Cheonggyecheon Stream

Overview

Cheonggyecheon is a stunning 11-km urban stream park running through the heart of downtown Seoul, created by tearing down an ugly elevated highway and restoring the buried stream beneath.

Highlights

• Urban Regeneration: One of the world's most celebrated urban renewal projects.
• Stepping Stones: Walk across the stream on stone steps amid the traffic-free greenway.
• Seasonal Events: A spectacular Lantern Festival in November lines the stream with illuminated lanterns.

History

The stream was covered by a road in 1958 and an elevated highway in 1976. In 2003, Mayor Lee Myung-bak (later President) demolished the highway and restored the stream, completed in 2005.

Visitor Tips

• Evening Walk: The stream is beautifully lit at night.
• Starting Point: Begin at the Cheonggye Plaza waterfall in central Seoul and walk southeast.
• Duration: 1 hour.