A restored waterway and riverside walking paths through central Seoul
Cheonggyecheon Stream running through the heart of Seoul
Cheonggyecheon Stream is a waterway and public space flowing through the heart of downtown Seoul from west to east. During the Joseon dynasty, the stream was known as Gaecheon, meaning “open stream.”
Over the years, multiple kings ordered improvements to the stream, making it a source of national pride.
During the reign of King Taejong, who ruled from 1400 to 1418, the government strengthened the banks and built bridges across the stream.
Refurbishment became a national project during the reign of King Yeongjo, who ruled from 1724 to 1776.
During the Japanese occupation, the stream became known as Cheonggyecheon. During this time, attempts to cover the stream were unsuccessful.
The stream passing through central Seoul near Cheonggye Plaza
After the Korean War, people built makeshift houses along the banks of the stream. Over the next few years, trash and waste from residents living in the area accumulated. This buildup caused conditions to deteriorate and become an eyesore for the city.
In 1958, work began to cover the stream and build a road above it. The covering work continued in stages until 1977. A 5.6-kilometer (3.5-mile) elevated highway was later built above the road.
Restoration of Cheonggyecheon Stream
Frame houses on the stream during the early 1900s
In July 2003, work began to remove the elevated highway and restore Cheonggyecheon to its original beauty.
The restoration covered a 5.84-kilometer (3.6-mile) section of the stream and took over two years to complete. The project included pumping 120,000 tons of water back into the dry stream and restoring Gwangtonggyo Bridge.
On October 1, 2005, Cheonggyecheon reopened to the public. Today, this natural landmark is a popular destination for tourists and locals who visit to experience natural beauty and wildlife in the middle of a large urban city.
Jonchigyogak
All that remains of Jonchigyogak, the Cheonggye Expressway Overpass
Cheonggye Plaza marks the western end of Cheonggyecheon Stream. Its Spring Sculpture, fountains, and waterfall overlook the start of the riverside paths.
Cheonggyecheon Museum explores the stream’s history, the former elevated highway, and the restoration project. It is near the eastern end of the restored section of the stream.
Bridges Along Cheonggyecheon Stream
The bridges below run from west to east, starting near Cheonggye Plaza.
Mojeongyo Bridge on the Cheonggyecheon Stream
Mojeongyo Bridge
Mojeongyo Bridge is one of the first bridges encountered on the west end of Cheonggyecheon Stream near Cheonggye Plaza and Gwanghwamun Square. Its name comes from the fruit shops that once operated nearby.
Gwangtonggyo is one of the stream’s historic stone bridges. Carved stones from a royal tomb were reused in its construction.
Gwanggyo Bridge
Gwanggyo Bridge
Gwanggyo Bridge carries Namdaemun-ro across the stream near Bosingak Belfry.
Jangtonggyo Bridge
Jangtonggyo Bridge
Jangtonggyo Bridge connects Gwancheol-dong and Janggyo-dong. Its name comes from Jangtongbang, the old name of the surrounding district.
Samilgyo Bridge
Samilgyo Bridge
Samilgyo Bridge takes its name from the March 1, 1919, independence movement. Tapgol Park is to the north of the bridge.
The modern Supyogyo Bridge over Cheonggyecheon Stream
Supyogyo Bridge
The Supyogyo Bridge pictured here is a modern wooden crossing at the site of the historic bridge. The original stone Supyogyo Bridge was moved in 1959 and now stands in Jangchungdan Park.
Gwansugyo Bridge
Gwansugyo Bridge
The name Gwansugyo refers to watching the water. Officials once monitored the stream’s water level from an office in this area.
Seungyo Bridge
Seungyo Bridge
Seungyo Bridge stands in front of the Sewoon Sangga shopping complex, which gave the bridge its name.
Baeogaedari Bridge
Baeogaedari Bridge
Baeogaedari Bridge is near Gwangjang Market. Its name comes from Baeogae, an old pass near what is now Jongno 4-ga.
Saebyeokdari Bridge (Dawn Bridge)
Saebyeokdari Bridge (Dawn Bridge)
Saebyeokdari Bridge connects the Gwangjang Market and Bangsan Market areas. Its curved canopy was designed to resemble the tents of a traditional market.
Majeongyo Bridge
Majeongyo Bridge
Majeongyo Bridge takes its name from a market where cattle and horses were once traded. Bronze horse sculptures on the bridge recall that history.
Naraegyo Bridge
Naraegyo Bridge
Naraegyo Bridge crosses the stream near Pyounghwa Clothing Market. Its arches and cables were designed to resemble a butterfly spreading its wings.
Beodeuldari Bridge crosses the stream near the clothing markets of Dongdaemun. Its name refers to the willow trees that once grew along this part of the stream.
Ogansugyo Bridge
Ogansugyo Bridge
Ogansugyo Bridge is near Heunginjimun Gate, also known as Dongdaemun. Its name recalls the five arched water gates that once let the stream pass through Seoul’s city wall.
Malgeunnaedari Bridge
Malgeunnaedari Bridge
Large metal arches rise above the walkway on Malgeunnaedari Bridge.
Dasangyo Bridge
Dasangyo Bridge
Dasangyo Bridge has tall supports shaped like blades of grass. It takes its name from Dasan, the pen name of the scholar Jeong Yak-yong.
Yeongdogyo Bridge
Yeongdogyo Bridge
Yeongdogyo Bridge is associated with the story of King Danjong and Queen Jeongsun saying goodbye before his exile. According to the story, they never saw each other again.
Hwanghakgyo Bridge
Hwanghakgyo Bridge
Hwanghakgyo Bridge crosses the stream near the Hwanghak-dong flea market area. Its name comes from a legend about a yellow crane that visited the fields here.
Biudanggyo Bridge
Biudanggyo Bridge
Biudanggyo Bridge takes its name from a story about Yu Gwan, a Joseon official known for his honesty. He was said to have held an umbrella indoors when his roof leaked.
Muhakgyo Bridge
Muhakgyo Bridge
Muhakgyo Bridge takes its name from Muhak, a Buddhist monk who advised King Taejo. The bridge carries Muhak-ro across the stream.
Dumuldari Bridge
Dumuldari Bridge
Dumuldari means a bridge where two waters meet, referring to streams that once joined here. The bridge is near Cheonggyecheon Museum.
Gosanjagyo Bridge
Gosanjagyo Bridge
Gosanjagyo Bridge is named after Gosanja, the pen name of the mapmaker Kim Jeong-ho. He is best known for creating the Daedongyeojido map of Korea.
Continue straight along Sejong-daero to the plaza on the left, marked by the red and blue Spring Sculpture.
City Hall Station, Lines 1 and 2, Exit 4
Continue straight along Sejong-daero toward Gwanghwamun to reach the plaza on the right.
By bus
Seoul Shinmunsa stop area (서울신문사)
Buses 101, 150, 501, 506, 708, 1711, and 7016. Walk north along Sejong-daero toward Gwanghwamun, then turn right into the plaza at the Spring Sculpture.
Gwangjang Market is known for Korean street food, including bindaetteok, or mung bean pancakes. Its shops also sell textiles, hanbok, and second-hand clothing.
Airalo is a popular eSIM provider used by travelers around the world. It offers South Korea data plans you can buy before you arrive. Check that your phone is compatible first.
