Cheonggyecheon Stream

Basile Morin · CC BY-SA 4.0

A stream once buried under an elevated motorway, now running again six metres below street level.

For the second half of the 20th century Cheonggyecheon lay under an elevated motorway — the emblem of a city industrialising in a hurry. In 2003 Seoul did something few cities dare: it tore the motorway down and brought the stream back. The result is a corridor almost six kilometres long through the centre, sunk several metres below the road, so the traffic noise all but vanishes as you step down. There are stepping stones to cross, an artificial waterfall at the head, and in winter the whole channel is strung with lanterns for the festival. Seoulites walk here on their lunch break as a way of leaving the city without leaving it.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Cheonggyecheon Stream?

May–June, September–October and the lantern festival

How long do you need at Cheonggyecheon Stream?

1 hour

What are the opening hours of Cheonggyecheon Stream?

Open all day

Did you know

The restoration was completed in 2005 after the elevated motorway was demolished.
The stream runs about 11km; the central walkable stretch is close to 6km.
Summer temperatures along the channel run several degrees below the street above.
The Seoul Lantern Festival is held along the stream in winter.

Travel tips

Drop down at Cheonggye Plaza and walk downstream towards Gwangjang Market.
In the evening the underwater lighting comes on and it is cooler and quieter.
The path can close after heavy rain — watch for the warning boards.

Source: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/

Updated: 2026-08-05