Purpose of this study was to evaluate germination characteristics of soil seed bank in rural stream topsoil using seedling emergence method in order to provide data for future ecological restoration of stream utilizing topsoil. There were 24 families, 52 genera, 61 taxa of soil seed bank flora found in topsoil from 6 rural streams. The most frequently found taxa were Compositae (12 taxa) followed by Gramineae (8 taxa), Caryophyllaceae (5 taxa), Cruciferae (4 taxa), Scrophulariaceae, Labiatae, Polygonaceae and Cyperaceae. Plant with the most number of germination was Stellaria aquatica followed by Erigeron annuus, Imperata cylindrica var. koenigii, Poa annua, Cyperus microiria and Veronica undulata. Naturalized plants found were Erigeron annuus, Rumex crispus, Oenothera odorata, Cerastium glomeratum, Bidens frondosa, Erigeron philadelphicus, etc.

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.