Seoul’s Hangang River recorded 2,062 species in 2022, up from 1,608 in 2007, as the city restored riverbanks and expanded wildlife habitats

Seoul’s Hangang River recorded 2,062 species in 2022, up from 1,608 in 2007, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, as restoration projects sought to expand wildlife habitats along its banks. The city’s efforts included replacing concrete riverbank structures with natural materials such as soil, gravel and rock, alongside improvements to ecological parks and riverside forests. By 2022, 46.9 kilometres of riverbank sections designated for natural protection had been restored, the government reported. The wider programme also included tree planting and habitat improvements intended to support biodiversity and encourage coexistence between urban residents and wildlife.How did Hangang River restoration boost biodiversityThe city’s restoration plans included replacing concrete and other artificial riverbank structures with natural materials such as soil, gravel and rock. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, these natural revetments were intended not only to change the appearance of the riverbanks but also to restore wildlife habitat. Soil and rocks would form bottomlands and provide habitats, while wooden poles would offer resting places for birds.The government also outlined plans to place mats made from plants such as Amur silver grass and Chinese fountain grass along the riverbanks. These measures were intended to support the development of a more natural river ecosystem and increase biodiversity. The city stated that the use of natural materials would help restore the river ecosystem and enhance the surrounding landscape while creating an environment in which people and nature could coexist.How did Seoul restore 46.9 kilometres of Hangang River banksThe Seoul Metropolitan Government reported that the combined length of the Hangang River’s northern and southern banks was 82 kilometres. Of this, 57.1 kilometres had been designated for conversion to natural bank protection, excluding sections where restoration was not possible because of structures such as wharves and bridges. By 2022, 46.9 kilometres of the planned sections had been completed, representing approximately 82% of the designated restoration work.The city’s announcement set out further restoration plans for the remaining sections. These included work near the confluence of Hongjecheon Stream, Seongsandaegyo Bridge and Mangwon Hangang Park, as well as a section between Seonam Water Recycling Centre and Gayangdaegyo Bridge in Gangseo Hangang Park. The government stated that the remaining 6.2 kilometres were scheduled for restoration by 2025, with the overall objective of replacing eligible artificial riverbank protection with natural materials.Seoul to restore Hangang’s ecological parksThe restoration programme also covered five Hangang Ecological Parks: Yeouido Saetgang, Gangseo Wetland, Godeok Waterfront, Amsa and Nanji. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said these parks had different ecological conditions, with some areas showing ecological stability while others experienced interference between public access and wildlife habitats or reduced stability because of intermittent flooding. The city planned to assess each park and tailor improvements to its conditions, including separating public spaces from sensitive ecological areas and planting suitable species in locations affected by flooding.Tree planting was another part of the city’s wider plans for the river. The government reported that the number of trees in Hangang Parks rose from 850,000 in 2005 to 2.06 million in 2011 following the Hangang Renaissance Project. By 2022, approximately 3.5 million trees were present in the parks, according to the city. The government’s subsequent plan aimed to increase that total to 3.71 million trees by 2025. These measures were intended to provide wildlife habitat, create shaded public spaces and help reduce atmospheric particles and greenhouse gases.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.