Cheonggyecheon Stream and Plaza (청계천)

Learn Korean!

보자기 (bo-ja-gi) means a colorful wrapping cloth.

The design of the stone work surrounding the plaza is inspired by Bojagi.

Fun Facts

The stream and plaza are iconic filming locations for many popular Korean dramas such as Clean with a Passion for Now (2018), Flower of Evil (2020), and Lovestruck in the City (2021).
Although receiving much criticism in its early stages, the restoration project has become a scenic urban sanctuary much beloved by locals as well as tourists.
There are 22 bridges crossing the stream. Two stone bridges, the Gwangtonggyo and the Supyogyo, date back to the early Joseon Period (1410 and 1420 respectively). Gwantonggyo bridge is a short walk from the plaza.

Cheonggyecheon Stream spans 6.8 miles through downtown Seoul. It underwent restoration as part of a broad urban renewal effort to revive its historical significance dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. Initially, the stream was covered over by an elevated highway post-Korean War and in 2003 it was revived. Cheonggye Plaza, marked by the large shell-like, colorful structure located at the stream’s starting point, symbolizes unity, gathering, and harmony. It features traditional Korean design elements inspired by bojagi, a colorful wrapping cloth. The plaza is a vehicle-free zone during holidays, offers leisure space and cultural experiences, and features attractions like the Candle Fountain and Palseokdam wishing wells. A small museum tells the stream’s story through scale models and vintage photos, illustrating its burial and resurgence. The promenade is open around the clock, weather permitting, and the annual Seoul Lantern Festival brightens the area each November.

Travel Tips

Start your day at the Plaza by taking a short walk along the promenade. After exiting the plaza walk just a block up Sejong-daero to the Kyobo bookstore, the oldest in Korea. When leaving the bookstore walk across Sejong-daero to see the statues of Admiral Yi and King Sejong in Gwanghwamun Square and then make your way towards the Gyeongbokgung gate and palace. When you complete your tour of the palace you can exit the palace grounds onto Samcheong-ro for dinner at any of the Michelin star restaurants.

Address

English: Changsin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hangeul: 서울특별시 종로구 창신동

This is a great place to take a break, especially in the hot summer months. When we visited here on our first trip, the weather was warm, and it was very tempting to kick off my shoes and dip my toes into the refreshing water. The further we walked along the stream the more plants and wildlife we saw, including small fishes that swam beside us as we passed by. I felt like I was starring in my own Kdrama as I (carefully) hopped from stone to stone across the river!

Cheonggyecheon promenade is a great place to stop and take a few pictures and is the perfect starting point for touring Gwanghwamun Square, Gyeongbokgung, and then further on to Samcheong-ro. In the summer the plaza fountains are bubbling. You will see many area residents gathering by the fountain and cooling off by the stream. This spot is often used in K-Dramas for date nights and rightfully so. It’s a great outdoor urban space to take a stroll.