Cheong Gye Cheon

So much happened after my last post that it is difficult to recount everything I have done. Anyway, the highlight of the week is a walk along the Jongno vicinity. In my one month stay, I have seen malls, bridges and skyscrapers that define Seoul's identity as a dynamic and futuristic city. What is impressive is a stream flows right through the heart of the city giving more prominence to its urban beauty. These pictures will tell the story of that wonderful waterway, Chonggyecheon.

Cheonggye Plaza marks the starting point.  It has a fountain, an artificial waterfall and a cone shell sculpture named "Spring" which commemorates the Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project - an initiative to remove a wide street covering a murky river in the center of Seoul and the conversion of the river bank into a promenade park. 

It is accessible through subway exits with the Cheonggyecheon sign on it.  To get to this spot you can take subway line 1: City Hall Station, Jonggak Station, Jongno 3-ga Station, Jongno 5-ga Station, Dongdaemun Station, Sinseoldong Station. 

Cheonggyecheon Stream is more than 15-feet below street level it looks like an underground tunnel. It is actually more comfortable walking down here than up the street where the cold winter wind is more biting.

It could have looked even more marvelous on a bright, sunny day. Nevertheless it is stunning day or night, any time of the year. It offers relaxation for citizens and tourist wishing respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Boys trying their luck at the wishing well. The coins will be used to help the underprivileged.

A whole day's stroll is not enough to cover the entirety of its 5.8 kilometer stretch. In fact, we had to come back the next day to walk another course but there are far too many attractions to distract us along the way - performing artists, murals, sculptures and many more. Chonggyecheon is s a walk through nature and history.

Narae Bridge, one of nearly two dozen bridges that crisscross the stream.

A ceramic mural of a king making a grand parade. 

Gwanggyo Bridge symbolizes the harmony of the past and the future with its photo gallery of Chonggyecheon history.

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), housewives gathered here to wash clothes while their children play. The stream is even older than the 600-year-old capital itself.

The 1900's until after the Korean War saw a great number of people leaving their rural homes to search for better opportunities in the city. They built shanties one after another turning Chonggyecheon into a squatter town.

Today, clear, flowing water lined with willow trees and gardens brought life back into the stream.

Majeongyo Bridge

Stepping stones and ice cascade sculptures, considered symbolic pieces of art are found along the stream.

A colorful cloth wall displaying fabrics from Dongdaemun's fashion district.

It flows from west to east, coursing through the neighborhoods of Jongno-gu and Dongdaemun before it meets Jungnangcheon and eventually empties itself into the mighty Hangang River.

Chonggyecheon aimed to promote urban economy by providing cutting-edge infrastructure within the existing business and industrial area concentrated within the stream. Though initially criticized for its exorbitant cost, the people of Seoul are now reaping the rewards of this ambitious project. As the center for cultural and economic activities, it revitalized downtown Seoul. It is a source of national pride, drawing a multitude of locals and tourists everyday. It received the "Cities on Water" award in Venice, Italy  in 2004.

I wish Chonggyecheon's story would inspire government leaders in my country to revitalize our very own Pasig River. It would require a huge amount of taxpayers' money but more so of political will to materialize, but it is possible.