Behold this urban oasis. It is the Cheonggye Waterfall. This isn’t just a scenic spot. It’s a testament to Seoul’s commitment to renewal.
Cheonggyecheon Stream flows through downtown Seoul. It stretches 11 kilometers. It’s a modern marvel with a rich history. The stream’s story spans centuries. It began during the Joseon Dynasty. That era lasted from 1392 to 1910.
Once called Gaecheon, the stream served as Seoul’s drainage system. Kings like Taejong and Yeongjo ordered refurbishments. They dredged the stream. They bolstered its banks. They built bridges. This happened every few years.
Under Japanese rule, Gaecheon became Cheonggyecheon. Despite financial woes, the Japanese couldn’t fully cover it. After the Korean War, Seoul faced rapid growth. Makeshift homes lined the stream. Trash and waste became rampant. The stream became an eyesore.
In 1958, the city covered Cheonggyecheon with concrete. By 1976, an elevated highway stood above it. It was a symbol of South Korea’s industrial rise. But beneath the concrete, the stream still flowed.
In 2003, Seoul Mayor Lee Myung-bak launched a bold project. He removed the highway. He restored the stream. It was a massive undertaking. The stream was nearly dry. So 120,000 tons of water were pumped in daily. The water came from the Han River and subway groundwater.
The Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project aimed to preserve nature and history. It sought to boost the surrounding business area. The project cost over ₩386 billion. That is about US$281 million.
The restored Cheonggyecheon opened in September 2005. It was praised for urban renewal. Land prices near the stream doubled. The number of businesses increased. The number of working people also increased here.
The project created clean water and natural habitats. Biodiversity soared. Plant species increased. Fish, bird and insect species also thrived. Temperatures near the stream are cooler. Air pollution decreased. Respiratory diseases among residents have reduced.
The Cheonggyecheon project received the Veronica Rudge Green Prize in Urban Design from Harvard University. It stands as a symbol of Seoul’s rebirth. It is a place where history and modernity meet. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty.