# Tancheon

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Stream in Gyeonggi Province and Seoul, South Korea

For the city in North Korea, see [Tanchon](/source/Tanchon).

Tancheon Korean name Hangul 탄천 Hanja 炭川 RR Tancheon MR T'anch'ŏn

**Tancheon** ([Korean](/source/Korean_language): 탄천; lit. 'charcoal stream') is a stream in [Gyeonggi Province](/source/Gyeonggi_Province) and [Seoul](/source/Seoul), South Korea. The stream is a tributary of the [Han River](/source/Han_River_(Korea)). It begins in [Yongin](/source/Yongin), Gyeonggi Province, flows through [Seongnam](/source/Seongnam), and eventually into the Han. It has a total length of 32.66 km (20.29 mi).

The area also serves as a large park, and there are paths for both walkers and cyclists on each bank with occasional foot bridges joining the two sides in addition to the bridges built for vehicle traffic. Along the paths there are many benches as well as exercise equipment. The whole area is extremely popular among local residents.

## Toponymy

The original name for the stream may have been the native Korean word "Sutnae" (숯내; 순내; lit. 'charcoal stream'). The meaning of this name was translated into [Hanja](/source/Hanja) (Chinese characters) as 炭川; this can then be read in Korean as "Tan-cheon" (탄천).[1]

The "Sut" or "Tan" part of the name may have come from a place called "Sut-gol" (숯골) or "Tan-gol" (탄골); this was an area along the river that corresponds to the current [Taepyeong-dong](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Taepyeong-dong&action=edit&redlink=1), [Sujin-dong](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sujin-dong&action=edit&redlink=1), and [Sinheung-dong](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sinheung-dong&action=edit&redlink=1) in Seongnam.[2][3][1] That area was considered to produce much charcoal.[3]

The stream was officially assigned its name during the 1910–1945 [Japanese colonial period](/source/Korea_under_Japanese_rule).[1]

The stream has been known by many other names, such as Geomcheon (검천; 儉川), Heomcheon (험천; 險川), Meonae (머내), Cheonhocheon (천호천; 穿呼川), and Jancheon (잔천; 鵲川).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Description

The stream originates from the mountain [Beophwasan](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Beophwasan&action=edit&redlink=1) [[ko](https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EB%B2%95%ED%99%94%EC%82%B0_(%EA%B2%BD%EA%B8%B0))] in [Yongin](/source/Yongin). It flows north and merges with the stream [Dongmakcheon](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dongmakcheon&action=edit&redlink=1) in [Gumi-dong](/source/Gumi-dong).[2][3] It then merges with the stream [Jungcheon](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jungcheon_(stream)&action=edit&redlink=1) in [Imae-dong](/source/Imae-dong), then with [Yangjaecheon](/source/Yangjaecheon) in [Daechi-dong](/source/Daechi-dong) in Seoul.[3] It then merges into the Han River near [Seoul Olympic Stadium](/source/Seoul_Olympic_Stadium).[2][3] It has a total length of 32.66 km (20.29 mi).[3]

There are bicycle lanes and walking paths along the stream. Large apartment complexes line the stream.[3] There is courts for sports such as [tennis](/source/Tennis) along the river.[4]

### Water parks

Along the approximately 25-kilometer stretch of the Tancheon that passes through [Seongnam](/source/Seongnam), there are five water parks open to the public.[5] They are free of charge and popular with families with young children. The Tancheon water parks (탄천 물놀이장) are open every year from July 1 to August 31, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. At the parks there are [changing rooms](/source/Changing_room) available as well as many [chairs](/source/Chair) and [picnic tables](/source/Picnic_table). They can be found at:

- [Yatap-dong](/source/Yatap-dong), in front of Manna Church (만나 교회앞)

- [Jeongja-dong](/source/Jeongja-dong%2C_Seongnam), in front of [Singi Elementary School](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Singi_Elementary_School&action=edit&redlink=1) (신기 초등학교앞)

- [Geumgok-dong](/source/Geumgok-dong%2C_Seongnam), in front of [Bulgok Middle School](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bulgok_Middle_School&action=edit&redlink=1) (불곡 중학교앞)

- [Imae-dong](/source/Imae-dong), by the [Unjung Stream](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Unjung_Stream&action=edit&redlink=1) footpath (운중천)

- Behind the [Bundang district office](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bundang_district_office&action=edit&redlink=1) (분당구청뒤)

## History

Before the 1920s, Yangjaecheon and Tancheon merged into the Han river at different points. However, the [1925 flood of the Han River](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1925_flood_of_the_Han_River&action=edit&redlink=1) [[ko](https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EC%9D%84%EC%B6%95%EB%85%84_%EB%8C%80%ED%99%8D%EC%88%98)] caused the course of the two streams to change.[3] The quality of the water in the river declined in the 1990s, during the rapid development of Seongnam. However, it gradually improved after then.[3]

## Gallery

These [photographs](/source/Photograph) are in order from south to north, i.e. from [source](/source/Source_(river_or_stream)) to mouth.

