Cheonggyecheon Stream is a popular local spot for walking and relaxing, and it’s becoming more popular with foreigners too. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to get to the stream, must check-in spots, best places to eat, and more. Let’s begin!
📍 1 Taepyeongno 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 중구 태평로1가 1
🚆 Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 5
🕒 Open 24 hours
₩ Free entrance
🌐 www.sisul.or.kr
☎️ +82-2-2290-7111
✍🏻 You can visit Gwangjang Market, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and other popular areas like Gwanghwamun Square and Euljiro along the stream.
How to get to Cheonggyecheon Stream
- Address: 1 Taepyeongno 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Subway is the best way to get to Cheonggyecheon Stream. The following are the nearest stations:
- Subway Line 5, Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 5 (2minutes)
- Subway Line 1, City Hall Station, Exits 4 or 5 (5minutes)
- Subway Line 2, Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, Exits 2 or 3 (5minutes)
- Subway Line 1, Jonggak Station, Exits 5 (2minutes)
About Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream is an 11-kilometer waterway in downtown Seoul that combines history and modern life. Once covered by a highway after the Korean War, it was restored in 2003 and is now a beautiful spot to explore.
Starting at Cheonggye Plaza, the stream flows under 22 bridges and passes popular places like Gwangjang Market, DDP Cultural Center, Dongdaemun, and Euljiro.
With trees, grass, and flowers along the way, it’s a peaceful place to walk and relax in the city.
Festivals in Cheonggyecheon Stream
Lantern Festival: Spring Festa
The Buddah’s Birthday in May is a great time to visit. The Lotus Lantern Festival fills Cheonggyecheon Stream with glowing lanterns, symbolizing peace and enlightenment. You can also enjoy traditional performances and lantern-making workshops.
As lanterns float gently on the water and parades fill the streets with vibrant lights, the festival fosters a sense of unity and joy among attendees, making it a profound celebration of spiritual depth and communal harmony in the heart of South Korea’s capital.
Seoul Lantern Festival & Christmas Market: Winter Festa
Throughout the year, Cheonggyecheon Stream undergoes festive makeovers to coincide with different seasons and holidays. Events and installations are usually concentrated near Gwanghwamun Square at the beginning of the stream.
Notable festivals include the November Lantern Festival and the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The stream becomes beautifully adorned during these times, creating a lively atmosphere that attracts many visitors.
For the best experience, visit in the evening or at night when the lights shine brightly. Arriving before sunset lets you enjoy both the daytime and nighttime beauty of the stream.
What to do along the Cheonggyecheon Stream
“Spring” Sculpture
If you’re unsure where Cheonggyecheon Stream begins while walking on the main road, look for the eye-catching Spring sculpture. This vibrant 20-meter spiral cone, painted in red and blue, was created by artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. It looks like a colorful giant snail.
- Address: 1 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청계천로 1)
Waterfall & Rainbows
It’s a popular spot, busy with events, but it’s worth sitting by the stream and enjoying the surroundings. The place looks beautiful during the day, but the rainbow lights make it even more special at night, perfect for a nighttime stroll.
- Address: 1 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청계천로 1)
Gwangtonggyo Bridge
The Gwangtonggyo Bridge was crucial in the Joseon Dynasty, but floods often damaged the original wooden and soil structure. The bridge we see today was built by King Taejong between 1400 and 1418, using stones from Queen Sindeok’s tomb. Despite facing floods, the bridge underwent restoration 100 years later during river repairs, and some original stones remain. It stands today as a resilient piece of history from the Joseon era.
- Address: 35 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청계천로 35)
King Jeongjo’s Royal Procession Mosaic
History lovers should stop by just before Jangtonggyo Bridge to see a stunning tiled mural of King Jeongjo’s royal procession. This 192-meter mosaic, made of 5,120 ceramic tiles, illustrates his 1785 journey to his father’s tomb with his mother, Hyegyeonggung Hong.
Nearby, you can also find Suseon Jeondo, a detailed street map of Seoul created by Kim Jeongho in the 19th century. This famous woodblock map from the Joseon Dynasty still features place names used today.
- Address: 61 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청계천로 61)
Sewoon Bridge
A bridge over the stream in the Sewoon Sangga Market area exists. The street-level bridge has been around for a while, but recent development has added a second-floor pedestrian bridge connecting both sides of the stream. This concept existed before, and as they continue to develop the area, they’ve brought it back. If you want a great view, head up to Sewoon Sangga for a rooftop perspective of Jongmyo Shrine and Namsan Tower.
- Address: 159 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청계천로 159)
Cheonggyecheon Ramshackle Houses
Even though the original houses along Cheonggyecheon Stream are gone, you can see replicas from the 1960s just outside the Cheonggyecheon Stream Museum. These replicas include homes, a convenience store, a coffee shop, a comic book store, and even a school. If you’re up for it, you can try on retro Korean school uniforms for a fun and nostalgic experience.
- Address: 530 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 청계천로 530)
Tips for a perfect visit to Cheonggyecheon Stream
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, especially if you plan to walk the entire stream.
