Still today, many streams are channelized and embanked in Korea. On the other hand, some urban streams are being restored to their natural shapes by landscape planners. It would be better to improve rural streams in a way that would not require restoration in later days. Then, one important question is what kind of embankments the residents prefer for what reasons. Five simulated photos showing from very natural to artificial embankments were used in surveying 90 residents of three villages. Major findings are ; 1. Residents regard safety(from flooding) is the most critical factor to be considered in selection of stream bank materials. 2. They think ideal materials are natural stones or concrete blocks as they look tidy. Concrete retaining walls or vegetated natural slopes are not regarded good. 3. The most preferred material is concrete retaining wall, and the least preferred is vegetated natural slope. They prefer concrete retaining wall which they do not think an ideal material, because it will make a safe bank. 4. Natural stone bank is most preferred for its apperance, and vegetated natural slpoe is most disliked as it may collapse and as it does not look clean.

• 이춘석
• 류남형