CHEONGGYECHEON STREAM RESTORATION PROJECT, a case study by Aynul Inaya
AN OVERVIEW
T
he restoration of Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon, in South Korea, is about the return of a historic canal to the city that had been buried by a large highway. Cheonggyecheon shows us in a visionary attitude how a project can turn the city around in an attempt to benefit the community as a whole, integrating all its parts and all its citizens. The Cheonggyecheon project is an urban renewal in the heart of Seoul that stems from a negative diagnosis made to the main Cheonggye Expressway. Despite benefiting about 160,000 cars daily, the highway was in absolute obsolescence, since its maintenance costed high, the structure disallowed the transit of large vehicles and affected the life of the people in vicinity because of its heavy pollution. As a result, the center was depopulated and devalued, becoming an increasingly unremarkable place.
A man walking on one of the plazas of the restored Cheonggyecheon Canal.
contradiction the highway was a symbol of a giant leap from the agricultural culture of South Korea towards industrialization, so destroying it completely seemed the least convincing measure. Thus came the idea of restoring the Canal while incorporating recreational elements along with the ecological factors that were to reappear. The project responds was brought forward with a The original proposal strategic planning that was was to bring in the reapperance of the historic managed by the mayor of Seoul and the citizens Cheonggyecheon Canal of the city, organized as a that had been buried citizen committee, led below the highway, but in
by the urban planner in charge of the project, Kee Yeon Hwang. Clearly, it was noted that the urban planner’s role was more than just designing the project. It included his participation with the citizens, making them part of its gestation and design.
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Before Seoul (then called Hanyang) became the Joseon Dynasty‘s capital in the late 14th century, the Cheonggyecheon stream (originally known simply as “Gaecheon” or “a stream”) was one of several naturally formed streams that drained the ring of mountains into the Hangang river. In the year 1410, heavy rain caused Cheonggyecheon Stream to overflow, causing a big flood that destroyed Gwangtonggyo Bridge. The king at that time, Taejong, after discussion with his court, built a stone bridge to replace the original structure made from earth and wood. Its construction had a twist defined by the politics in the then Royal family, making the Gwantonggyo Bridge crossing the Cheonggyecheon as more than a bridge; it was an example and a symbol 4
of the power struggle to strengthen the royal authority in early Joseon. Cheonggyecheon is a familiar waterway to everyone in Seoul and the world. Contrary to the belief that it was a natural river, Cheonggyecheon was actually an artificial, manmade stream, a 600-year old source of pride. It was built in 1405 under the enthusiastic commande of King Taejong in the process of organizing the city after he moved back to Hanyang. Cheonggyecheon’s construction is considered as a saving strategy for the city of Hanyang, thanks to Taejong’s discerning eyes which propelled it to be started. The stream provided a foothold for the capital to flourish into a huge city by avoiding Hanyang’s weakness — flood. Taejong’s work was continued 350 years later by Yeongjo through digging and deepening works of the stream. Because of that, Cheonggyecheon Stream continues to become a representative space for the city of Seoul today.
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMY
A
lthough recent history saw the Cheonggyecheon paved over by a concrete expressway, the “clean stream” as the translation goes, is older than the 600-year-old city itself.
INDUSTRIAL ECONOMY
A BRIEF HISTORY
1916
The stream was used as a play area by the children, and folk events took place in and along its banks. These events happened during the annual and seasonal holidays.
1925
Population increase, industrialization degraded the water quality and the banks became slums. The stream was nicknamed ‘city’s cancer’. People demanded to cover the stream, but it was ignored by the Japanese authorities until mid 1930s.
1958
But this plan only remained on paper for many years. The construction to cover it finally began in 1958 and was completed in 1977. Cheonggyecheon became Cheonggye Road, and markets and factories were built next to it to lead Korea’s industrialization.
1967
The Cheonggye elevated Motorway, built above the Cheonggyero Road, symbolized Seoul’s progress and Korea’s modernization for a long period of time, along with the Samil(3.1) Building constructed next to the highway.
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Downtown Seoul was a place of deterioration and pollution, forcing business HQs to shift to Gangnam, new subcenter. Industries here lost competitiveness. Maintenance of the aging highway was another big concern.
1990
An in-depth safety checkup conducted in August 2000 revealed cracks and exfoliation in the upper slab, and insufficient load carrying capacity due to the wornout concrete beams, implying an inevitable full-scale reconstruction.
2000
During the mayoral election campaign in early 2002, the debate shifted from reconstruction of the highway to restoration of the stream. Later, goals like historical values, eco-friendliness, optimization in each sector, etc. were considered. In 2003 demolition was begun.
2003
Along with the deconstruction of the highway and restoring the stream, the elements of heritage like stones bridges and monoliths were also dug up and made use in the restoration.
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2004
INDUSTRIAL ECONOMY CREATIVE ECONOMY
2005
THE END-PRODUCT
I
n September 2005, the new Cheonggyecheon Stream opened again for the people of Seoul. It was a dream come true for all the world like a modern urbanists: not just a pedestrian-only public space bringing water and vegetation into the center of a dense metropolitan area of 25 million, but it was one built where a traffic-filled stretch of elevated freeway used to stand.
The stream began flowing again making ingenious use of the groundwater already pumped out by nearby subway lines. The then mayor Lee Myung-bak, the project’s highest-profile proponent, who’d spent nearly 30 years working for and then running Hyundai Construction, a company responsible for the construction of the very same Cheonggye Expressway was praised globally for the accomplishment.
A picture of the restored Cheonggyecheon, which was returned back as a recreational sapce to the citizens of Seoul.
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THEN vs NOW
before
The natural river that lived its most glorious life during the 14th century had slowly diminished into becoming a drain during the industrial revolution, as an origin for various diseases, poor hygiene and sanitation.
highway
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after
Now the river was restored into a clean waterway by demolishing the highway that was constructed over it, as can be seen the pictures below.
demolition
stream
highway
>>>
stream
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NOTES
Increase in pedestrian activity
IMPORTANT DATES:
Decrease in urban heat island effect
July 2003: Highway demolition
Decrease in vehicle volume
September 2004: Construction
May 2005: Landscaping
Decrease in air pollution
June 2005: First water supply started; test phase started
Increase in bus ridership
September 2005: Test phase finalized
Increase in subway ridership
October 2005: Grand opening PROJECT COST: $380 million (estimated $446 million in 2012): Governmentand partner-funded
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
PROJECT IN BRIEF:
Located in Jung Ju (Central District) Seoul, South Korea.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to dismantle the 10lane roadway and the 4-lane elevated highway that carried over 170,000 vehicles daily along the Cheonggyecheon stream. The transformed street encourages transit use over private car use, and more environmentally sustainable, pedestrian oriented public space. The project contributed to a 15.1% increase in bus ridership and a 3.3% increase in subway ridership between 2003 and 2008. The revitalized street now attracts 64,000 visitors daily.
INSTITUTIONS & STAKEHOLDERS:
5.4 km in length.
Financing:
72 m at its widest.
• Seoul Metropolitan Government, and a few partners
Planning and design: • Seoul Metropolitan Government • Cheonggyecheon Restoration Centre • SeoAhn Total Landscape
Executing agency: • Seoul Metropolitan Government
Others: • Seoul Development Institute, • Cheonggyecheon Restoration Citizens Committee
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Mixed-Use (Residential/ Commercial) context .22 new bridges over the stream (5 for pedestrians and 17 for vehicles).
1.14 million tons of waste generated from demolition.
27 months duration until project completion.
2 plazas, 8 thematic places intorduced as part of the recreational ameninties. Close to 4,000 meetings were held with residents. A “Wall of Hope” program was developed to encourage involvement and resulted in 20,000 participants.
