.Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul

Cheonggyecheon Stream is a 10.9 km (6.8 mile) public recreation area in downtown Seoul.  The stream was covered with concrete and an elevated highway for twenty years during the rapid economic development after the Korean War, but was restored (and the highway removed) starting in 2003.  This restoration was a significant part of the movement to re-introduce nature to the city, promote a more eco-friendly urban design, restore the history and culture of the region, and revitalize the economy of Seoul.

We begin at the beginning of the park in Cheonggye Plaza, a public square that commemorates the restoration of the stream.

Cheonggye Plaza

We then descent into the stream bed and walk along the banks.

Along the stream

As we come to bridges, we find people relaxing on the bank and soaking their feet in the stream.

Relaxing under a bridge

Continuing along the stream, we find local wildlife and reporters recording a story of the day.

Continuing along the stream

Local residents

Filming

We find local artwork along the walls of the stream bed.

Art on the stream

As we go further from Cheonggye Plaza, the stream narrows and continues deeper into the city.  Eventually, we take the steps up and out of the stream, back into the busy city streets above and alongside.

Finishing our walk