		- Looking north from near Bojeong, [Yongin](/source/Yongin)

		- In Jukjeon, [Yongin](/source/Yongin)

		- The [Pungdeokcheon](/source/Pungdeokcheon) joins the Tancheon from the south-west (right of photo) in Jukjeon, [Yongin](/source/Yongin)

		- Under National Road 43 to Gwangju in Jukjeon, [Yongin](/source/Yongin)

		- An artificial island in Jukjeon, [Yongin](/source/Yongin)

		- Looking north from [Bundang](/source/Bundang)'s [Seoul University Hospital](/source/Seoul_National_University_Bundang_Hospital)

		- Looking north from near Taepyeong, [Seongnam](/source/Seongnam)

		- Entering [Seoul](/source/Seoul) from [Seongnam](/source/Seongnam)

		- Looking south from the bridge near Suseo, [Seoul](/source/Seoul)

## See also

- [Rivers of Korea](/source/Rivers_of_Korea)

- [Geography of South Korea](/source/Geography_of_South_Korea)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:2_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:2_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:2_1-2) Ki-bong, Lee (2023-04-03). [*Disappearing Pure Korean Place Names: Pure place names replaced only to be found in history and memory*](https://books.google.com/books?id=IFq3EAAAQBAJ&dq=tancheon+stream&pg=PT225). 펜립. pp. 224–225. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-89-7411-550-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-89-7411-550-0).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:0_2-2) 이, 의한, [탄천 (炭川)](https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0068844), *[Encyclopedia of Korean Culture](/source/Encyclopedia_of_Korean_Culture)* (in Korean), [Academy of Korean Studies](/source/Academy_of_Korean_Studies), retrieved 2024-06-16

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:1_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-:1_3-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-:1_3-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-:1_3-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-:1_3-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-:1_3-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-:1_3-8) [탄천 - 디지털용인문화대전](https://www.grandculture.net/yongin/toc/GC00900097). *[Encyclopedia of Korean Local Culture](/source/Encyclopedia_of_Korean_Local_Culture)*. Retrieved 2024-06-16.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Delgado, Alfonso L. (June 29, 2018). ["K-boutique culture grows in Bundang"](https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/HonoraryReporters/view?articleId=160873). *[Korea.net](/source/Korea.net)*. Retrieved 2024-06-16.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [Tancheon Water Park](http://www.seongnam.go.kr/EN/tourCity/StreamWaterPark.asp), Seongnam City.

[Wikimedia Commons](/source/Wikimedia_Commons) has media related to:

[Tancheon](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Tancheon) ([category](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Tancheon))

v t e Bundang District Neighborhoods Bundang-dong Gumi-dong Geumgok-dong Imae-dong Jeongja-dong Pangyo-dong Baekhyeon-dong Sampyeong-dong Seohyeon-dong Unjung-dong Sunae-dong Yatap-dong Landmarks Bundang Central Park Migeum station AK Plaza Seongnam Arts Center Seohyeon station Sunae station Tancheon Yatap station Yuldong Park Bundang Jesaeng Hospital

v t e Parks in Seoul Dobong Choansan [ko] Seoul Iris Garden [ko] Dongdaemun Baebongsan [ko] Dongjak Boramae Sayuksin [ko] Seoul National Cemetery Gangbuk Dream Forest [ko] Odong [ko] Solbat [ko] Gangdong Cheonho [ko] Gildong Ecological [ko] Gwangnaru Hangang [ko] Iljasan Park [ko] Gangnam Cheongdam [ko] Dosan Guryongsan [ko] Hakdong Gangseo Bongjesan [ko] Guam [ko] Maehwa [ko] Seoul Botanic [ko] Ujang [ko] Gwanak Gwanaksan Nakseongdae Gwangjin Children's Grand Ttukseom Hangang [ko] Guro Gaeungsan [ko] Pureun Arboretum Jongno Bugaksan Bukhansan Cheongun [ko] Gwanghwamun Citizen's Plaza [ko] Inwangsan Naksan Heunginjimun [ko] Marronnier Sajik [ko] Samcheong [ko] Sejong-ro [ko] Tapgol Waryong Jung Dongdaemun History & Culture Hullyeonwon Jangchungdan Namsan Seoullo 7017 Sohn Kee-chung Jungnang Bonghwasan [ko] Jungnang Camping Forest [ko] Manguri [ko] Yongma Waterfall [ko] Mapo Gyeongui Line Forest Hyochang Mangwon Hangang [ko] Mapo Saebit Culture Forest Nanji Hangang [ko] Oil Tank Culture Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery World Cup Nowon Buramsan Chungsuk [ko] Gyeongchun Line Forest Suraksan Taereung [ko] Seocho Banpo Hangang [ko] Banpo Sports Complex [ko] Jamwon Hangang [ko] Maeheon Citizen's Forest Seodaemun Ansan Baengnyeonsan Bukhansan Seodaemun Independence Seongbuk Gaeunsan Odong [ko] Seongdong Eungbong Rock Climbing [ko] Eungbongsan Seoul Forest Songpa Asia Olympic Seokchon Lake Yangcheon Paris West Seoul Lake Yongwangsan Yeongdeungpo Ankara Mullae Seonyudo Yanghwa Hangang [ko] Yeungdeungpo Yeouido Yeouido Saetgang Ecological [ko] Yongsan Hyochang Ichon Hangang [ko] Yongsan Family

[37°31′N 127°04′E / 37.517°N 127.067°E / 37.517; 127.067](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Tancheon&params=37_31_N_127_04_E_region:KR_type:river_source:GNS-enwiki)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Tancheon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tancheon) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tancheon?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.