Cheonggyecheon: The return of a mini-water park

Not long ago, the "stream" known as Cheonggyecheon was little more than a casualty of Seoul's rapid urbanization; the waters that once ran through it had been turned into a pathetic memory.

Thanks to an aggressive revitalization effort, however, the waters of Cheonggyecheon have returned and, with them, so have throngs of Seoulites eager for a break from the ashpalt world that often surrounds them.

A recreation space that hosts various performances and cultural events, Cheonggyecheon is now a popular local landmark, tourist attraction and date spot.   

Water park 

Once called “Gaecheon,” or “open stream," Cheonggyecheon was covered with concrete in 1958, then completely buried under a highway, which was completed in 1976.

Plans to restore the stream were first adopted in 2003. Total cost of the restoration project was ₩386 billion ($281 million).

The park is large. The main pedestrian thoroughfare through the area is 5.3 kilometers long.

With its waterfalls, stone bridges, vegetation and flowerbeds, the area provides welcome respite for office workers, students and tourists. At night, it transforms into a romantic venue with colorful beams of lights shooting through waterfalls and bridges.

Visitors can leave the stream through many gateways that lead to various neighborhoods. 

Spanning the stream, the Samilgyo Bridge opens up to popular tourist spot Insadong, while the Saebyeokdari Bridge leads to two traditional markets, Gwangjang Market and Bangsan Market.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government offers professional guides to make walks more educational. Click here for official information about walking tours.

The Cheonggye Stream Museum is located at the end of the stream that begins near City Hall. Along with exhibitions, the museum also features a café and souvenir shop.

Designed by Park Seung-hong, one of the six architects who won the 2003 Seoul Architecture Award, the museum itself is a noted landmark.

Open performance space

Artists and performers from around the country love Cheonggyecheon as a performance space. From musicians, magicians and painters to dancers, actors and comedians, the area is often used as an open stage. 

Public performances are sponsored by the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, which holds auditions each April to choose the most creative acts. 

Around Buddha’s birthday, Buddhists and festival organizers arrange large floats along the water, while local universities display student works on the water, roads and bridges. 

Cheonggye Stream

Changsin-dong, Jongno-gu (종로구 창신동, 청계천); +82 2 2286-3403

www.cheonggyecheon.or.kr