Yangjae Stream | |
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Overview
Yangjae Stream, or Yangjae Cheon in Korean, is a 5.5 km. long body of water that stretches from Gwanak-san through the southern area of Gangnam-gu. The stream, once heavily polluted, has undergone a five-year makeover process. As a tributary of the Han River, this stream is an ecologically and environmentally friendly area that is home to 36 different kinds of birds and close to 22 types of fish and marine life. An estimated 13 billion won (approximately $10 million) was spent on the stream project, which lasted from 1995 until 2000. 
There are two swimming areas for kids, a number of stepping stone bridges to cross, and two sites for
an ecosystem watch. Residents of the area have set up volunteer groups to take care of the park area
year-round by cultivating plants and trees. Recently, a special part of the park has been built for
residents near the Hakyeoul area of the stream. This ecological park is now home to two swamps and
a walking path of willow trees. This environmentally friendly stream is said to cater to the purification
of water as well as breeding and living grounds for insects, marine life, and birds. Over 10,000 people
visit the stream daily to walk, jog, hike, ride bikes, and enjoy the lush, greenness of nature and
escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Recovery of Polluted Stream to Clean Recreation Area Once an extremely polluted area of Gangnam-gu, Yangjae Stream has gone through dramatic lengths to become an ecologically friendly and safe area for residents of Gangnam-gu and Seoul to enjoy a natural, clean environmental wonder to escape the daily grind of living in the city. In the past, Yangae Stream was heavily polluted due to sewage from neighboring residential areas and local businesses, and the stream flowed with dirty water and trash. The city of Gangnam, in efforts to add more lush greenness to the city, decided that Yangjae Stream needed a new look. In 1995, plans were made to clean up the stream, but many obstacles stood in its path. Funding problems always hung in the air, and private companies began to fund the project. But when the Asian Economic Crisis hit in the late 990's, Gangnam-gu was left to fund the project on its own. The feat proved to be almost impossible. The water was so heavily polluted that there were fears that the project could not be completed. Gangnam-gu (District) office offered a new method of purification: use gravel to purify the water. Eyebrows rose and doubts soared, but after five long years, the water clarity level jumped up from an astonishing 5 to a 2. Surrounding concrete areas were replaced with trees and plant life to encourage vegetation growth. Eight sets of water purification systems were put into the stream, which readily purifies, through gravel, up to 32,000 tons of sewage per day. The system uses absolutely no chemicals in its water purification, and relies completely on the gravel to do the job. Once thought of as an incredible feat to change the heavily polluted area of Yangjae Stream, today, this area boasts 10,000 visitors daily who come to see its changes and experience a refreshing, green oasis within the suffocating black smog and mob of the city.  Nightlife (more of an area to just sit and relax) Built among residential districts, Yangjae Stream boasts a serene, nature-filled area, away from the harsh lights and life of the city. Under the streetlights provided, visitors can walk, jog, and bike along the routes, while enjoying the tranquility of the ecologically friendly stream. Especially during the summer, nighttime brings cooling relief from the blaring, hot sun during the day. Visited by entire families to exercise and enjoy the lush scenery, Yangjae Stream is also a date course for couples to take a romantic stroll by the stream, which is illuminated by the milky moonlight and the twinkling streetlights.  
Many people also like to bring blankets and lie down on the grass, and on clear nights, look up at
the stars. Available and perfect for people of all ages, Yangjae Stream is a natural wonder that
offers peace of mind and a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of the city.
* Contents and pictures provided by Gangnam-gu (District) Office (english.kangnam.seoul.kr). | |
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