Seoul's Urban Renewal ~ Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천)

Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천)
Address: 110, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 중구 태평로1가 ~성동구 신답철교

How to get there: 

[Subway]
- City Hall, Jonggak, Jongno 3-ga, Jongno 5-ga, Dongdaemun, Sinseol-dong (Seoul Subway Line 1)
- City Hall, Euljiro 1-ga, Euljiro 3-ga, Euljiro 4-ga, Sindang, Sangwangsimni (Seoul Subway Line 2)
- Jongno 3-ga (Seoul Subway Line 1, 3 and 5)
- Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (Seoul Subway Line 4)
- Gwanghwamun (Seoul Subway Line 5)
[Bus]
Take any bus bound for Gwanghwamun or Jongno.

Cheonggyecheon was a watercourse hidden by an expressway until it was restored in 2005. Now, the stream has regained its full glory, and is always busy with families, couples, and walkers alike. I have always been interested in the history of the stream, even since I joined my volunteer group in 2005! It was on my to-go list during my first trip to Korea in 2007, but due to our packed itinerary we had to give it a miss.

I've been to the stream a couple of times, and it never fails to amaze me!

Lantern displays during Buddha's birthday

Day out with my lovely dongsaengs!

Fieldtrip with my classmates

Exhibition under the bridges

The stream is a total of 8.4km, which I have covered the full length of it! 

Near Dongdaemun area

With my SNU classmates and my teacher at our destination

The stream is pretty in winter too! This was taken when I first reached Korea in February 2013.

Cheonggyecheon Museum (청계천문화관)Address: 530, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 성동구 청계천로 530 (마장동)
Telephone: 02-2286-3410
Opening Hours: 
March - Oct / Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 21:00
Sat, Sun, Holidays: 10:00 - 19:00
Nov - Feb / Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 21:00
Sat, Sun, Holidays: 10:00-18:00
Free Admission!

At one end of the stream is the Cheonggyecheon Museum, which includes permanent and special exhibitions. It tells you about the restoration project as well as the history of the stream since the Joseon Dynasty.

Replica of the underground sewer with stone carvings on the walls

Buildings that were removed to uncover the stream

Opposite the museum, you can find the open museum, replicas of the buildings built along the stream. 

The old one-room for students preparing for exams

Free trying of school uniforms

Enjoying the warm glowing sun!

The pillars of the expressway that once covered the stream reminds us of the history of the stream. 

Wall of hope

Photos of the river from the past

Colourful art installations along the river course

Cheonggyecheon at sunset

Cheonggyecheon at sunset

If I had to choose, I think Cheonggyecheon at night is the prettiest, especially when there is the lantern festival! A stroll down the stream is the perfect way to end the day with your loved ones!