Nakdonggang

Nakdonggang, also known as the Nakdong River, is the longest river in South Korea, with a length of about 510 kilometers. It rises in the eastern slopes of the Taebaek Mountains and flows generally south and then southeast, passing through North Gyeongsang Province and the city of Daegu before reaching the Korea Strait at Busan. The river’s basin covers roughly 23,000 square kilometers and drains parts of several provinces, providing water for cities, agriculture, and industry.

A system of dams, weirs, and irrigation works along the Nakdong regulates flow, supports flood control, and helps secure water supplies for the region. The lower reaches of the river include estuary wetlands that form an important ecological zone, supporting fisheries and serving as a habitat for migratory and resident birds.

Historically, the Nakdong valley has been a core corridor for settlement and commerce in southeastern Korea. It has influenced the development of major urban areas such as Daegu and the Busan metropolitan region, and it remains a key resource for water supply, transportation, and recreation in the region.