Cheonggyecheon: where romance flows through Seoul

THE ORIGINAL ESSAY

Travelers to Seoul encounter two watercourses: the vast Han River that divides Seoul and Cheonggyecheon stream, which runs through the downtown financial and shopping districts. Compared to the immensity of the Han River’s presence, Cheonggyecheon has only recently begun to make its presence felt once again in Seoul. Travelers marvel at this small watercourse at the foot of massive modern buildings that feels somehow secluded from the bustle of the city all around.

An urban stream that traverses the center of Seoul, Cheonggyecheon became severely polluted and covered in 1958 with concrete for roads. An elevated highway was built over it in 1971 and the area became a somewhat dilapidated commercial district. Finally, a project was initiated in 2003 to uncover and restore the stream.

Cheonggyecheon, rid of the dismal overpass, was reborn. And since October 2005 when the waterway resumed its flow, an average of 80,000 people have visited each day. Now a work of art, the stream’s edges are decorated with colorful lighting and adorned with architec tural styling as well as a myriad of crisscrossing footbridges. In particular, Cheonggyecheon, combined with a beautiful night view of the city, its colorful lighting, and the tranquil waterway, is just something you shouldn’t miss. A walk along Cheonggyecheon is now an integral part of any tour of Seoul.

The scene of children playing in the stream in midsummer clearly testifies to the vitality of the urban watercourse’s reanimation of the city center. Seeing the beauty of Seoul along Cheonggyecheon where nature and advanced technology coexist in harmony will surely win your heart.

From Peter’s supplied Seoul guidebook introduction, chapter 21. Original observations and historical framing are retained. PDF line-break and spacing repairs are recorded separately from factual updates. Guidebook photography and venue directories are not republished.