Sejong, May 15 - Minister of Environment Han Wha-jin recently inspected the operation of three weirs (Gangcheonbo, Yeojubo, and Ipobo) on the Han River by visiting the Yeojubo area in Gyeonggi-do. During the visit, the Minister also toured the SK Hynix Icheon factory in the Special-Measures Areas and observed ultra-pure water production using industrial water sourced from Yeoju Weir. 

The Minister of Environment visited to inspect the "use of weirs of the four major rivers" and "promoting industries" to mark the first anniversary of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. The Yeoju weir and two other weirs on the Han River have maintained a consistent water level, facilitating the stable abstraction of approximately 300 million tons of water annually from 35 nearby water intake and pumping stations. The amount is equivalent to the annual water usage of Incheon Metropolitan City. 

SK Hynix's Vice President, Kim Hyungsoo, said, "Securing high-quality water is critical for semiconductor production. The company is getting clean water stably from the Han River's Yeoju Weir, even amidst the worsening drought conditions caused by climate change."

Environment Minister Han Wha-jin said, "The weirs on the four main rivers are important national infrastructure that ensures a reliable water supply and supports cultural and economic growth in the local areas." She added, "Yeoju Weir plays a crucial role in providing industrial water to nearby semiconductor plants. Finally, she asked the concerned agencies, including K-water, "Please do your best to ensure that industrial water necessary for the semiconductor industry can be stably secured through the weirs of the four major rivers so that Korea can maintain its status as a semiconductor powerhouse."

Contact: Chung Hye-yoon, 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