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Hwangpo Sailboat

The Hwangpo sailboat was once a major means of transportation along the Han River, used to carry food, firewood, salt, and other goods. The name "Hwangpo" comes from the yellowish-brown color of its sail, and the boat served as a symbolic image of the Han River in the past. These boats were not only used on the Han River but also in many regions across Korea where rivers were present.

The Hwangpo sailboat is a flat-bottomed boat, ideal for calm currents and shallow waters, such as those found in rivers and streams. In villages located across rivers, such boats were commonly used for everyday travel. Before the development of railroads and roads, boats like the Hwangpo sailboat were quick and accessible transportation options—much like taxis today, used by anyone needing to move from place to place.