It is easy to envy Seoulites who work downtown in Jongno-gu; they can enjoy packed lunches near the cool and animated waters and relax while being inspired by various cultural events that often take place along the stream. It's also a great place for photographers - whether they're taking daytime or nighttime shots. Hard to imagine that there were people who opposed this urban renewal project on grounds of expense and impact on the neighbouring shops but I think the benefits can't simply be measured in won.
I didn't have enough time to walk the entire length of Cheonggyecheon though that's something on my long list of to-do's when in Korea. Managed to cover only Course 1 ( see below). I suggest you visit it at different times of the day just to soak in its changing faces - early morning before the rush hour, during the lunch hour, and in the evening when the spotlights create a pretty setting for shooting TV dramas such as Lovers in Prague.
Getting There By Subway:
Line 1: City Hall Station, Jonggak Station, Jongno 3-ga Station, Jongno 5-ga Station, Dongdaemun Station, Sinseoldong Station
Line 2: Euljiro 1-ga Station, Euljiro 3-ga Station, Euljiro 4-ga Station, Sindang Station, Sangwangsibni Station
Line 3: Jongno 3-ga Station
Line 4: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station
Line 5: Gwanghwamun Station
Exit towards Cheonggyecheon Stream
Course 1 starts from Cheonggye Plaza and ends at Ogansu Bridge; the walk takes about 3 hours
Course 2 starts from Cheonggye Cultural Center and ends at Ogansu Bridge; this walk takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
sources:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheonggyecheon
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264625
http://english.sisul.or.kr/grobal/cheonggye/eng/WebContent/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Korea-Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-2008-01.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-01.jpg
