Government Approves New Dam Construction for Chungcheong Region Water Supply

South Korea's government has officially greenlit the construction of five new dams, a significant move to bolster water resources and flood control, particularly for the burgeoning Chungcheong region. This decision marks the first new dam construction under the current administration and the first multi-purpose dam project since 2010.

Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment Kim Sung-hwan announced on August 27 that the selected sites include Jicheon Dam in Cheongyang/Buyeo, Amicheon Dam in Yeoncheon, Byeongyeongcheon Dam in Gangjin, Hoeyagang Dam in Ulsan, and Gohyeoncheon Dam in Geoje. Two other proposed dams, Gamcheon Dam in Gimcheon and Garyecheon Dam in Uiryeong, will be pursued with alternative solutions.

The Jicheon Dam, slated to be the largest with a storage capacity of 59 million tons, is a key component of the plan. It is designed to meet increased water demand from the Chungcheong region's "mega-projects" and address existing water shortages in the Geum River basin. The dam will supply 180,000 tons of water daily to areas including Cheongyang and Buyeo, while also providing flood defense against once-in-a-century events.

Another significant project is the Amicheon Dam, with a capacity of 45 million tons, which will focus on flood prevention for Yeoncheon's urban areas. The government's push for new dam construction underscores a strategic effort to secure stable water supplies and mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events, reflecting a long-term vision for regional development and resilience.