 
The Han River is 497.5 km long, with its basin measuring 26,219 sq. km. It winds its way through
extensive regions of Korea's interior, including Gangwon Province, North Chungcheong Province, and
Gyeonggi Province. According to the Korean National Geographical Association, the source of the Han
River is located in the northern valley of Geumdae Mountain in Taebaek, Gangwon Province. Tributaries
of the Han include 62 streams under the direct control of the central government, 55 regional streams
controlled by each local government, and 3847 others. The total length of the tributaries reaches
7,430 km.
From the Three Kingdoms Era, the Han River has held much strategic importance. Whichever side occupied
the surrounding area effectively had control over the entire nation. Taejo Yi, the founder of the
Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) picked Hanyang (renamed Seoul) next to the Han River as the location for
the new capital. In the 600 years since then, Seoul has become Korea's a political, economic, and
cultural hub.
The Gangdong-gu area of the Han River stretches from Cheonho Bridge (the border with
Songpa-gu) to past Gangdong Bridge. This part contains
the Gwangnaru Resort area. The bike lane has its eastern terminus here and the area attracts many
model airplane enthusiasts.
Admission: Free
Directions:
Subway lines 5 & 8, Cheonho Station, exit 1, 500 meters over Cheonhodaegyo (Bridge)
Subway line 8, Amsa Station, exit 4, 600 meters
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