 850,000 to 3.5 million since 2005.
Seoul's Hangang River has witnessed a remarkable ecological resurgence, with the number of recorded species climbing from 1,608 in 2007 to 2,062 by 2022. This significant increase in biodiversity is a direct result of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's comprehensive restoration efforts. These projects focused on transforming the riverbanks by replacing artificial structures with natural elements such as soil, gravel, and rock.
By 2022, approximately 46.9 kilometers of the river's banks had been converted to natural protection. This extensive work aimed to create improved wildlife habitats and encourage a coexistence between urban life and nature. Further restoration is planned for the remaining sections, with a target to complete the transition to natural materials by 2025.
The restoration program also encompassed five Hangang Ecological Parks, with tailored improvements for each. Tree planting has been a crucial component, with the number of trees in Hangang Parks growing from 850,000 in 2005 to about 3.5 million by 2022. Future plans aim to reach 3.71 million trees by 2025, enhancing habitats and improving air quality.
