Han-gaang (한강) then and Han-gaang now.
Gaang means ‘river’ in Korean and Han is derived from a pure Korean word ‘Han-garam’. ‘Han-garam’ means big and full (like yo mama, I kid).
Seoul is split into 2 major areas by Han-gaang, ‘gaang-buuk’ (river North) and ‘gaang-nam’ (river South). Though, it may have hosted river fishers and merchants back in the day, now it is filled with parks and recreation as well as the backdrop for the internationally recognized film ‘The Host’.
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It is also where yours truly grew up by, rode many bicycle rides, and played a many basketball games. 🥲
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