Cheonggyecheon Stream: Beating the Summer Heat in Seoul

Photo by jieun kim on Unsplash

If you're visiting Korea during the summer, there's no better way to alleviate the heat while staying in the center of the city than to visit the Cheonggyecheon Stream. This renovated 11-kilometer-long river runs through downtown Seoul, providing an enjoyable relaxation from the rush and fast pace of city life. Cheonggyecheon, formerly covered by a highway and largely forgotten, has been converted into a thriving park that shows the city's commitment to sustainability and urban renewal. In the heat of Korea's humid summer, it offers a perfect blend of natural cooling and visual attractiveness for visitors.

The stream involves walking trails that extend along both sides, covered by trees and surrounded by lush plants and flowers that bloom throughout the warmer months.  Tourists can wade in shallow places, sit on stone seats beneath bridges, or have a quiet picnic by the water's edge. In the nights, the stream changes into an appealing riverside walkway, featuring soft lights, lanterns, sometimes even musical performances to set the scene.

Photo by jieun kim on Unsplash

During the summer, the area organizes a variety of seasonal festivals and activities that combine Korean culture with modern trends. Tourists might stumble across a night market with local food merchants, an art exhibition along the stream's walls, or places suitable for families traveling with children. The surrounding neighborhoods of Jongno and Dongdaemun provide easy access to museums, shopping, cafes, and street food stalls as well.

For anyone spending the summer in Korea, Cheonggyecheon Stream is highly recommended as a must-visit site. It's free, easily accessible by subway, and provides an enjoyable break from the towering skyscrapers and busy streets above. Whether you want to go for a cool walk, take captivating photos, or simply enjoy Seoul from a different perspective, this stream welcomes you to slow down in the sights of summer in Korea.