Nakdong River

Nakdong (낙동강)
River
The Nakdong in Andong, North Gyeongsang
Country	South Korea
Provinces	Gangwon, North Gyeongsang, Daegu, South Gyeongsang, Busan
Parts	Hwangjicheon
Tributaries
- left	Banbyeoncheon, Geumho River, Miryang River, Yangsancheon, West Nakdong River †
- right	Naeseongcheon, Gamcheon, Hwang River, Nam River
Source	Taebaek Mountains
- location	Eundae Peak, Taebaek, Gangwon
Mouth	Sea of Japan (East Sea)
- location	Estuary Bank, Gangseo, Busan
Length	510 km (317 mi)
Basin	23,384 km2 (9,029 sq mi)
Discharge	for Jindong, Haman
- average	383 m3/s (13,526 cu ft/s)
The Nakdong
† : Distributary of Nakdong

The Nakdong River or Nakdonggang (Korean pronunciation: [nakt͈oŋgaŋ]) is the longest river in South Korea, and passes through major cities such as Daegu and Busan.

The Nakdong flows from the Taebaek Mountains to the South Sea or Korean Strait, that separates Korea from Japan. The river originates from the junction of the Cheolamcheon and Hwangjicheon streams in Dongjeom-dong, Taebaek city, Gangwon province. From there to its mouth it winds for about 506 kilometres (314 mi). The width of the river ranges from only a few metres in its upper reaches, to several hundred metres towards its estuary.

Major tributaries include the Yeong, Geumho, and Nam rivers. Together with its tributaries, the Nakdong drains most of North Gyeongsang and South Gyeongsang provinces, along with small portions of North Jeolla, South Jeolla, and Gangwon. The total watershed is 23,384 square kilometres (9,029 sq mi).

The Nakdong River has played an important role throughout Korean history. The river basin has been a favored dwelling-place for as long as people have inhabited the Korean peninsula. Numerous Neolithic remains have been found in the valley.