Cheonggye Plaza, Seoul - Cheonggyecheon is a 5.8 km creek flowing East to West through downtown Seoul.
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Cheonggye Plaza Seoul

4.4
·8k reviews·, South Korea

A vibrant urban oasis where a revitalized stream meets iconic art, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of Seoul.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Cheonggye Plaza, Seoul - Cheonggyecheon is a 5.8 km creek flowing East to West through downtown Seoul.

Cheonggye Plaza Seoul

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant urban oasis where a revitalized stream meets iconic art, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of Seoul.

4.4
(8k reviews)

"A beautiful and accessible urban oasis offering a serene escape in the heart of Seoul."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Stream

Don't just see the plaza; walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream for a unique urban oasis experience.

📚 Find the Outdoor Library

Discover the Seoul Outdoor Library for a unique reading spot along the stream.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Twisting Sculpture

The Twisting Sculpture

Cheonggye Plaza

An iconic, vibrant red-and-blue sculpture that marks the beginning of the Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Starts at Cheonggye Plaza

A revitalized urban waterway offering a serene escape with waterfalls, bridges, and lush greenery.

Seoul Outdoor Library

Seoul Outdoor Library

Various locations along Cheonggyecheon Stream

An open-air reading space with books, perfect for a quiet moment amidst the city buzz.

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Cheonggye Plaza

Cheonggye Plaza can get busy, especially on weekends. Consider visiting on a weekday morning or evening to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Check for special events or festivals that might impact accessibility or add to the atmosphere.

Explore Beyond the Plaza

While Cheonggye Plaza is a beautiful starting point, the real magic lies in walking along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Don't limit yourself to just the plaza; explore different sections of the stream for varied experiences and hidden gems.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Beautiful city lights, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends during events
Why
Lively atmosphere, special installations
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@thatsojameela
98.1K likes • 2.6M views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Stream

Don't just see the plaza; walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream for a unique urban oasis experience. Reddit

📚 Find the Outdoor Library

Discover the Seoul Outdoor Library for a unique reading spot along the stream. Instagram+1

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@klook_usa
66.4K likes • 1.1M views
청계광장 모습🌊 청계천 토요일 밤의 모습🌝 cheonggye plaza in seoul🇰🇷 cheonggyecheon vibe on saturday💜 🎥 촬영장소(location) - 청계광장 / cheonggye plaza #청계광장 #청계천 #서울 #서울여행 #한국 #한국여행 #서울라이프 #버스킹 #cheonggyeplaza #cheonggyeche...
gonnyday
1.1K likes • 18.3K views

🚇 Easy Access

Take the subway to Gwanghwamun Station (Line 1, Exit 5) for direct access to the plaza. Instagram

📸 Capture the Vibe

The plaza and stream offer great photo opportunities, especially with the colorful sculpture. Instagram

คลองชองกเยชอน ตอนกลางคืนก็จะฟีลประมาณนี้ มาเดินเล่นนั่งเล่นเม้าท์มอย ดีงามมากๆ ปักหมุดเล้ยยย การเดินทาง รถไฟใต้ดินสถานี Gwanghwamun ทางออก 5 พิกัดค่า Cheonggye Plaza 서울특별시 중구 태평로1가 1 https://naver.m...
letstalkkorea
55 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Stream

Don't just see the plaza; walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream for a unique urban oasis experience. Reddit

📚 Find the Outdoor Library

Discover the Seoul Outdoor Library for a unique reading spot along the stream. Instagram+1

🚇 Easy Access

Take the subway to Gwanghwamun Station (Line 1, Exit 5) for direct access to the plaza. Instagram

📸 Capture the Vibe

The plaza and stream offer great photo opportunities, especially with the colorful sculpture. Instagram

💡 Explore Side Streets

Venture off the main path into nearby alleys for authentic local finds. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Cheonggye Plaza as a beautiful and accessible urban oasis, with the Cheonggyecheon Stream offering a serene escape. The iconic sculpture and the opportunity for a peaceful walk are highlights. Some find it can get crowded, and the stream's length might be challenging for those with limited mobility or time.

"We went there on Christmas Eve and the crowd was not that bad. There are plenty of lantern lights along the stream and it was pretty and colourful. Nothing much to be honest to do there, except for just taking photos and enjoying the night around the area.

It was free, no entrance fee. There were some stalls along the streets for you to get something to eat/munch."

Maz

"Must check out this place. Place to chill and relax your mind. Very clean river. Many will people chill there and soak their feet."

