The Saemangeum dike, located in South Korea, is considered the largest embankment on the planet. With 33.9 kilometers in length, it connects the port city of Gunsan with Buan County, in North Jeolla Province. Its construction began in 1991 and was completed in 2010, when it completely closed off a bay of the Yellow Sea.
The magnitude of the project earned it a place in the Guinness Book of Records, surpassing the Zuiderzee in the Netherlands. Kathleen Stevens, former U.S. ambassador, described it as “the Great Wall in the sea.”
Initial Objectives
The project aimed to:
- Control the waters and reconfigure the coastline.
- Create artificial land: 401 km² intended for agriculture, industry, and urbanization.
- Generate freshwater reservoirs: 118 km² for agricultural and logistical uses.
South Korea, with a shortage of flat arable land, saw Saemangeum as a solution to expand its agricultural and productive capacity.
Project Evolution
Over time, the focus changed:
- Large areas were allocated to industrial parks and special economic zones.
- Logistics centers and modern urban infrastructure were developed.
- The site also became a tourist attraction, with multi-lane roads and views of the West Sea.
Even the music video Save ME by the group BTS featured images of the dike, drawing the attention of millions of fans for its unique landscape.
Environmental Impact
Before construction, the bay was home to one of the most productive wetland systems in East Asia. These ecosystems were essential for:
- The natural water cycle.
- Marine biodiversity.
- Bird migratory routes.
The interruption of tides altered salinity and sediments, leading to the disappearance of natural habitats. Many species of migratory birds, fish, and organisms were affected, generating intense debate between conservationists and economic development promoters.
A Living Laboratory
The dike has become more than just a record-breaking structure; it has turned into an international laboratory of engineering and ecology.
Today it is studied as an example of how human decisions can reshape entire ecosystems, offering economic opportunities but posing complex environmental challenges.
Tourism and Cultural Appeal
In addition to its productive function, Saemangeum has established itself as a tourist destination:
- Spectacular sunsets over the West Sea.
- Modern roads that allow the structure to be toured 24 hours a day.
- A symbol of South Korea’s technological capability, comparable to other great engineering works worldwide.
The Saemangeum dike is a monumental work that reflects the tension between economic development and environmental conservation. While it generates new lands and industrial opportunities, it also raises questions about the loss of wetlands and biodiversity.
Its legacy will be evaluated not only by its record size but by South Korea’s ability to balance growth and sustainability in a fragile environment.
