Once a stream that served as the domestic wastewater of Seoul, it has been transformed into one of the most beautiful leisure place in Seoul. The history of Cheonggyecheon begins even before the Joseon dynasty designated Seoul as its capital. Seoul is surrounded by mountains in nature and the stream developed naturally by its natural geographical reasons. Often the stream caused floods, therefore, it needed extensive construction work countless times. During the Japanese colonial period, the colonial government proposed many plans to renovate Cheonggyecheon, however, it failed every time due to lack of resources. In the 1950s, Cheonggyecheon was full of garbage and waste that symbolized the hardships of Korea- the nation had gone through the colonial period and the Korean War. After the Korean War, it served as the biggest wholesale market in Seoul for the past 40 years. However, Cheonggyecheon started major extensive renovation construction in 2003 led by the city of Seoul. Its construction was completed in 2005 and Cheonggyecheon is no longer the poorest area in Seoul, instead it is now a beautiful tourist attraction and a leisure place for Koreans.
It became more neat and clean than ever with beautiful 22 bridges that are decorated with 9,000 lights and 1,500,000 plants. Its length is 5.84 kilometer and 12.04 kilometer of walking paths are available. It has various kinds of tour programs such as two-floored Bus tour, Cheonggyecheon tour bus, and walking tour with guide that is available in four languages: English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. There are 8 spots that are Cheonggyecheon¡¯s must-see site. Especially, the walking tour is free but requires reservations beforehand. The city of Seoul also provides learning workshop for children and youth on ecology of Cheonggyecheon. There are countless programs and events in Cheonggyecheon which actively motivates Koreans and foreigners to participate. You might want to check out its website before visit, it contains lots of helpful information on Cheonggyecheon.
Location: Euljiro 1ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
How to get there: Subway Line 1- Sicheong, Jonggak, Jongno 3ga, Jongno 5ga, Dongdaemun,
Subway Line 2- Sicheong, Euljiro, Euljiro 3ga, Euljiro 4ga, Dongdaemun stadium
Subway Line 3- Jongno 3ga, Euljiro 3ga
Subway Line 4- Dongdaemun, Dongdaemun stadium
Subway Line 5- Gwanghwamun, Jongno 3ga, Euljiro 4ga, Dongdaemun stadium
