Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project

The Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project created a 5.8km landscaped green pathway that runs alongside the revitalised Cheonggyecheon stream in Seoul, South Korea.

The project opens up a congested, overpopulated and polluted neighbourhood north of the Hangang River. It required the dismantling and demolition of an elevated highway, and the uncovering of the historic 5.8 km stream that ran underneath. This was transformed into an ecologically sensitive green pedestrian corridor.

The stream has re-established lost habitats, plant and animal species have reappeared, and it has become an urban wildlife haven. There has been a very noticeable change in environmental quality. The removal of some 170,000 cars from the highway has created a 2-5°C reduction in temperature. Air flows freely along the path of the stream, creating a cooling wind corridor. A 2005 public survey showed respondents overwhelmingly noticed improvements in air and water quality, noise and smells.

Since its public opening in October 2005, Cheonggyecheon has been popular with residents and visitors alike for rest and relaxation. There are recreation areas, waterfront decks, stepping stones and waterfalls – during the summer months, people often cool off by swimming in the shallows. The stream has become an enduring tourist attraction, drawing an estimated 18.1 million visitors by the end of 2008.

The restoration of the Cheonggyecheon stream has provided a boost to local businesses and property prices have risen at double the rates of elsewhere in the city. It is a vehicle for revitalisation, urban renewal and economic development.

Read the full case study for the Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project.

Tags: green infrastructure, public space, transport, water, cities and towns