Cheonggyecheon

🌊🌳🇰🇷 Cheonggyecheon, located in the heart of Seoul, is a popular urban renewal project that transformed a neglected stream into a beautiful park and cultural landmark.

Originally, Cheonggyecheon was a natural stream that flowed through the city, but it became heavily polluted and was eventually covered by a highway in the 1950s to accommodate growing traffic demands.

In 2003, the city government undertook a massive project to uncover and restore the stream, with the aim of revitalizing the area and promoting environmental sustainability. The project involved the demolition of the highway, the construction of a water treatment facility, and the creation of a new park and public space.

The restored stream and park opened to the public in 2005, and since then, it has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The park features walking paths, bridges, fountains, and even a light show at night, all while preserving the natural beauty of the stream and its ecosystem.

Cheonggyecheon has also become a symbol of the city’s efforts to balance economic development with environmental preservation and cultural heritage. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of urban renewal projects in creating sustainable and vibrant communities.