A natural embankment is established along the Han River near Ichon in central Seoul's Yongsan District, as part of the city government's ongoing restoration project. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

Ongoing efforts to enhance the self-sustainability and biodiversity of the Han River ecosystem are yielding substantial results, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday.

The city's initiatives have led to a significant recovery of the ecosystem surrounding the river, reflecting a commitment to environmental restoration and sustainability.

A 49.5-kilometer-long natural embankment has been established along the river, aimed at preventing erosion and restoring nearly 86 percent of designated areas to their natural state. This initiative is part of the city's commitment to ecological restoration.

Since 2007, the number of trees along the Han River has doubled, with the total now reaching 3.65 million. Additionally, the diversity of species in the area has surged by nearly 30 percent, reflecting a healthier ecosystem.

As part of the Great Han River project, launched in March last year, the city aims to further enhance the river's natural characteristics.

Plans include removing concrete from the shores and replacing it with soil, gravel and sand to support new plant growth. Of the 82 kilometers of embankment, 57.1 kilometers are set to be transformed into natural lakesides, with approximately 94 percent of this transformation expected to be completed by next year.

This shift is anticipated to create more spawning grounds for fish, attract bird populations and provide shelter for mammals like otters.

The city is also dedicated to reforestation efforts by focusing on forest creation. Last year, the city planted 80,000 trees along the riverbanks, with plans for planting an additional 70,000 this year.

Currently, there are approximately 3.65 million trees along the Han River, a substantial increase from 1.9 million in 2007. If another 60,000 trees are planted next year, the total will reach 3.71 million, further enhancing the riverside's forested areas.

As a result of these efforts, a variety of species, including endangered animals, have begun nesting along the river. The diversity of species in the Han River has risen by 28.2 percent, increasing from 1,608 in 2007 to 2,062 in 2022.

"The Han River Renaissance, a city initiative launched in 2007, has laid the groundwork for restoring nature, and through the Great Han River Project, we aim to achieve ecosystem restoration that closely resembles the river's original state in the future," said Joo Yong-tae, head of the Seoul Hangang Park Headquarters at the city government.