Sejong, May 17 - The Ministry of Environment (Minister Han Wha-jin) published the findings of a survey titled "Public Awareness Survey on Climate Crisis Response Using the Weirs of the Four Major Rivers." The survey, which ran from April 18 to 23, 2023, reached out to 5,000 citizens1, including 4,000 living near the weirs and 1,000 general citizens. Interested parties can access the survey results through the Policy Research Information Service & Management website (prism.go.kr) on May 17. 

Based on the survey, around 87% 2(3,473 individuals) of residents living near the weirs agreed to use them during water scarcity situations like droughts. This percentage was higher than the 77% (774 individuals) of the general population's consent. Conversely, only about 14% (136 individuals) of the general population disagreed with the use of the weirs.

Out of a total of 408 citizens engaged in agriculture and fisheries near the weirs, 93% or 378 people agreed to use weirs. On the other hand, out of 774 general citizens who agreed to use the weirs, 76% or 588 people stated that they should be utilized for water supply purposes for agriculture, industry, and domestic use.

Moreover, 814 individuals (equivalent to 81% of the respondents of general citizens) have shown their support for the integrated operation of dams, weirs, and levees. In addition, 521 individuals (approximately 52% of the respondents of general citizens) have expressed their preferences for a future direction that prioritizes the balance of water quality, ecology, and quantity when utilizing river facilities.

Shin Jin-soo, Deputy Minister of the Water Management Policy Office of the Ministry of Environment, stated, "We will actively utilize the weirs of the four major rivers to overcome water crises such as droughts by linking the operation of dams, weirs, and estuary barrages, ensuring that citizens have stable access to water."

1 A total of 4,000 citizens living near the weirs of the four major rivers were surveyed, with 1,000 people each from the Han River, Nakdong River, Geum River, and Yeongsan River areas. The selection was based on gender, age, and region. Additionally, 1,000 general citizens aged 19 and above from across the country were included in the survey, chosen proportionally based on gender, age, and region.

2 Nakdong River 89.2%, Han River 88.4%, Yeongsan River 86.6%, Geum River 83.2%

Contact: Lee Jung-hyun, Deputy Director

Integrated River Management TF / +82-(0)44-201-7533

Foreign Media Contact: Chun Minjo(Rachel)

+82-(0)44-201-6055 / rachelmchun@korea.kr