Private Experts to Take Charge of 35 Seoul Streams... Launch of 'Hacheon Master' Program

Designated private experts conduct field patrols, risk factor analysis, countermeasure proposals, and consultations by river
In addition to regular inspections before and after thaw and flood seasons, rivers are managed more thoroughly to enhance expertise

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul City announced on the 17th that it will launch the ‘Hacheon Master’ system for the first time, in which private experts with specialized knowledge and experience in the river sector will be assigned to manage 35 rivers within Seoul.

The ‘Hacheon Master’ system designates private experts for each river to manage them. These experts will patrol the river sites directly, meticulously inspect inconveniences and hazards that citizens may experience, and analyze problems. They will propose comprehensive measures for the river sector to Seoul City, accompany the city during regular river inspections, and provide consultation.

Seoul City explained that as accessibility to rivers improves and convenience facilities such as bicycle paths expand, increasing the number of citizens using the rivers, the ‘Hacheon Master’ system was introduced to efficiently respond to the diverse demands of citizens.

In addition to the regular inspections of river facilities conducted before and after the thaw and flood seasons, Seoul City aims to strengthen the expertise in river management and manage rivers more thoroughly by operating the ‘Hacheon Master’ system. Accordingly, Seoul City has announced a recruitment notice for ‘Hacheon Masters,’ accepting applications from June 7 to 9, and will select 16 experts. Applicants can include retired public officials with experience in the river sector from Seoul City, autonomous districts, and public corporations, as well as professionals engaged in river design and construction work and retired experts in the field.

In particular, the city plans to prioritize experts living near rivers among the applicants to facilitate easy river inspections in daily life. The final selected ‘Hacheon Masters’ will be deployed on-site starting in July and will be active for two years until 2024.

Han Yoo-seok, Director of the Water Circulation Safety Bureau of Seoul City, said, “As the number of citizens using rivers increases, various demands arise, and citizens’ expectations for the river environment have also risen, so river management that meets the general public’s perspective is necessary. We will designate private experts for each river to enhance the professionalism of river management. We ask for the active participation and interest of experts with expertise, experience, and passion.”