The History of the Han River

by visitseoul on 2008-09-10 09:20:39

Flowing with a 5000-year history and radiating the brilliance of half a century, the Han River basin has been a sacred home to the Korean people since prehistoric times. Numerous historical traces remain here, such as the Danyang Paleolithic site by the South Han River from 600,000 to 700,000 years ago during the Paleolithic Age, and the Neolithic Age relics in Yeonsadong. During the Three Kingdoms period, due to its geographical advantage located in the middle of the Korean Peninsula, the Han River became an important contested area among the ancient three kingdoms. According to records, the first country to occupy the Han River basin was Baekje. Subsequently, Silla took over this area and opened trade routes with China, achieving tremendous development and laying the foundation for the unification of the three kingdoms. With the establishment of the capital in Hanyang (now Seoul) during the Joseon Dynasty, the influence of the Han River grew increasingly prominent. The long journey of the Han River for 1300 li is like a silver halo protecting the peace of the capital. The Han River flowing into the sea without ceasing, the ships shuttling on the Han River, the crowds coming and going on the Han River, and the culture flowing through the Han River all sketch out the incomparable harmony and brilliant development of the Korean Peninsula.