Water resources planning and development in Korea began in the early 1910s under the Japanese colonial period. Research work and water resources development has continued for 90 years with significant changes. There have been four significant phases in the development.

First Phase (1910 - 1940)

This phase prioritized the control of water resources in Korea through small-scale channel improvement projects, primarily aimed at securing food production to meet Japanese demands.

Second Phase (1941 - 1965)

World War II pushed the whole land of Korea into a production base for the war support of Japan. Hydropower generation for war support was the main focus of the water resources development until 1945. After independence from Japanese colonialism, the Korean War broke out in 1950 and continued until 1953. It destroyed the whole infrastructure of Korea including many water resources systems. In addition, most of the water resources system built during the Japanese colonial period were located in North Korea. There remained almost nothing in South Korea and there were no activities concerning the planning and management of water resources. This absolute poverty was continued until 1965.

Third Phase (1966 - 1980)

This phase focused on constructing multipurpose dams for integrated water resources control and management. The Integrated River Basin Development Plan for the four major rivers was established as part of a comprehensive national master plan. Significant achievements during this period included a 40% reduction in flood damage, 90% completion of channel improvements, and a rise in municipal water supply from 30% to 60%.

Fourth Phase (1981 - 1995)

Following the completion of the Integrated River Basin Development Plan, attention shifted towards individual basin development. Political decentralization posed challenges in watershed development and management. Despite these challenges, achievements included the completion of multipurpose dams and multi-regional water supply systems. Adjustments and modifications to long-term water resources master plans were made to prepare for the future.

Fifth Phase (2000s - Early 2010s)

Long-term Comprehensive Water Resources Plan (Water Vision2020) 

2001: The WaterVision2020 plan was established, prioritizing sustainable water use and improving water quality. It aimed to create an integrated management system for rivers and the water environment.

2006: The plan was revised and re-established with a greater focus on enhancing the ecological health of rivers and improving the quality of the water environment. During this phase, strategies to cope with climate change and natural disasters, including systematic plans for drought and flood response, were also developed.

Sixth Phase (2018-Present) 

 Water Management Integration and the First National Water Management Basic Plan

2017-2018: The initial steps towards a unified water management system began, and the responsibility for water and river management was transferred to the Ministry of Environment. This marked an important shift toward a more centralized approach to water management.

2018: The Water Management Basic Act was enacted, providing a legal framework for a national, integrated water management strategy.

2021: The First National Water Management Basic Plan was established. Set to guide the country’s water management direction until 2030, it outlines specific goals and strategies for the sustainable use of water resources, water quality management, and river ecosystem restoration.

In essence, the water management policy in South Korea has evolved from initially focusing on qualitative and quantitative management to progressively incorporating climate change response and national-level integrated management.

Water resources development planning has been established based upon the policy of the National Development Plan. Major goals and policies of the previous national development plan are shown below.

(Chronology of National Development Plans)