Cheonggyecheon-gil:Oasis in the Seoul

Cheonggyecheon (청계천) is a stream that cuts across Seoul separating Jongno-gu and Jung-gu. It fell into disrepair and was covered over with cement in the 1950s where it remained hidden until 2003, when it was unearthed during the Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project. Cheonggyecheon-gil (청계천길), which starts from Cheonggye Plaza (청계광장), provides a peaceful place of rest for couples and Seoulites tired from the daily grind. As you walk along the stream you’ll come upon Gwangtonggyo (광통교), a representative stone bridge built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910), along with Samilgyo (삼일교), and Saebyeokdari Bridge (새벽다리). At the end of walking course is Dongdaemun Shopping Complex and Fashion Town, the biggest wholesale clothing markets in the country. The area around Cheonggyecheon and its myriad of mega malls, movie theaters, and high-tech gaming facilities make it one of the most frequented spots by young people in Korea. DIRECTIONS From Exit #5 of Gwanghwamun Station (Subway Line 5) go straight for about 100m until you reach the pink and purple coil-shaped sculpture that signifies the start of Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천) and the Cheonggye Plaza (청계광장). Turn left down the path immediately after the statue and follow the sidewalk alongside Cheonggyecheon (or walk down the stairway located along the path to go down and walk by the stream).

After passing Gwangtonggyo Bridge (광통교, 300m from the plaza) keep walking along the stream (for about 600m more) until you reach Samilgyo (삼일교) at which point you can cross over to the other side of the street. Samilgyo is the second major intersection, easily identifiable by the tubular silver and blue metal partition/sculpture to your left. (There is also a polished stone sign on the far side of the bridge in English as well as Korean). Continue down the left-hand side of Cheonggyecheon Stream (700m) until reaching Seungyo Bridge (승교), the second bridge after passing the Lotte building. The first bridge is lined with white pavilion-like overhangs that are also visible from the stream path, so this may be a good point to return to the main street if you have been walking along the stream path. Seungyo Bridge is a large bridge easily identifiable by the steel sculpture resembling a needle located at the center of the crosswalk. Keep on the left side of the street, crossing when you reach Saebyeokdari, located another 450m down the road. Saebyeokdari is a narrow bridge partially covered with a crescent-shaped white pavilion. After crossing the street, continue going straight along the road next to the stream, continuing straight at the major intersection (marked by small brick pillars at the crosswalks), past the bridge with the white steel “wings” on your left. After you’ve gone approximately 850m you’ll see a funky purple building on your right. If you turn right and keep going down the street, you’ll come upon a bunch of popular tourist destinations and shopping malls like Doota, Migliore and Cerestar. If you stay straight along this main road, you’ll come across Dongdaemun Station, Subway Lines 1 and 4.

Exit #5 of Gwanghwamun Station, Subway Line 5 → Cheonggye Plaza (청계광장) → Gwangtonggyo Bridge (광통교) → Samilgyo Bridge (삼일교) - cross the bridge – Seungyo Bridge (승교) → Saebyeokdari Bridge (새벽다리) - cross the bridge - Dongdaemun/Dongdaemun Fashion Town located beside Ogansugyo Bridge (Doosan Tower, Ceresta, Dongdaemun Migliore)