Rep. Yeom Tae-young Leads 8-Day, 130km Walking Pilgrimage for River Life
Rep. Yeom Tae-young of the Democratic Party (Suwon District B) and the Korea Rivers Restoration Network announced they will hold the "7th Walking Pilgrimage for Our Rivers and River Life 2026 Namhan River," during which participants will walk a total of 130km from Geomnyongso in Taebaek to Dumulmeori in Yangpyeong over 8 days from the 21st to the 28th.
The "Walking Pilgrimage for Our Rivers and River Life" is an event that former National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik led five times starting with the Seomjin River in 2005 and extending to the Yeongsan River. Rep. Yeom Tae-young has been hosting the pilgrimage since last year's Imjin River pilgrimage, marking the first time in 12 years, and this year continues with the Namhan River.
This event is jointly hosted by the Korea Rivers Restoration Network, which brings together National Assembly members Woo Won-shik, Yeom Tae-young, Seo Wang-jin, Lee Hak-young, Maeng Seong-gyu, Park Jeong, Song Ok-joo, Eo Gi-gu, Kim Young-bae, Kim Won-yi, Kim Ju-young, Lee Yong-seon, Lee Hae-sik, Kwak Sang-eon, Kwon Hyang-yeop, Kim Nam-geun, Park Sun-won, Park Jeong-hyun, Yun Jong-gun, Lee Ju-hee, Lim Mi-ae, Jeon Jin-suk, and Heo Seong-moo (23 members) and 256 national environmental and watershed conservation organizations.
Co-chairman Rep. Yeom Tae-young stated, "This pilgrimage is a journey to restore the ecology and naturalness of the Namhan River and to reconnect the relationship between people and rivers," and added, "Through the walk connecting the source to Dumulmeori, we will share the values of life, peace, and coexistence, and widely promote the need for sustainable river conservation and ecological civilization transformation in the age of climate crisis."
The pilgrimage will begin with a fountain ceremony at Geomnyongso in Taebaek at 1:30 p.m. on the 21st, and over 8 days, participants will walk through Taebaek, Jeongseon, Yeongwol, Danyang, Chungju, Yeoju, and Yangpyeong, passing through wetlands, ecological areas, and historical sites in each region.
Various related events are planned, including performances of Jeongseon Arirang's "Boatman," the Namhan River National Forum, local resident meetings, and seminars on the "Walking Travel Road Basic Law." Citizens can participate in the full program or by section, and registration is available through the official platform (https://woorigang.or.kr/).