Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thesilkroad.tv Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesilkroadtv WANT MORE?? (www.thesilkroad.tv) The fourth longest river on the Korean peninsula (after the Amnok, Duman and Nakdong), the Han was once the most prized territory as the original Three Kingdoms of Korea tried to maintain control of it as a trade route to China via the Yellow Sea. After the Korean War, the river played an integral part in Korea's stunning economic rise (known as 'The Miracle of the Han'). However, because its estuary is located at the border with North Korea and no civilians are allowed access to that region, it has largely fallen out of use as a trade route. Today, the Han is revered more for its natural aesthetic beauty than its transport or industrial uses. It is traced by numerous hiking and biking paths that offer not only a breathtaking view of the river at the heart of Seoul, but also numerous restaurants and cafes at which to enjoy a meal, or just a quiet drink, with a view that is considered second only to Namsan Tower, also located in the heart of Seoul. There are ferry cruises along the river all day and into the night, passing under the Han's beautifully-lit bridges, and a Han River Music Festival held every spring. In the summer, the docks offer speedboat rentals. Although the river is usually referred to as The Han, its full name is the Namhangang, which translates to South Han River ('nam' meaning 'south' and 'gang' meaning 'river'). It is easy to find -- in fact, it is hard to miss -- but the best places to access it are largely thought to be Yeouido (purple line 5), or Jamsil or Ttukseom, located on or near the green subway line (number 2). |
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