Seoul offers plenty of things to do for everyone - check out our recommendations on the best things to do when you’re visiting this destination. Cheonggyecheon Stream is a major recreational spot in Seoul, with plenty of attractions that are suitable for adults as well as children. Every year, this area is frequented by many residents and foreigners looking to relax, hang out, bond, and learn a thing or two about local communities. Besides these attractions, food is another factor that makes this place a top destination, especially for kids and active people who require constant rejuvenation with food and drinks. To top it all, the stream is easily accessible from different parts of the city. So if you are planning a trip to Seoul, book one of these affordable Airbnbs under 25 USD or a room at these themed hotels in Seoul, and explore Cheonggyecheon Stream, especially the Seoul Lantern Festival held on Cheonggyecheon Stream in winter. To make the most of your trip, check out this helpful guide to Cheonggyecheon Stream.
See the Seoul Lantern Festival
Started in 2009 as an initiative to promote Seoul tourism and celebrate the 2009 Visit Korea year, the Seoul Lantern Festival is an enchanting sight to behold. From Cheonggyecheon stream to Cheonggye Plaza, the city of Seoul lights up thousands of lanterns, creating a spectacle sought by millions.
As the festival takes place in November, it’s become a winter cultural festival amongst the locals. So, if you find yourself in Seoul, South Korea, around that time, add the light show of Cheonggyecheonn stream to your itinerary and experience the magical moment yourself.
Seoul Lantern Festival
Address: Cheonggye Plaza - Supyogyo Bridge, Cheonggyecheonn, Seoul, Korea
Website: Seoul Lantern Festival
Visit Cheonggyecheon Museum
Learn about the history of Cheonggyecheon as it runs parallel to the history of Seoul. The Cheonggyecheonn Museum is architecturally designed to reflect the stream in its beautiful glass exterior. Inside, as you walk through the first floor, you’ll learn how the stream was engineered to stop flooding every season.
Walk through the second and third floors and witness how once known as the ‘city’s cancer’, the Cheonggyecheonn region went through many changes and finally reached its present-day state in 2002. The fourth floor is dedicated to preserving the post-restoration era, the hot spot of Seoul, and how the ever-changing region of Cheonggyecheonn is yet to see its full glory.
Cheonggyecheon Museum
Address: 530 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Website: Cheonggyecheon Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Monday)
Price: Free
Things to do / Highlights (from USD 145.0)
There are countless activities one can enjoy in Cheonggyecheon Stream, but the following are the most popular among many tourists:
Take a leisurely stroll
The 11 km (6.8 mi) stretch of Cheonggyecheon Stream is a good place for anyone looking for serene trails in Seoul. This is where you can take a leisurely sightseeing stroll. The path is situated below the street, which cushions visitors from much of the city noise, thereby allowing people to walk in total serenity. The experience is even greater with the numerous bridges along the trail that provide shelter from adverse weather conditions such as rainfall and the scorching sun.
Sightsee
Cheonggyecheon Stream originates from Cheonggye Plaza, a famous spot for cultural arts. So before starting your adventure here, be sure to check out some spectacular stonework, sculptures, and a small model of the stream.
Hang out with friends
This place has an amazing ambiance and has spaces where you can sit, meditate, and unwind in total tranquility. Also, the area is frequented by locals, giving foreigners a chance to hang out with them and learn more about their culture.
View some art
Nestled between the picturesque Ogansugyo Bridge and Beodeuldari Bridge is a wall that details the long history of the stream using paintings and other forms of wall art. The most notable artwork featured here is the Song of Seoul by Chun Gapbae. A short distance from the wall of culture is the wishing wall, another excellent spot with beautiful artworks that represents the people’s perception of society.
Cheonggyecheon Bicycle Tour: Twilight in Seoul
Duration: 270 to 300 minutes
What to eat
Cheonggyecheon Stream is surrounded by many restaurants that serve a variety of delicious dishes with vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian options. Stop by any of the following eateries for the best of Korean cuisine:
Seoureseo Duljjaero Jalhaneunjip
If you like traditional dishes, Seoureseo Duljjaero Jalhaneunjip will be a great fit for you. The restaurant serves light meals and snacks such as sweet red-bean porridge and ginger-cinnamon tea. Besides the food, this place is situated within walking distance from the stream, which makes it easy for visitors to enjoy their meals and head back for more adventure.
Tosokchon Samgyetang
Tosokchon Samgyetang has a few signature dishes worth trying. First is their Korean chicken soup, which is one of the best things you will ever taste in Seoul. The soup tastes even better with ginseng toppings and seafood pancake. Besides their dishes, the traditional seating style is another factor that makes the dining experience here memorable.
Kind Meat
As its name depicts, Kind Meat is the perfect place for visitors looking to indulge their taste buds in mouthwatering meat dishes. The restaurant serves a variety of great foods prepared with fresh meat and authentic Korean spices. Enjoy their special chuck flap tail or the boneless short ribs. The food is served with delicious noodles, scorched rice, and mushrooms on the side. Afterward, you can wash down these delicacies with a glass of wine or any of the soft drinks available.
Travelers tips
Security
Normally, Cheonggyecheon Stream is a secure place. However, the river features several bridges and hidden spots that can be quite dark in the evening. Even if cases of mugging and other dangers are not so common here, always visit the stream during the day to avoid running into any unpleasant situations.
Wheelchair accessibility
Cheonggyecheon Stream is situated in a course with a changing terrain; some areas are flat, and others are a bit rugged. Be that as it may, the paths are generally flat, a condition that allows even the physically challenged to enjoy the attractions here.
How to get there
Many buses and taxis operate in Seoul, but the most convenient means of transport to Cheonggyecheon Stream is by metro.
Subway line 5
If you opt for Subway line 5, remember to alight at Gwanghwamun Station. The station is located within walking distance to Cheonggye Plaza, the beginning of Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Subway line 1 or 2
Alternatively, you can take Subway line 1 or 2; it will take you to City Hall Station. Once you alight, exit at gate 4 - it also leads to Cheonggye Plaza.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Address: Changsin-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Cost: Free
Department of tourism: Visit Seoul
Frequently asked questions about Cheonggyecheonn Stream, Seoul
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to