Paldang Lake, man-made lake in South Korea

Paldang Lake is a large reservoir northeast of Seoul that supplies water to the surrounding region including the capital. The calm body of water is surrounded by fields and small hills where you can see local farmers tending rice paddies.

The lake was created by the construction of the Paldang Dam, which controls the flow of the Han River and ensures water supply to Seoul. This dam transformed the region's landscape and became critical infrastructure for the area's water management.

The lake's name comes from Paldang village, and the point where the North Han and South Han rivers meet inside the reservoir is called Dumulmeori, "two-water head". Because the lake is a protected water-source zone, swimming and washing are banned, and farming, factories and restaurants are restricted in what they may discharge.

The area around the lake is well maintained and easily accessible from Seoul by car or local buses, making it a popular day trip destination. Bring your own food since there are few commercial spots, and use the walking paths and parks to explore the landscape.

At the point where the North Han and South Han rivers meet, the confluence inside the lake is called Dumulmeori, meaning "two waters meet". The Gyeongan Stream also joins from the south. The lake's basin covers 23,800 km², and at full water level the surface spans 36.5 km².