Springhead of Nakdong River
Water is crucial and essential for our lives. About 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, and about 70 percent of the human body is water. Water is so closely interrelated to us that we simply cannot survive without it.
Water was there from the beginning of the world when God created the heavens and the earth. “The earth was without form or shape, with darkness over the abyss and a mighty wind sweeping over the waters.” (Genesis 1:2)
Then, God separated one body of water from the other and made a dome in the middle of the water. “God made the dome, and it separated the water below the dome from the water above the dome… God called the dome ‘sky’… God called the dry land ‘earth,’ and the basin of the water he called ‘sea’.” (Genesis 1:6-10)
So, water has been always with us on the globe. Within a 10-minute walk from our community, Nakdong River flows constantly, but the water tint is now becoming more and more green due to the Andong Dam.
During the recent wildfires, the Nakdong River served as a barrier, helping protect people from the advancing flames. Firefighters also made use of the water from the river to spray it on Andong Hahoe Folk Village. In this way, water became a powerful and effective fire barrier during the natural disaster. But, water can also cause floods, storms, typhoons and monsoons.
One day, I took a long walk along a nearby bike trail for about four hours. Along the way, I came across the springhead of the Nakdong River at Nakdong Park in Yongsang-dong. A large stone indicates the very spot of the springhead, which is the meeting point of Nak and Dong rivers. From the springhead, these two rivers join together to unite and flow as Nakdong River.
Nak River originates from Hwangji Pond on top of Mount Hambak (1567 meters) in Taebaek, and Dong-gang originates from Mount Ilwol (1219 meters) at Yeongyang. It is interesting to learn that the ponds or springs atop mountains are the source of the river and the sea below.
The two waterways (Nak and Dong rivers) meet together to form the mainstream of Nakdong River. In the past, ships carrying salt traveled up to this meeting point of the two waterways.
The Nakdong River, known as the lifeline of the Yeongnam region, is South Korea's longest river at 510 kilometers, although it ranks behind the Amnok River (790 kilometers) and the Duman River (521 kilometers), both of which flow through North Korea.
Nakdong River is the where not only water but also history and culture flow over the eons.
The old name for Andong was "Yeongga," which means the beauty of the place where two streams meet. The Nak and Dong rivers, flowing from afar, come together to form one beautiful river. This confluence also represents the flourishing of the area's history and culture.
The region's winding histories enrich its culture and nature, while the touching stories, filled with both tears and joy, make our lives more meaningful and worthwhile.
Water is the lifeline of every human being and holds diverse meanings in the Bible, including purification, cleansing, renewal, the source of life, divine power, salvation, and eternal life.
“The water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)
Kim Ae-ran is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (Figlie di San Paolo), living the Good News and proclaiming it with various means of social communication.