Cheonggyecheon is a roughly 11 km restored stream that cuts east through downtown Seoul. It starts at Cheonggye Plaza on the edge of Jongno District and runs past office towers, markets and old bridges until it joins the Jungnangcheon and flows on toward the Han River. Locals come to escape traffic noise, and visitors come to see one of the world’s most cited examples of a city tearing out a highway for nature.
Until 2003, a 5.6 km elevated expressway carrying about 170,000 cars a day covered this waterway (source: Namane Card). The restored stream opened in 2005. Today the walk begins beside Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s striped, shell-shaped Spring sculpture, where a waterfall drops into the channel. Downstream, stepping stones cross the water, willows and reeds line the banks, and herons wade in the shallows. The reconstructed Joseon-era Gwangtonggyo Bridge reuses original carved stones.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit. Office workers crowd the upper stretch at lunch, and weekend evenings draw couples once the lights reflect off the water. Spring and autumn offer the best walking weather. In November, the Seoul Lantern Festival usually fills the plaza end with illuminated installations.
To reach the start, take the subway to Gwanghwamun (Line 5) or City Hall (Lines 1 and 2). Gwangjang Market sits near Jongno 5-ga, which makes a good food stop midway. Wear comfortable shoes, because the full route takes several hours. Admission is free.
