Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
Gwanghwamun & Around
GYEONGBOKGUNG
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PALACE
TOP SIGHTS
CHEONG-GYE-CHEON
A raised highway was torn down and roads removed in this US$384-million urban-
renewal project to 'daylight' the Cheon-gye-cheon, a stream that used to run through
northern Seoul's centre, out to the Han River. The water that now flows for 5.8km
down this beautifully landscaped oasis is actually pumped in at great expense from
elsewhere, inciting the ire of environmentalists. Despite this, the revitalised stream
with its walkways, footbridges, waterfalls and public artworks has been a hit with
Seoulites who come to escape the urban hubbub and, in summer, dangle their feet in
the water.
Cheong-gye Plaza, marking the start of the stream, is spiked with the giant pink-and-
blue sculpture by Claes Oldenberg and Coosje van Bruggen entitled
Spring.
There's
also a free video and e-postcard facility here, and the plaza is the setting for various
held in May.
Between the Gwang-gyo and Jangton-gyo bridges is a 192m wall mural of painted
tiles depicting King Jeongjo visiting his father's tomb in Hwaseong (Suwon) in
1785. Continue on past Dongdaemun and you'll eventually reach the Cheong-Gye-
Cheon Museum.
DON'T MISS
»
Cheong-gye Plaza
»
Mural of King Jeongjo's royal parade
