The sources of Cheonggye-cheon are Inwang-san(Mt.) located in the northwest of Seoul, the south foot of Bugak-san (Mt.) and the north foot of Nam-san (Mt.). It is an urban stream flowing form west to east converging the center of Seoul. Its total length spans 10.92 km. The total area of the Cheonggye-cheon is 50.96㎢ and is located atthe center of Seoul.

Ever since Seoul was designated as the capital during the Joseon Dynasty in 1394, the Cheonggye-cheon has not only divided the capital geographically but also has played a symbolic role as the boundary in politics, society and culture.

The full-scale covering construction to the Cheonggye-cheon began on May 25,1958 and was completed in December 1961. Cheonggye-cheon’s area of length 2,358.5 m and width 1654 m between Gwanggyo and Ogansu Bridge (Near Pyeonghwa Arcade) in the central downtown was covered and paved with concrete. This large construction cost 166.17 million Won and about 242,000 people were mobilized.

The restoration project of Cheonggye-cheon is not just a part of Seoul’s urban planning but a greater task that the entire nation is interested in as a symbolic project to revive an important part of Korea’s historical and natural heritage at the start of the 21st century. When the project is successfully completed, the capital will turn into a city friendly to both the environment and people. The project is also expected to set a new paradigm for urban management in the new century and contribute to renewing the image of Seoul.