Under the proposals endorsed by newly inaugurated President Lee Myung-bak, three large canals would be constructed, he largest of which, the Gyeongbu Canal, would cut South Korea in two lengthwise,  connecting Seoul in the north west to Busan (Pusan) at the south east tip of the peninsula and plough through a mountain rage with the construction of a 26km long underground tunnel and a 17 km long artificial, concrete waterway. Despite the fact that final plans have not been drafted nor has an Environmental Impact Assessment been conducted (as required by law) President Lee pledges to complete the Canal during his 5 year term.

President Lee hopes to boost economies along the canal as well as the national economy by supporting the construction industry and transporting commodities through the canal. The Gyeongbu Canal would be one of the largest infrastructure projects in Korea’s history, and would create a 540km scar on the Korean landscape as it connects the Han and Nakdong River systems.  This project would require the excavation and constant dredging of these rivers to maintain a depth of 6.1 meters, and would widen the rivers to as much as 300meters in order to accommodate the planned 5,000 ton cargo ships.

If completed, the Canal Project and pollution from the heavy cargo ships would seriously threaten the drinking water of 24 million people and damage the river ecosystems that have been separated by mountain ranges. These rivers and wetlands provide vitally important habitats for 58 wildlife species specifically protected by Korea’s own environmental legislation because of their rarity and importance to the Korean nation. The Han River estuary, the Nakdong River estuary and Upo Wetland, a Ramsar Site, would be seriously affected, along with the globally threatened and endangered species that depend on them.

According to a Gallup Korea poll reported on 11th February, 2008, showed that the Korean people want to preserve their rivers and wetlands -  49.2% of Korean people oppose the project, and only 30% support it.

act now

Friends of the Earth Korea/ KFEM are asking you to support this action.

It only takes 2 minutes  to ask the Korean president live up to his name as an environmental hero by stopping this project now. Simply fill in the form below to add your name to a petition that will be sent to President Lee Myung-bak.

sign the petition