It was the focal point of a raid during the Korean War and also provides flood protection from North Korea's Imnam Dam upstream.

The Han River Hydroelectric Company began construction in July 1939 and the dam was complete in October 1944.

[5] At midnight 8 April 1951, North Korean and Chinese forces released excess water from the dam's spillway which disabled five floating bridges of the United Nations Command downstream.

[7] On 9 April, the 7th Cavalry Regiment, already executing Operation Rugged in the area, were charged with capturing the dam but were unsuccessful after encountering stiff defense.

[10] On 1 May, Air Group 19 assaulted the dam with eight Skyraiders that were equipped with Mk 13 torpedoes and escorted by twelve Corsairs.