- Before your visit, check the official website or local event calendars for any special events, festivals, or performances along the stream during your planned visit.
- It is best to visit during the evening or night, particularly during festivals.
- Consider bringing a small picnic. There are spots along the stream with benches and open spaces to relax and enjoy snacks.
- If you want to be among more cafés, bars, and modern buildings, stay around the Cheonggye Square neighborhood. Head to the Dongdaemun area if you want to be close to marketplaces.
Nearby attraction
Gwangjang Market
- Address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88
- Open hour: Market open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed Sunday) | Vintage shop Open: from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm(closed Sunday) | Food Alley 09:00 – 23:00 KST (Never closed)
- Phone: 02-2267-0291
If you are hungry after a stroll along the stream, go to Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s oldest and largest markets that draws visitors globally. Featured in an episode of Netflix’s “Street Food,” Gwangjang Market is renowned for its diverse and delectable street foods. You can try a range of treats with various inexpensive and tasty options. Join the locals by sitting at the stalls, soaking in the lively atmosphere of this bustling market while savoring your delicious finds.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Address: 281, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
DDP, or Dongdaemun Design Plaza, is another noteworthy attraction near Cheonggyecheon Stream. Designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the building’s exterior features delicate curves and bold shapes, making it a favorite among photographers. The plaza hosts various exhibitions and museums for art, design, and fashion enthusiasts, providing a fantastic way to spend time in this vibrant and creative hub.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161
- Open hours: 09:00-17:00 | Closed on Tuesdays
- Phone: +82 2-3700-3900
Gyeongbokgung is the largest among Seoul’s five royal palaces, making it a standout and iconic tourist attraction in Korea. Stepping into the palace feels like a journey back in time, providing a truly immersive experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply eager to explore a unique aspect of Korean history and culture, visiting Gyeongbokgung is highly recommended. Check out our ultimate guide to Gyeongbokgung Palace for more details.
Cheonggyecheon Museum
- Address: 530 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 청계천로 530)
- Hours: 9:00 – 18:00 daily| Closed on Mondays | Last enter 17:30
- Phone: +82 2-2286-3410
Along the stream, you’ll find the Cheonggyecheon Museum, dedicated to documenting the history of Cheonggyecheon and its surrounding area. It’s an excellent spot to delve into the stream’s history, tracing its significance from the Joseon Dynasty to today. The museum offers free entry, making it a budget-friendly and informative activity for anyone exploring the stream.
What to eat near Cheonggyecheon Stream
Wangbijib Jongno 왕비집 종로
- Address: Seoul, Jongno-gu, Samil-daero 15-gil, 24 2층
- Open hours: 11:30 – 15:00 and 17:00 – 22:00 weekdays | 17:00 – 22:00 Saturday | Closed on Sunday
- Phone: +82 2-720-3066
This restaurant is a perfect choice if you crave delicious Korean BBQ. They serve fresh, high-quality beef and pork, with tasty marinated meat pieces and delightful Korean-style side dishes. In addition to the BBQ options, they also serve mouth-watering noodle dishes and soups. The friendly staff grills the meat for you, and the menu is conveniently available in English, ensuring a hassle-free experience even if you’re unfamiliar with Korean.
Samhaejib 삼해집
- Address: 16-15 Supyo-ro 20-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Open hours: 10:30 – 2:00 daily
- Phone: +82 2-2273-0266
- Website: 삼해집 (samhae1.kr)
This is a traditional Korean restaurant where you can try classic Korean dishes like pork backbone stew, chicken stew, and stir-fried octopus. Among their renowned dishes are Bossam (Korean Boiled-Pork Wraps) and Oyster. The oysters are super fresh and juicy. The pork is prepared with medicinal herbs, resulting in a delightful flavor, remarkable tenderness, and a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Xiao Bao Beef Noodles 샤오바오 우면
- Address: 15 Samil-daero 17-gil, Seoul
- Open hours: 11:00 – 23:30 daily
- Phone: +82 2-723-7788
- Instagram: 샤오바오우육면 종로본점(@xiaobao_jong_ro) • Instagram 사진 및 동영상
As the name implies, this Chinese restaurant specializes in beef noodles, cold noodles, and Chinese braised noodles. They also serve appetizing side dishes such as xiaolongbao (dumplings), fried eggplant, and dried tofu salad. The cozy setting makes it ideal for a relaxed lunch, especially after a stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream.
La Grillia Gwanghwamun 라그릴리
- Address: Seoul, Jongno-gu, Cheonggyecheon-ro, 11 2층
- Open hours: 11:00 – 22:00 daily
- Phone: +82 2-571-5732
- Website: 라그릴리아 (spc.co.kr)
This Italian restaurant, spanning two floors, offers a charming view of the Cheonggyecheon stream. The menu boasts a variety of dishes, including citrus salad, grilled cabbage with bacon, BBQ ribs, Truffle Steak Pasta, margarita pizza, risotto, and steak. Its spacious and airy interior is the perfect setting for a delightful dining experience with friends and family.
For more exciting places and activities in Korea, visit our website, iVisitKorea – your ultimate Korea travel guide!
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