Hotels near Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon is a restored 11 km urban stream cutting east-west through central Seoul - one of the city's most successful 21st-century renewal projects. The original Joseon-era stream had been covered with a concrete elevated highway in 1968; the highway was removed and the stream restored in 2005 under Mayor Lee Myung-bak. The walk is now Seoul's favourite urban evening stroll, with the stream bed about 5 metres below street level.

22 themed bridges cross the stream, each with distinct artistic design. The Spring sculpture (a 20-metre conch shell) marks the western entrance at Cheonggye Square. The Light Tunnel and various seasonal lighting installations (winter Christmas lights, summer Seoul Lantern Festival) make evening walks the prime time. Free; open 24 hours. Allow 90 minutes for the central 2 km walk. Cool by 3-5 degrees compared to street level - a welcome refuge in summer.

Pro Tip: Start at the western Cheonggye Plaza (City Hall station) at sunset and walk east towards Gwangjang Market - the bridge lighting comes on between 19:00 and 19:30 depending on season. Combine with Gwangjang Market dinner at the eastern end.