Gongju City to Invest 18.5 Billion Won in Gyesilcheon Stream: "11m Expansion to Prevent Floods"

Comprehensive Overhaul of 2.6 km in Hwahwol-ri, Sagok-myeon
Simultaneous Improvement of Bridges, Embankments, and Drainage Systems

Last year, record-breaking torrential rains caused embankment collapses and flooding in villages along the Gyesilcheon Stream in Sagok-myeon, Gongju City, South Chungcheong Province. Now, a comprehensive structural improvement project will be launched for the area.

On January 12, Gongju City announced that it will invest a total of 18.5 billion won to significantly widen the river, and overhaul embankments, bridges, and drainage systems as part of the full-scale "Gyesilcheon Stream Improvement and Restoration Project."

The Gyesilcheon Stream has long suffered from repeated flooding damage due to a river width narrower than planned standards and low embankment heights, which cause water to overflow during heavy rains. During last year’s downpour, residents suffered significant losses due to embankment collapses, riverbank erosion, and the flooding of farmland.

In response, the city plans to widen the main section of the stream by 11 meters, from the current 24 meters to 35 meters, and to completely redesign the river structure, including rebuilding one bridge that previously impeded water flow. By expanding the cross-section, the city aims to improve water flow and secure sufficient flood discharge capacity to withstand extreme rainfall events.

The project will be carried out according to the basic river plan. Major components include the maintenance of 2.6 kilometers of embankments and riverbanks, reconstruction of one bridge, maintenance of four weirs and drop structures, and improvement of 13 drainage facilities. By reconfiguring the river cross-section based on the planned width of 35 meters, the project will achieve a much higher level of flood safety than before.

The city expects that, through this project, the water discharge capacity and drainage functions in the Gyesilcheon Stream area will be greatly improved, fundamentally preventing embankment overflows and flood damage during future torrential rains.

Mayor Choi Woncheol stated, "This improvement and restoration project is not just about repairing damage, but a fundamental measure to prepare for the extreme rainfall events that are becoming more frequent in the era of climate crisis. We will expedite the detailed design process to begin construction as soon as possible and focus our administrative capacity on protecting the lives and property of our citizens."