Mokgamcheon
Overview
Mokgamcheon (목감천, 木甘川) is a local stream that originates in Mokgam-dong, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi Province, and joins Anyangcheon in Seoksu-dong, Anyang-si. The stream has a length of approximately 11.5 km and a watershed area of about 28.5 km². In the past, it was used for agricultural water, but due to rapid urbanization since the 1990s, the inflow of domestic sewage and industrial wastewater deteriorated water quality. Subsequently, through efforts by local governments and residents, an ecological stream restoration project was promoted, and currently, water quality is improving and biodiversity is recovering.
Main Content
Geographical Characteristics
Mokgamcheon originates from low hills in Mokgam-dong, Siheung-si, flows northeast, and joins Anyangcheon in the Seoksu-dong area of Anyang-si. The watershed mostly belongs to Siheung-si and Anyang-si, with parts extending into Gunpo-si and Gwangmyeong-si. The area around the stream was originally farmland and forest, but urbanization has progressed since the 2000s due to housing development and industrial complex construction.
Water System and Flow
Mokgamcheon is the first tributary of Anyangcheon, which in turn flows into the Han River. The flow varies greatly by season, increasing sharply during heavy summer rains. The normal flow is relatively low, but recently, it has been maintained at a certain level due to discharge from sewage treatment plants and groundwater inflow.
Pollution and Restoration
From the 1990s to the early 2000s, Mokgamcheon was severely polluted by domestic sewage and industrial wastewater. Dissolved oxygen (DO) levels were low, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) was high, making it nearly uninhabitable for fish. Starting in 2005, Siheung-si and Anyang-si jointly promoted restoration projects, including sewer maintenance, pollution source blocking, dredging, and planting aquatic plants. Since 2010, water quality has gradually improved, maintaining BOD levels of 3–5 mg/L, and fish such as crucian carp, pale chub, and common carp have been observed.
Ecosystem
After the restoration project, various organisms inhabit Mokgamcheon. Aquatic plants such as reeds, cattails, sweet flags, and yellow floating hearts grow, and fish species including crucian carp, common carp, pale chub, Korean oily minnow, and mud loach have been identified. Birds such as grey herons, great egrets, and common kingfishers are also observed. Walking trails and bicycle paths have been created along the stream, serving as a resting area for citizens.
Management and Use
Mokgamcheon is a local stream jointly managed by Siheung-si and Anyang-si. Stream maintenance and water quality monitoring are conducted regularly, and stream guardian activities involving local residents and environmental groups are active. Additionally, Mokgamcheon Ecological Park and Seoksu Sports Park have been established along the stream, providing nature-friendly leisure spaces for citizens.
Recent Trends
As of 2024, Mokgamcheon is undergoing continuous water quality improvement and ecological restoration. Since 2023, Siheung-si has been implementing a project to reduce non-point source pollution by constructing rainwater storage facilities and artificial wetlands in the upper reaches of Mokgamcheon. Additionally, Anyang-si plans to create a waterfront ecological belt in the lower reaches of Mokgamcheon by 2025 to expand habitats. Recently, the risk of stream flooding during heavy rains due to climate change has emerged, and local governments are reviewing stream maintenance and expansion of drainage pumping stations. Local residents continue voluntary cleanup activities and monitoring to cultivate Mokgamcheon as an 'urban ecological stream.'
Related Topics
- [[Anyangcheon]]
- [[Siheung-si]]
- [[Ecological Stream Restoration]]
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