After the Korean War many people migrated into Seoul and settled in makeshift houses alongside the Cheonggye stream, downtown Seoul. This condition of the area deteriorated due to the accompanying waste products and other excess sand and trash. Over time the stream was covered up and in 1976 an elevated highway was completed above the stream. This was seen as modernisation and therefore successful.
The former Mayor of Seoul, and now current President, Lee Myung Bak initiated an urban renewal project that would recover the stream and beautify the city.
This was a costly and time consuming project, but one well worth it.
The beautiful stream of Cheonggyecheon now runs for almost 6 meters. The plan was to create a human-oriented and environmentally-friendly city. Creating this environment, with clean water and natural habitats, has made a significant difference.
"Species of fish, birds, and insects have increased significantly as a result of the stream excavation. The stream helps to cool down the temperature on the nearby areas by 3.6 °C on average versus other parts of Seoul. The number of vehicles entering downtown Seoul has shown a decrease of 2.3%, with an increasing number of users of buses (by 1.4%) and subways (by 4.3% - daily average of 430,000 people) as a result of the demolition of the two high-used roads. This supposedly has a positive influence by improving the atmospheric environment in the region."
The restoration of this stream was one of the best things the Mayor could have done. It is such a beautiful and peaceful place, and oh, so romantic! At night you will see people gathered around with their feet in the water, some people provide entertainment by playing their guitars and singing for the crowds, while others snuggle their partner without even saying a word.
In a busy city like Seoul, it is so refreshing to have a place like this. It should definitely be on the "top ten things to see in Seoul" list.
The former Mayor of Seoul, and now current President, Lee Myung Bak initiated an urban renewal project that would recover the stream and beautify the city.
This was a costly and time consuming project, but one well worth it.
The beautiful stream of Cheonggyecheon now runs for almost 6 meters. The plan was to create a human-oriented and environmentally-friendly city. Creating this environment, with clean water and natural habitats, has made a significant difference.
"Species of fish, birds, and insects have increased significantly as a result of the stream excavation. The stream helps to cool down the temperature on the nearby areas by 3.6 °C on average versus other parts of Seoul. The number of vehicles entering downtown Seoul has shown a decrease of 2.3%, with an increasing number of users of buses (by 1.4%) and subways (by 4.3% - daily average of 430,000 people) as a result of the demolition of the two high-used roads. This supposedly has a positive influence by improving the atmospheric environment in the region."
The restoration of this stream was one of the best things the Mayor could have done. It is such a beautiful and peaceful place, and oh, so romantic! At night you will see people gathered around with their feet in the water, some people provide entertainment by playing their guitars and singing for the crowds, while others snuggle their partner without even saying a word.
In a busy city like Seoul, it is so refreshing to have a place like this. It should definitely be on the "top ten things to see in Seoul" list.
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