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The Nakdong River (Rakdong in North Korean) is the longest river in South Korea, and passes through major cities such as Daegu and Busan.

The Naktong flows from the Taebaek Mountains to the Sea of Japan (East Sea). The river originates from the junction of the Cheolamcheon and Hwangjicheon streams in Dongjeom-dong, Taebaek city, Gangwon province. From there to its mouth it winds for about 506 km. The width of the river is 3200 meters.^{[citation needed]}

Major tributaries include the Yeong, Geumho, and Nam rivers. Together with its tributaries, the Nakdong drains most of North Gyeongsang and South Gyeongsang provinces, along with small portions of North Jeolla, South Jeolla, and Gangwon. The total watershed is 23,384 km².

Bridge over the Nakdong River, near Andong dam

The Naktong River has played an important role throughout Korean history. The river basin has been a favored dwelling-place for as long as people have inhabited the Korean peninsula. Numerous Neolithic remains have been found in the valley.

Around the 1st century, the valley is believed to have been inhabited by the Byeonhan confederacy tribes. During the Three Kingdoms period, the Gaya confederacy controlled the valley, until they were overrun by Silla in 562. These states exploited the river's potential for navigation and commerce, operating a thriving trade in armor and weapons with neighboring countries, including Yamato period Japan. Through the Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon periods, the river continued to serve as a major transportation corridor in the Gyeongsang region.

As a barrier to movement, the Naktong gained sudden prominence during the Korean War. The southern length of the river formed the western portion of the Pusan Perimeter, which the UN forces fought to maintain during the autumn of 1950. The bridge over the Naktong at Waegwan was blown up on August 3, 1950 in an effort to prevent North Korean forces from advancing on Daegu. A large number of Korean refugees were killed in the explosion. Although some North Korean forces did cross the Nakdong in places, for the most part the river still marks their furthest advance.

The Nakdong valley includes the largest extant wetland in South Korea: the Upo wetland in Changnyeong County, South Gyeongsang. This wetland provides habitat to a large number of rare and threatened species of mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates. In the spring and fall, it provides a resting-place for thousands of migratory birds, including ducks, geese, and cranes.

Despite being home to the bustling Port of Busan, the Nakdong estuary also provides substantial ecological value. Like Upo, it is noted as a stopping-place for migrant birds.

The Nakdong and its tributaries also serve as a major source of drinking water for the inhabitants of the river basin and others nearby. However, water pollution due to domestic and agricultural wastewater remains a serious concern.

Although all but the southernmost reaches of the Naktong have ceased to serve as a major commercial waterway, the river continues to feed those dwelling near it, both directly through fishing and indirectly through irrigation. Substantial amounts of snails and catfish are taken from the waters and used in local cuisine.

Near Andong, a series of massive hydroelectric dams have been constructed, creating a small chain of artificial lakes of which Andong Lake is the largest. These lakes also support a substantial recreational industry. Bass fishing is especially popular, since the lakes have been artificially stocked with bass.

• Geography of South Korea
• List of Korea-related topics
• List of rivers of Asia