EK

"Nice place, was quite windy when I was there, the stream was nice but closed due to the rainy season"

Jerald Kng

What People Like

Peaceful urban escape
Iconic sculpture
Accessible stream walk

What People Dislike

Can get crowded
Long stream length

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way to reach Cheonggye Plaza is by subway. Take Line 1 to Gwanghwamun Station and use Exit 5. You'll be right at the plaza. Instagram

Yes, Cheonggye Plaza is very well-connected by public transport, primarily the Seoul subway system. It's a central location. TikTok

Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 1) is the most convenient station, with Exit 5 leading directly to Cheonggye Plaza. Instagram

Depending on your starting point, it can be a pleasant walk. It's relatively close to Gwanghwamun Square and other central Seoul landmarks. Reddit

While there are parking lots in the vicinity, using public transport is highly recommended due to potential traffic and parking costs in central Seoul. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Cheonggye Plaza and the Cheonggyecheon Stream are free public spaces and do not require any admission tickets. Instagram

Cheonggye Plaza is an outdoor public space and is generally accessible 24/7. However, specific events or installations might have their own hours. Instagram

The Cheonggyecheon Stream is a public park and is free to access and walk along its entire length. Reddit

While Cheonggye Plaza itself is free, passes like the Discover Seoul Pass or Klook Pass Seoul can offer discounts on nearby attractions and activities. TikTok

To avoid the largest crowds, aim for weekday mornings or late evenings. Weekends and holidays tend to be much busier. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The vibrant red-and-blue twisting sculpture is a must-capture. The waterfalls and the stream itself also offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Instagram

Yes, Cheonggye Plaza and the stream are beautifully illuminated at night, offering a different, magical perspective for photography. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos of the Seoul Outdoor Library, but be mindful of others who are reading or relaxing. Instagram

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) provides beautiful lighting. However, the plaza is also very photogenic at night when lit up. Instagram

Generally, there are no strict restrictions on personal photography in public areas like Cheonggye Plaza. However, professional shoots might require permits. Instagram

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

Cheonggye Plaza is the starting point of the Cheonggyecheon Stream. You can admire the central sculpture, enjoy the waterfall, and begin a walk along the stream. TikTok

Walking the entire length of the Cheonggyecheon Stream can take 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop. You can choose to walk shorter sections. Reddit

Yes, Cheonggye Plaza often hosts various events, festivals, and exhibitions throughout the year. It's worth checking local listings. Reddit

The stream has accessible pathways, but some sections might have stairs. It's generally manageable for most, but be mindful of the length if traveling with very young children or elderly individuals. Reddit

The Seoul Outdoor Library is a temporary installation along the Cheonggyecheon Stream, offering books for visitors to read in a unique outdoor setting. It typically runs from spring to fall. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cheonggye Plaza and the Cheonggyecheon Stream offer a refreshing and engaging experience for families. The open space of the plaza is great for kids to move around, and the gentle waterfalls and flowing water of the stream are captivating. It's a safe and accessible environment for a family stroll, providing a break from more intense sightseeing. Reddit

Consider visiting the Seoul Outdoor Library if it's operational during your visit, as it can be a novel experience for children to pick out a book and read outdoors. While the entire stream is long, you can choose to walk shorter, manageable sections with younger children. The visual appeal of the stream and the surrounding greenery make it an enjoyable outing for all ages. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Cheonggye Plaza and the Cheonggyecheon Stream are fantastic free attractions in Seoul, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers. You can spend hours exploring the area without spending a won on admission fees. TikTok

Pack some snacks and drinks to enjoy by the stream, or explore the side streets near the plaza for affordable local eateries. TikTok If you're looking for free activities that offer a genuine feel of Seoul, this urban oasis is a must-visit. Consider using public transport, which is also very affordable in Seoul, to reach the plaza. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Cheonggyecheon Stream: An Urban Oasis

Cheonggye Plaza is the symbolic beginning of the Cheonggyecheon Stream, a remarkable urban regeneration project that transformed a covered-over stream into a vibrant public space. This 10.9-kilometer waterway flows through the heart of Seoul, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling city. Visitors can walk along its banks, enjoying the sound of flowing water, small waterfalls, and lush greenery. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax, exercise, or simply enjoy a stroll. TikTokReddit

The stream is divided into several sections, each with its own character. The area around Cheonggye Plaza is often the most lively, featuring the iconic sculpture and main waterfall. As you walk further, you'll encounter various bridges, art installations, and seating areas. It's a testament to Seoul's commitment to creating green spaces within its dense urban landscape, providing a much-needed natural escape. Reddit

Pro-tip: While the entire stream is beautiful, some Redditors suggest that the section starting at Gwanghwamun near the plaza is the main area for events and installations, making it a focal point for visitors. Reddit Exploring different parts of the stream can reveal hidden gems and offer a more intimate experience away from the main crowds. TikTok

Seoul Outdoor Library: Books by the Water

During certain seasons, the Cheonggyecheon Stream hosts the Seoul Outdoor Library, a unique cultural initiative that brings books to the public in an open-air setting. This pop-up library typically features a curated selection of books, inviting visitors to sit, relax, and read by the water. It's a wonderful way to combine the pleasure of reading with the enjoyment of Seoul's urban nature. Instagram+1

The library is usually set up in sections along the stream, with designated reading areas. It's a temporary installation, so checking the dates and times of operation is essential before your visit. The atmosphere is serene, offering a quiet escape where you can immerse yourself in a good book while surrounded by the gentle sounds of the stream. Instagram

Key details: The Seoul Outdoor Library typically operates from Thursday to Sunday, from late morning to early evening, usually until November. Instagram It's a fantastic, free activity that adds an intellectual and relaxing dimension to your exploration of Cheonggye Plaza and the stream. Instagram

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