There are lots of open spaces in Seoul, South Korea to take a stroll in – Tapgol Park, Dwanaksan Mountain and Olympic Park to name a few. But nothing tops the Cheonggyecheon Stream which is lovely and tranquil at day but even nicer by night.
Cheonggyecheon Stream was once covered by an elevated highway following the Korean war. In 2005, it was opened to the public after a $900 million project to restore it. It passes lots of famous landmarks such as Seoul Plaza, Changdeokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace.
The 10.9 km (7.0 miles) long recreation space in downtown Seoul has become popular with residents and tourists alike. As the stream is more than 4.6 meters below the street it is extremely quiet. It is full of little waterfalls, numerous stepping stones across the stream and over 20 bridges. With lots of wildlife, this is like the heart and Soul of Seoul.
Looking for other things to do in Seoul? Check out my post about 10 free things to do in Seoul.
By night the Cheonggye Stream changes from wildlife haven to cool hip walk with its bridge lights and cool street art captured in the moonlight. This well lit area really is safe to walk at night and to soak up the tranquility whilst admiring the hipness of the area.
The starting (or finishing) point of the Cheonggyecheon Stream is Cheonggye Plaza. Here, there is a small waterfall which is also lit up at night. The Spring Sculpture is the centrepiece for the plaza and was designed for the restoration of the Cheonggyecheon Stream. At night the bridge next to Cheonggye Plaza is lit up in rainbow colours creating a colourful creation.
This is one place to escape the city and find your Seoul!
Tips for Exploring Cheonggyecheon Stream
– Start at Cheonggye Plaza in the daylight and take a stroll till the sun sets then wander back by night to see the river lit up.
– You can take an organised walking tour for which you need to register in advance online or take a walk alone. There is no need to have a guide unless you want the additional information about the river.
Wow, such beautiful photos! I love it when there is water — rivers, lakes, oceans, whatever — right in the city. It connects me to nature and makes the frantic pace of the city seem a little less important 🙂
So true. And the wildlife it brings gives you a peaceful place to escape city life.
Informative blog post for a person like me visiting the city for the first time. I love the look of the streamlining Seoul, looks beautiful from the picture. I’ll be sure to check it out when visiting. Thanks!
You really should check it out. It is so beautiful
That was such an innovative step to transform an old highway into the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Well, South Korea is totally capable to do that. And reading your article, it looks it is a wonderful place to take short morning stroll and freshen up a bit. By the way, love your cover picture, it makes me want to travel to Seoul right now.
Get on a flight! It’s lovely
Tranquil and beautiful! I can already imagine myself walking down there with some korean street food in hand! Haha! My visit to Seoul had not been enough! I need to plan a longer trip!
Don’t forget the rice wine 🙂
What a great inner city escape, nature, wall art and pretty lighting for when it goes dark.
It really is a beautiful stroll
Looks like a wonderful place for an evening walk or for the whole family to just go and enjoy. I won’t try typing the name because i’m sure i’ll get the spelling incorrect, but it’s nice to see the city go ahead and make areas like such for the public to appreciate and use. Glad to know that the street remain quiet and it the walls are being used for street art and the entire place looks like it is kept tidy and clean.
Seoul itself is so clean but I was still really surprise how clean this area was. It is really well maintained. And I really do love street art 🙂
Interesting place! I love nature when it can be retained in the middle of a big city. Connecting with nature is so important. We always travel with the kids and this looks like a really interesting place to visit with them!
Your kids will love it here! and of course you will too.
What a great idea making an old highway into the Cheonggyecheon Stream. I can see why it has become so popular with residents, as it looks like it gives life back to the areas. I especially like the idea of the little waterfalls and stepping stones across the stream in various areas. I will definitely be adding this to my list of things to do if I ever visit Seoul 🙂 Lovely post and pictures.
Thanks 🙂 I really enjoyed it there