Seoul Cheonggyecheon Tour : Stream, Culture, and Art Guide

Index

• Seoul Cheonggyecheon Tour: Stream, Culture and Art Guide
• Introduction to Cheonggyecheon
• Major Attractions along Cheonggyecheon

 

Seoul Cheonggyecheon Tour : Stream, Culture, and Art Guide

lights of  Cheonggyecheon

 

Cheonggyecheon, a stream that runs through the center of Seoul, is a place where nature, history, and culture coexist. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk along the 10.84 km long stream, which is surrounded by various attractions, such as museums, galleries, markets, and festivals. Cheonggyecheon is a symbol of Seoul's urban renewal, as it was restored in 2005 after being covered by a highway for decades. With its clean water, greenery, and artistic features, Cheonggyecheon offers visitors a chance to experience a different side of Seoul, both for tourists and locals. There are so many things to see and do along Cheonggyecheon that visitors may want to plan ahead and choose their favorite spots. While the stream is accessible from many points, visitors can start from Cheonggye Plaza, the main entrance of Cheonggyecheon, and follow the flow of the water.

 

Introduction to Cheonggyecheon

 
Cheonggyecheon is a stream that flows from west to east in downtown Seoul. It is part of the Han River system and a tributary of the Jungnangcheon. The stream originates from Baekundong Valley in Jongno-gu, and merges with Samcheongdong Stream underground near Cheonggye Plaza. It then passes through the traditional and modern areas of Seoul, such as Jongno, Euljiro, and Dongdaemun, before joining the Jungnangcheon near Hanyang University. The stream has a total length of 10.84 km and a watershed area of 59.83 km2. Cheonggyecheon has a long history and a rich culture, as it was the site of many events and activities during the Joseon Dynasty. The stream was also a source of livelihood for many people, such as laundry women, fishermen, and merchants. However, due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, the stream was polluted and covered by a highway in the 1950s and 1960s. In 2003, the city of Seoul decided to restore the stream and demolish the highway, in order to revitalize the downtown area and create a green space for the citizens. The restoration project was completed in 2005, and since then, Cheonggyecheon has become a popular attraction and a cultural venue for various events and festivals.

Cheonggyecheon

Cheonggyecheon

Cheonggyecheon

 

Major Attractions along Cheonggyecheon

Cheonggyecheon

Visit Cheonggye Plaza

The Cheonggye Plaza is the main entrance and the starting point of Cheonggyecheon. It is located at the intersection of Sejong-ro and Taepyeong-ro, near Gwanghwamun and City Hall. The plaza features a large fountain, a model of Cheonggyecheon, and a sculpture called "Spring" by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. The sculpture is a gift from KT to the city of Seoul, and it represents a shell rising from the water. The plaza is also a place where many cultural events and performances are held, such as the Seoul Lantern Festival, the Cheonggyecheon Fringe Festival, and the Cheonggyecheon Street Art Festival.

Visit Gwangtonggyo Bridge

The Gwangtonggyo Bridge is the oldest stone bridge in Seoul, and it crosses Cheonggyecheon near Jonggak Station. The bridge was built during the Goryeo Dynasty, and it was originally called Sugunggyo Bridge. It was renamed Gwangtonggyo Bridge during the Joseon Dynasty, and it was a place where royal processions and ceremonies took place. The bridge was also a witness to many historical events, such as the Donghak Peasant Revolution, the March 1st Movement, and the Korean War. The bridge was buried under the highway for a long time, until it was excavated and restored in 2005. The bridge is now a cultural heritage site and a symbol of Seoul's history and culture.

Visit Cheonggyecheon Museum

The Cheonggyecheon Museum is a place where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Cheonggyecheon, as well as the restoration project and the environmental issues. The museum is located near Samilgyo Bridge, and it has four exhibition halls, a library, and a seminar room. The museum displays various artifacts, models, photos, and videos related to Cheonggyecheon, from the prehistoric era to the present day. The museum also offers guided tours, lectures, and educational programs for visitors of all ages.

Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP, is one of the most iconic buildings in Seoul, with its futuristic and organic design. The plaza was built to replace the Dongdaemun Stadium, and it was designed by architect Zaha Hadid. The plaza is a multipurpose complex that houses various facilities, such as exhibition halls, design shops, a design museum, a design lab, and a design market. The plaza is also connected to the subway station and the Cheonggyecheon History and Culture Park. The plaza is a hub of design and creativity, and it hosts many events and exhibitions, such as the Seoul Fashion Week, the Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, and the Seoul Design Festival. The plaza is also a popular spot for taking photos, especially at night when it is illuminated by LED lights.

Visit Dongdaemun Market

The Dongdaemun Market is one of the largest and oldest markets in Korea, and it is located near the Dongdaemun Gate, a major landmark in Seoul. The market consists of various shopping centers, wholesale shops, street vendors, and food stalls, and it sells a wide range of products, such as clothing, accessories, fabrics, electronics, and souvenirs. The market is open 24 hours a day, and it attracts both locals and tourists who are looking for bargains and trends. The market is also a place where visitors can experience the lively and diverse culture of Seoul, as well as taste various street foods, such as hotteok, tteokbokki, and sundae.
 
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