Restoration Plan
GOALS: • Improve air quality, water quality, and quality of life. • Reconnect the two parts of the city that were previously divided by road infrastructure. • Reintroduce flora fauna species in ecosystem.
KEY ELEMENTS:
• Creation of an extensive new open space along • Removal of elevated the stream. highway concrete • Creation of pedestrian structure. amenities and • Daylighting of the recreational spaces previously covered • Construction of new stream. bridges, reconnecting • Creation of an extensive the urban fabric. new open space along the stream.
Typical section of the restored stream
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CHEONGGYECHEON NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT A DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR THE COMMUNITY:
The Cheonggyecheon project was not just about the restoration of the stream, but also included a phased approach in the development of the entire neighborhood as shown in the map below.
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In order to achieve a successful urban paradigm change, the municipal government held extensive talks with stakeholders. They argued that restoring the Cheonggyecheon stream is preferable to building an expressway since it will address safety issues and mobility demand, restore history and Korean culture through relic preservation and street beautification, and re-energize businesses.
The government, in particular, provided financial assistance and subsidies to business owners, as well as an unique arrangement for street vendors. In order to boost economic activity, they also introduced parking reforms. Along with these benefits for the people, the Cheonggyecheon’s landscaping became an attractive feature of the city, attracting both locals and tourists. The former highway was transformed into a green belt that
encompassed three distinct zones: history, urban and cultural life, and nature. It solidified Cheonggyecheon’s reputation as a high-end residential area.
A FRESH START IN MULTI-MODAL & PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS: Providing people with various modes of transportation is critical to the rehabilitation of Cheonggyecheon. The city’s bus system was overhauled, with routes being color-coded and new rapid bus lines being added. They also improved the subway and implemented a smart card system, as well as encouraging people to walk along the river corridor.
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REFERENCES The Brain behind Cheonggyecheon Stream, King Taejong – the talking cupboard
https://thetalkingcupboard.com/portfolio/the-brain-behind-cheonggyecheon-stream-king-taejong/
Designing Our Future: Sustainable Landscapes https://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/chongae.html
Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project | Landscape Performance Series https://www.landscapeperformance.org/case-study-briefs/cheonggyecheon-stream-restoration#/ overview
The recovery of the Cheonggyecheon River: A perfect excuse to make city, Urban Platform
https://www.plataformaurbana.cl/archive/2008/02/17/la-recuperacion-del-rio-cheonggyecheon-unaexcusa-perfecta-para-hacer-ciudad/
Chenggyecheon: urban regeneration| Aquae Foundation
https://www.fundacionaquae.org/en-seul-como-en-bilbao-agua-como-terapia-urbana/
CheongGyeCheon Museum
https://museum.seoul.go.kr/eng/about/cheongGyeMuse.jsp
Seoul Urban Regeneration: Cheonggyecheon Restoration and Downtown Revitalization | 서울정책아카이브 Seoul Solution
https://www.seoulsolution.kr/en/content/seoul-urban-regeneration-cheonggyecheon-restorationand-downtown-revitalization
Seoul in pictures - catalysing change, improving quality of life https://www.leekuanyewworldcityprize.gov.sg/resources/in-pictures/seoul/
https://www.seoulsolution.kr/sites/default/files/policy/%5BEN%5DCheong%20Gye%20Cheon%20 Restoration%20Project.pdf
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Cheongyecheon Restoration | Seoul Research Data Service http://data.si.re.kr/node/202
Walking the Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project in Seoul | {FAVEL issues}
https://favelissues.com/2016/06/06/walking-the-cheonggyecheon-stream-restoration-project-inseoul/
Revitalizing a City by Reviving a Stream | Development Asia https://development.asia/case-study/revitalizing-city-reviving-stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream The Restoration Project ~ ejay and her blog http://blogtalkwithejay.blogspot.com/2014/10/cheonggyecheon-stream-restoration.html