Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon (청계천) Stream is a 5 mile long stream that runs through Seoul. It is open all year for the residents of Seoul to come and view during the day and night. The Cheonggyecheon also hold events throughout the year.

The Cheonggyecheon start off as an open stream that ran through Seoul. As a matter of fact, most of the stream had been covered by cement. But in the year 2003, Lee Myung-bak (이명박), who was the major of Seoul at the time, initiated a green project to restore the Cheongyecheon. In the year 2005, the Cheonggyecheon was open to the public.

At the entrance of the Cheonggyecheon is a large waterfall. Behind the waterfall is Seoul’s famous sculpture “Spring.” In reality, it looks like a colorful, upside down ice cream cone and is actually kind of ugly. But hey, art. Dotted along the river are also small rock bridges where you can cross to get to the other side.

Cheonggyecheon is most famous for being a “couple hangout” spot. For many couples, it’s a very relaxing walk along a beautiful stream. You can also stop and take a break at some places and stick your feet in the cold stream. The stream is also a favorite for families with small children as certain parts of the stream allow you to play in them.

The Cheonggyecheon’s most famous event is the Seoul Lantern Festival, which is generally held in the fall of each year. The festival is an amazing display of art, lights, and ingenuity. If you are in Seoul during the festival, make sure to check it out. Be warned though; it’s an extremely popular event and therefore usually very crowded. Expect to wait in a long line to get down into the river.

The Cheonggyecheon is truly an urban beauty and is a great place to go and visit with your friends, family, or significant other. The best time to visit is during the spring or summer where the weather is warm enough to stick your feet in and enjoy the stream. 

To get to the Cheonggyecheon, you can take a bus, taxi or subway. If you take the subway, get off at Euljiro 1-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 2 or 3, Jonggak Station (Subway Line 1), Exit 5, or

Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5), Exit 5.