The 'Shiri,' which only inhabits clean streams of grade 2 water or higher, was discovered in Cheonggyecheon, a downtown stream in Seoul. The Shiri gained fame as the title of an action film starring Han Seok-kyu released in 1999. The movie 'Shiri' was also re-released in March after 26 years, and now the Shiri has appeared in the heart of Seoul.
The National Museum of Science conducted an investigation into freshwater fish inhabiting Cheonggyecheon to mark the 20th anniversary of its restoration. This survey was conducted at a total of six locations, starting from Cheonggye Plaza and near Mojun Bridge to the confluence where it meets Jungnangcheon. The same locations as those studied 20 years ago were chosen to objectively compare and analyze changes in the fish population over the past two decades.
Through the first joint academic survey conducted from April 29 to 30, a total of 4 orders, 7 families, 20 species, and 1 variety (Israeli carp) with 1,238 individuals were identified. The most abundant were 13 species and 1 variety of carp, followed by 5 species of bass. The dominant species was the common carp, which accounted for approximately 53.7% of the total number of individuals. The Korean bullhead (14.7%) and stone moroko (7.5%) were also plentiful. There were 3 species unique to Korea: Shiri, Korean bullhead, and mottled loach, while there was 1 variety of an alien species, the Israeli carp, and no invasive species were present.
Examining the distribution of species according to the survey sections of Cheonggyecheon, the upper to middle reaches mostly saw common carp, a swimming fish that prefers flowing waters, while only in the confluence with Jungnangcheon at the lower reaches were many crucian carp, which prefer slow-moving and stagnant waters. The research team noted, "Before the restoration in 2003, species that were tolerant of water quality such as carp, crucian carp, loach, and northern spotted dogfish were common, but this survey confirmed species such as the Korean bullhead, common carp, sweetfish, bighead tangled fish, and mud loach that live in areas with good water quality."
In particular, the 'Shiri' collected from the weir near Gwanseong Bridge in the upper reaches is a unique species that lives only on the Korean Peninsula and inhabits clear waters with fast flow. The fish captured on site were released back to the collected location after on-site verification for the protection of the natural environment.
Kwon Seok-min, director of the National Museum of Science, said, "To vividly inform citizens of the changes in freshwater fish and river ecosystems inhabiting Cheonggyecheon on the 20th anniversary of its restoration, we will continue to strive for this," and noted, "We are planning to create opportunities for communication and empathy with citizens through operating a freshwater fish exploration program for general citizens and linking academic results to establish an exhibition space in the second half of the year where they can feel, explore, and heal in nature within the city."