Cheonggyecheon, or Cheonggye Stream, is an ancient stream that was covered by an elevated highway for many years. Cheonggye Plaza was opened in 2005 as part of an urban renewal project to make the stream accessible to the public again.
The highway was removed and walkways, small gardens, bridges and artworks were placed along the stream. Cheonggye Plaza marks the starting point for this 6.8-mile (11-kilometer) long urban redevelopment and recreational area.
When you arrive, find the model of the Cheonggyecheon to get a view of the stream from above and to get a feel for the scale of this impressive restoration project.
Stroll out in to the center of Cheonggye Plaza and gaze up at the brightly colored Spring Sculpture. Notice how the spire-shaped sculpture resembles a shell, a touch of nature rising up out of the square. The sculpture’s bright red and blue lines were inspired by the traditional dress of Korean women. The Spring Sculpture represents new life and restoration, a fitting symbol for Seoul.
Look down to admire the subtle, yet beautiful, stonework beneath your feet. The pattern is based on a bojagi, a traditional Korean wrapping cloth, and laid by stonemasons in a traditional manner.
Head over to the flowing waters of the Candlelight Fountain, which features a 13-foot (4-meter) man-made waterfall existing of two tiers. Look either side of the fountain for the elegant Palseokdam wishing wells. Each wishing well was made with a different kind of stone, one from each of the eight provinces of South Korea.
You can spend hours following Cheonggye Stream and its many features. Seoul’s excellent public transportation serves many spots along the way, so you can always take the subway back. Or, just wander a short distance and return to the plaza to sit down by the stream for some people watching.
Cheonggye Plaza is even more beautiful after dark, when the Candlelight Fountain with its dancing waters is illuminated.
Ask locals for information on events that may be on during your visit, because Cheonggye Plaza regularly hosts festivals and celebrations on public holidays, with the surrounding streets being blocked off for traffic for optimal enjoyment.
