Cheonggyecheon

Question 1

When and how much did the scheme cost ?

Answer 1

2003 - $281 million.

Question 2

Reasons for and aims of the project ?

Answer 2

• Ageing elevated freeway posed safety risks and needed to repaired or removed.
• Gov wanted to improve connectivity between the city’s north and south sides.
• The areas next to the overpass housed over 100,000 small businesses and had a serious impact on their competitiveness.
• Aimed to create both ecological and recreational opportunities along 5.8km corridor in centre of Seoul.

Question 3

Description of work carried out ?

Answer 3

Elevated freeway dismantled, 22 bridges made to improve the divide, Car use was discouraged in this area, Water from Hanang river pumped into the area to create consistent flow with avr depth of 40cm.

Question 4

What are the 3 zones the corridor is split into ?

Answer 4

Central historic zone
-underground waterways redirected to create new stream bed with landscaped banks
-Foundations and stones of earlier bridges used as decorative elements
-Seating throughout to encourage public use
Middle zone
-Has recreational areas
-Waterfront decks and stepping stones that bridge the two banks
-Design focused on using environmentally friendly material
-Fountains and waterfall
Final zone
-Stream widens
-Designed to look overgrown and untamed
-Sections of pier and overpass left as industrial mementoes
-Flows into wetland conservation area

Question 5

What were the attitudes and contributions of parties involved ?

Answer 5

• South Korean president included the restoration in his successful bid to become the mayor in 2001.
• Transportation experts were concerned that the removed freeway would increase traffic congestion in northern end of city.
• Cheonggyecheon Restoration Citizens Committee used public opinion.

Question 6

Economic sustainability of the river ?

Answer 6

Despite the central location the area had fallen behind in terms of economic viability. Since the end of the project, development capital has been invested in residential construction and property prices have risen elsewhere in the city. Number of businesses in the area has also increased.

Question 7

What has happened to traffic in the area ?

Answer 7

Public transport use increased, More pedestrian activity in the area, Removal cars has created 2.5 degrees reduction in temps

Question 8

What happened to the environment after the project ?

Answer 8

Stream re-established lost habitats, plants and animal species have reappeared. Schoolchildren have access to valuable education through ecology in the environment.