Hwatang Maeuntang | Restaurant Guide | K-Travel Mate

The Seomjingang River originates from the western valley of Palgongsan in Sinam-ri, Baegun-myeon, Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do and flows northwest, forming the Galdam Reservoir at the boundary between Jeongeup-si and Imsil-gun. It flows southeast through Sunchang, Gokseong-gun, and Gurye-gun, and empties into Gwangyang Bay at the boundary between Geumseong-myeon, Hadong-gun and Jinwol-myeon, Gwangyang-si. Geographically, it spans the three provinces of Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do. Historically, it was a collision zone of ancient Gaya and Baekje cultures, a boundary between Silla and Baekje, a route for Japanese invasions during the Imjin and Jeongyu Wars, and in the late Joseon period, a site where the Donghak Peasant Revolution culminated. Major tributaries include Churyeongcheon (joining from Sanae-myeon, Jeongeup-si), Iljungcheon, Osucheon, Simchocheon, Gyeongcheon, Okgwacheon, Yocheon, Sujicheon, Boseonggang, Hwangjeoncheon, Seosicheon, Garinae, Hwagaecheon, and Hoengcheongang. Originally, the Seomjingang was called Dochigang, Moraegaram, Moraenae, Dasagang, Daesagang, Sacheon, and Gimunha, named for its fine sand. According to legend, in 1385 (11th year of King U of Goryeo), a swarm of toads cried out at the river mouth when Japanese pirates invaded, causing them to flee toward Gwangyang, which led to the name 'Seomjingang' (with the toad character 蟾). Downstream in Unsu-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, there is Ssanggyesa Temple, rebuilt in 840 during Silla, as well as Bulilam and Bulil Waterfall. Notable local products include sweetfish and freshwater crabs.