You know it’s finally April when the buds are in full bloom! April’s natural landscape is especially beautiful here in Seoul. In the past, protecting the environment was something that the present generation practiced for the benefit of the future generations. However, it’s not just for the future generations anymore as our natural environment is seemingly undergoing a crisis. Over the past few years, heat waves, floods, droughts, and other climate change issues have occurred around the world while ecosystems are drastically changing. Shouldn’t protecting the environment be the most important agenda for a city that seeks to live in harmony with nature? April 22 is Earth Day! And to celebrate this special occasion, let’s explore the places in Seoul that connect nature and people together right here at the heart of the city.
#CheonggyecheonStream
Sustainability and Urban Regeneration
Cheonggyecheon Stream is a prime example of creating harmony between urban development and environmental conservation. The current sustainability case in Seoul that the international community has been paying special attention to is called the Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project. This project has made Seoul, which used to be quite environmentally unhealthy, into a sustainable city where nature and people can coexist. After the Korean War, greater environmental pollution occurred around Cheonggyecheon in Seoul, turning it into a polluted stream of water. Seoul is special in that the city demonstrates how sustainable urban spaces can create healthier and friendlier environments that the public can benefit from. The water of the Cheonggyecheon Stream flows in the middle of an urban area full of high-rise buildings. The streamlet is a place that brings together Seoul citizens, as well as international tourists seeking an escape into nature. Office workers, couples, and families all enjoy their time in this nature-friendly area. As you walk along the stream, you can spot the Hanwha Fireworks Road from the bottom of the Samil Bridge. This road is a well-known photo spot with the view of different paintings and public art installations during their walk. The Cheonggyecheon Stream is a great tourist destination, but let’s move on to our next destination!
#CheonggyecheonStream #CityWalkway #BeautifulPath #Sustainability
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- Address: 1, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seorin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
#Seoullo7017
Renovated into a pedestrian path, Seoullo 7017 is a prime example of urban regeneration in Seoul. In the first year following its opening, the weekday and weekend walking rates among the public increased by as much 28.5% and 48.6%, respectively. In addition to reducing car traffic, the flowers and plants growing on along Seoullo created its own flourishing ecosystem. In Malli-dong Square, there is a particulate matter-free zone at the end of Seoullo 7017 with as many as 4,182 growing trees that naturally filter the air. Each tree even has a name tag to help visitors identify each tree. At night, you can enjoy a romantic view of Seoul with LED lights to light your path throughout the garden. If you want to take a break from the busy daily grind, visit Seoullo 7017 and walk through the stunning green spaces for a stunning overlook of the city.
#Seoullo7017 #RespiteInSeoul #WalkingInSeoul #NatureInSeoul #UrbanRegeneration
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- Address: 18, Toegye-ro, Namdaemun-ro 5-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
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Seoul Upcycling Plaza
Upcycling & The Value of Transformation
Have you ever been curious about what happens to your recyclable products after throwing them away? Have you wondered about how you could use these products in a way that is even more environmentally friendly? Try checking out the Upcyclicing Plaza, where you can broaden your awareness of upcycling at various exhibitions and performance centers. The plaza is a large cultural space where you can learn, see, and experience everything about upcycling first hand to practice environmental protection and resource conservation on your own. It also operates using eco-friendly lighting and renewable energy, making it a facility that diligently practices energy conservation. The plaza infrastructure uses water from the water recycling center and also collects rainwater. Additionally, discarded plastic bottles, milk cartons, and other waste items are creatively reused and can be seen throughout the building. There are also many programs that teach both children and adults how to reuse and recycle. For example the topic of “upcycling,” which can be difficult for children, is taught in a way that anyone can understand. Simply by making a doll or toy with upcycled materials, you can experience upcycled product first hand. You can create your own product by making a reservation in advance after completing the equipment training at the Dream Factory. You can also see the process of making recycled materials in the reuse workshop and learn about a variety of upcycling products. There is also a restaurant, a café, and a terrace area on the premises. The terrace is a great place to have a picnic by the flower gardens, which change throughout the four seasons.
#SeoulUpcyclingPlaza #Upcycling #Recycling #Ecology
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- Address: 49, Car market-gil, Yongdap-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
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Hours: Mon ~ Sat 10:00 – 18:00 KST / Closed every Sunday
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Tel: +82-2-2153-0400
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Zero-Waste is the New Trend! #Almang Market
Almang Market is a zero-waste store that sells eco-friendly products both unpackaged and in bulk. In addition to detergents and cosmetics, eco-friendly products such as scrub brushes and stationery are sold. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers to fill up in order to reduce packaging waste. The store also educates its customers on various ways to help protect the earth by providing a practical way for people to buy products without producing any waste. Almang is a beloved place by sustainably-minded people because there is a huge variety of niche and eco-friendly items to choose from, and also offers a fun shopping experience! Essentially, everything is in one central location, making it easy and convenient to practice a sustainable lifestyle and help the environment. If you’re tired of the plain old options at every other store and want to try a more eco-friendly lifestyle, Almang Market is the place to go!
#AlmangMarket #Zero-Waste #EnvironmentalProtection #RefillShop #Sustainability
Information
- Address: 47 World Cup-ro 25-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
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Hours: Daily 12:00 - 20:00 KST / Closed Mondays
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Tel: +82-507-1386-1064
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※ Hours of operation may vary due to the government's quarantine guidelines. Please check before visiting.