K-water Focus ②
50th anniversary of Soyang Dam on the path
toward creating new future value
K-water and local residents celebrated the 50th anniversary of Soyang Dam in a ceremony held in December 2023. The event provided a special opportunity to look back on the history of the dam, assess its present, and think of its future.
Text by Ji-hoe Ku
Photos by Eun-ju Kim
Citizens’ presence making the 50th anniversary all the more special
On December 15, 2023, the 50th anniversary took place in the Citizens’ Forest at Soyang Dam to shed light on the historical significance, importance, and future value of Soyang Dam. Various distinguished guests graced the event with their presence, and the ceremony served as an occasion to look back on the dam’s history and express public expectations that the dam will assume new roles in responding to climate change. The ceremony was particularly meaningful as local residents living near the dam also participated. “Soyang Dam has been one of the cornerstones for Korea’s industrial development and a major water container that controls floods. For 50 years, Soyang Dam has played a pivotal role in advancing the national economy, building cities, and improving water wellbeing. Soyang Dam will continue to keep people safe from water disasters and protect their properties,” President Yun said. “I am filled with emotions as I speak today at the 50th anniversary of Soyang Dam, which is as old as I am. Over the past 50 years, Soyang Dam has been a critical part of making the miracle of Hangang River possible, and in the next 50 years I hope Soyang Dam will once again help make a miracle, this time for Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province,” Governor Jin-tae Kim of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province said. Chuncheon Mayor Dong-han Yook presented a future blueprint for the city. “The entire river of Soyang will be transformed into tourism content, and we will take advantage of the clear water of Soyang River that is cool in summer and warm in winter to develop hi-tech industries,” he said.
50 Years of History, 50 Years of Future
The 50th-anniversary event offered various things to see. The special exhibition organized for the anniversary showed the dam’s construction process, highlighted the significance of the dam being transformed as a new energy source, and featured Gangwon’s hydrothermal energy cluster. The event proved to be a meaningful opportunity for people to learn about the past, present, and future of Soyang Dam. It also featured different ceremonies and media mapping events to showcase the dam’s 50-year history and the roles and importance of dams in the era of climate crisis, as well as to express gratitude to those who have protected the dam. Finally, a laser-gun salute filled the venue with colorful lights and cheerful sounds signaling a hopeful future for the dam, bringing the entire event to a close.
