On August 27, 2026, Korea's climate, energy and environment ministry confirmed that only 5 of the 14 climate-response dams proposed in July 2024 will go forward for further study. The estimated cost falls from KRW 4.75 trillion to about KRW 1.67 trillion, a cut of about 64.8%.
Three decisions in two years
The original plan, announced on July 30, 2024, promised 250 million tonnes a year of new water, enough for 2.2 million people. In March 2025 the National Water Resources Management Committee confirmed 9 of the 14 sites. On September 30, 2025 the new government halted 7 and sent the other 7 to further study and public deliberation.
What survives
The five dams are Jicheon, Amicheon, Byeongyeongcheon, Hoeyagang and Gohyeoncheon. Jicheon has been re-planned as a multipurpose dam supplying 180,000 tonnes a day to the Geum River region. Two sites were switched to cheaper options: Gamcheon will use storage at the existing Gimcheon Buhang Dam, and Garyecheon will link the Seoam and Gami reservoirs. None of the five has construction approval yet. Each still needs preliminary feasibility, feasibility and strategic environmental reviews.
Why it matters for K-Water
K-Water builds multipurpose dams on behalf of the state, although the 2026 announcements do not name an implementing body. Existing storage is being worked harder. Before the 2025 flood season K-Water cleared more than three times the 2.18 billion m³ of design flood-control space at the 20 multipurpose dams. At the same time, new demand is arriving from industry: the Yongin semiconductor cluster alone plans 1,072,000 tonnes a day by 2034.
Where Korea's new supply will come from, who decides it, and how the bulk tariff frozen since September 23, 2016 affects the system are set out in the full analysis. The full report, Water Systems Overview: K-Water, is available for USD 499. For a free overview, read the K-Water Utility Snapshot.