Nature's resilient beauty as seen on Bamseom Island

The towers of Yeouido loom over the landscape of Bamseom Island. (photo courtesy of Seoul City)

The Hangang River is a gigantic stream that cuts through the capital city.

In the middle of the flowing waterway, underneath the Seogang Bridge that connects Yeouido and Mapo, sits a tiny island that preserves nature in a pristine state. It is Bamseom Island. The island is currently uninhabited, but it is known to have been once occupied by more than 400 people and 80 households.

During the 1960s, the island's residents had to leave the island in accordance with the government's plan to develop Yeouido and to smooth the flow of the river.

On February 10, 1968, the island was blown up as part of the city's dredging plans.

Remnants of gravel and pebbles -- around 114,000 cubic meters -- were gathered on Bamseom and used as material for the construction of the embankments on Yeouido.

Bamseom Island was painted by landscape painter Sim Sajeong (1707-1769). According to historical accounts, the island was included as one of the eight scenic points in the ancient capital. The houses featured in the painting look quite peaceful.

Pictured is today's Bamseom Island, captured from above by satellite. Thanks to sediment, the island has expanded by as much as six times since the quarrying there in 1968. (photo courtesy of Seoul City)

Having disappeared for nearly half a century, the island has now restored itself back to life thanks to sediment flowing downstream. Layers of earth and sand were continuously and naturally gathered in the area, slowly being covered by thick trees, forests and vegetation.

According to Seoul City, the total size of the island measured in 1966 by a U.S. military surveyor was 45,684 square meters. It expands, constantly, by about 4,400 square meters each year. Today, the island is about 279,531 square meters, with a circumference of just under three kilometers. The island shows the resilient power of nature.

Bamseom Island is located underneath the Seogang Bridge.

Forests, waterways and various types of birds can be found on Bamseom Island, reminiscent of a jungle.

Today, Bamseom is an island full of life, being home to around 140 types of plants and 50 types of birds. Every winter, it also provides a safe and secure shelter for migratory birds. In recognition of its value as a bird habitat in the heart of city, the island was registered in July 2012 as a wetland under the Ramsar Convention.

Though closed to the public, it takes only about ten minutes by boat from Yeouido's Hangang River park to arrive at Bamseom Island, surrounded by greenery. The island seen up close with the naked eye is much longer and wider than when seen from afar.

Bamseom Island is divided into two parts: "Upper Bamseom", which belongs to Yeouido District of Yeongdeongpo-gu; and, "Lower Bamseom", which is part of Dangin District in Mapo-gu. It takes nearly 20 minutes by boat to go around the whole island, from top to bottom.

The National Assembly building, as seen from Bamseom Island. (photo: Wi Tack-whan)

A monument sits on Lower Bamseom, showing that people once lived there.

Up until the 1960s, Bamseom Island was home to 80 officially registered households. They were known to make a living by fishing, planting medicinal trees and plants and raising goats.

Today, only a monument stone found in the midst of thick woods on Lower Bamseom silently tells their tale.

By Wi Tack-whan, Lee Seung-ah

Photographed by Jeon Han
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