Spring in Korea begins in the southern part of the country in the 섬진(Seomjin) River area with the sound of frogs and other living creatures waking up from their long winter sleep.

If you’ve been longing for the scent of spring, I recommend you to go to greet the new season at the river.

The 섬진 River originates from 진안(Jinan) in North Jeolla Province and ends its waterway of 225 km at 광양(Gwangyang) bay.

The river drains southeastern North Jeolla Province as well as eastern South Jeolla Province and even South Gyeongsang Province.

The name 섬진 is the combination of the two characters for "toad" and "ferry crossing."

The origins of the name can be traced back to 1358 in the 고려(Goryeo) Dynasty.

According to legend, when Japanese troops invaded near the mouth of the river, tens of thousands of toads started croaking and chased them away. In honor of the toads, the river was called 섬진강(Seomjingang) from then on.

The river is also famous for being a habitat for the freshwater sweet fish called 은어(Eun-e).

The sweet fish give off the scent of watermelon and for this reason are known as "scented fish."

Young sweet fish swim upstream from the South Sea in March and April.

When you are in the region, try various dishes made with 은어.

For more information, visit the city’s website at www.gwangyang.go.kr  (Kor, Eng, Chi, Jap).