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Two Koreas Finish Joint Survey of Han River Estuary Waterways
Writer :
정책홍보담당관
Date :
2018-12-17
Hit :
359

Vice Minister of National Defense Suh Choo-suk visits to celebrate and confirm the discovery of 21 reefs, covering 660 kilometers

 

A vessel navigation map will be produced:
“The ministry will maintain a thorough readiness posture and
guarantee free and safe civilian access to the river”

 

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The Han River estuary waters, spanning from Manu-ri, Paju to Maldo Island, Ganghwa County, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province, are being transformed into a ‘path for inter-Korean peace and cooperation.’ On September 9th, the two Koreas confirmed the waterways of the Han River estuary, which for decades have been off-limits to civilians, and shook hands on the spot.

The Ministry of National Defense said on Sunday, “The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries launched a joint survey of waterways between the two Koreas on November 5th in line with the military pact for the implementation of the historic Panmunjom Declaration, and had a final on-the-spot meeting with the North side after 35 days. The two Koreas have ended the joint survey of waterways covering 660 kilometers."



This joint survey of Han River estuary waterways has great significance in that it is the first one conducted in 65 years since the armistice agreement signed in 1953. The South and North Korean military authorities' joint team, which was composed of 20 members including waterway experts, 10 from each side, carried out a water investigation on board six Republic of Korean vessels, following the agreement to perform a joint survey of waterways signed at the 10th general-level military talks held on October 26th.


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A ministry spokesperson commented, “This joint survey helped us find waterways for free navigation of vessels at the Han River estuary." The joint survey team (headed for the South by Colonel Yun Chang-hee, and for the North by Senior Colonel Oh Myung-cheol) obtained important information that will enable the safe navigation of vessels, including the discovery of 21 reefs, the biggest obstacle in the sea while sailing, and confirmed their location and size.

Data on the waterway survey and tidal observation observed from the on-the-spot survey will be produced in the form of a nautical chart (waterway map) that will be available for vessel navigation after a comprehensive analysis by January 25th of next year. The map will be provided for civilian vessels after a consultation is held between the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.


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On Sunday, Vice Minister of National Defense Suh Choo-suk and Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Yang-soo visited the Han River estuary to celebrate the successful accomplishment of the inter-Korean joint survey, shaking hands with the joint team members one by one on board the survey vessel.

Vice Minister Suh said, “The completion of the inter-Korean joint survey of waterways paves the way to opening the estuary of the Han River, which for decades has been off-limits to civilians, and setting conditions for the restoration of another place for peaceful use. The ministry anticipates free and safe civilian access to the river beginning next year." 

 

“The Republic of Korean military will maintain a thorough readiness posture at the Han River estuary. The South and North Korean military authorities will hold talks to militarily guarantee free civilian access to the river,” the ministry added.

 

 

By Su-Yeol, Maeng <guns13@dema.mil.kr >

<Copyright ⓒ The Korea Defense Daily, All rights reserved>





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