The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) announced that on the afternoon of June 18, prior to the flood season (June 21 to September 20), the Minister will visit the Gunnam Dam site in Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, which is the forefront of flood defense in the Imjin River basin.

During the visit to Gunnam Dam, Minister Han will receive a briefing on this year’s flood response plan for the Imjin River basin. She will also inspect the operational status of surveillance systems such as satellites and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), the operation status of Gunnam Dam, and the emergency response systems of relevant agencies for flood preparedness.

The Imjin River, where Gunnam Dam is located, represents the northernmost point of water management in South Korea, with approximately 63% of its watershed area belonging to North Korean territory. This makes it difficult to monitor upstream conditions, and the region requires swift responses to unforeseen releases from North Korea’s Hwanggang Dam and other potential challenges.

The Ministry is closely monitoring this area using high-resolution satellite imagery to prevent damages caused by dam releases from North Korea. Starting this year, satellite direct reception antennas (completed installation in June 2024) were installed, aiming to shorten the time to secure images from over six hours to within two hours, thereby strengthening surveillance systems in border areas.

In addition, there are plans to immediately share information and activate emergency response systems through direct hotlines with military units, local governments, and other relevant agencies when crisis signals are detected.

At the northernmost point of South Korea’s Imjin River basin, at Pilseung Bridge, real-time monitoring of water levels is conducted. If the evacuation standard water level (1 m) is reached, quick evacuation of pedestrians is ensured through al.ert broadcasts and patrol guides downstream, aiming to prevent casualties and ensure public safety.

In addition, in the event of flooding in the Imjin River basin, there are plans to reduce flood volumes downstream by coordinating the operation of Gunnam Dam and Hantan River Dam, aiming to prevent damages.

Minister Han Wha-jin emphasized, “Border areas are always uncertain and require continuous surveillance systems, inter-agency collaboration, and coordinated dam operations to promptly respond to emergencies.” She added, “To ensure the safety of pedestrians downstream, we will implement al.ert broadcasts and patrol guides rigorously without gaps.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com