Cheonggye Plaza

Cheonggye Plaza is a public square in central Seoul that commemorates the restoration of the Cheonggyecheon Stream which was once an elevated highway. The plaza is located at the head of the stream which runs 8.4 kilometers (5.2 miles) through the heart of Seoul.

The area covers almost 2,314 square meters (25,000 square feet). Its length is 160 meters (525 feet) while its width is 50 meters (164 feet).

The design of stonework located here is based on a colorful Korean wrapping cloth known as a bojagi.

The highlight of the plaza is a colorful red and blue sculpture known as the Spring Sculpture. It was created by Coosje Van Bruggen and Claes Oldenburg and today is an important icon of Seoul and for the restoration of Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Also located here is a miniature model of the stream. It gives visitors a bird eyes view of the Cheonggyecheon Stream which was once a concrete highway.

The stream at the plaza also features a 4 meter (13 feet), two-tiered waterfall. On each side of the waterfall are wishing wells created using eight stones from each of the eight provinces in Korea.

The plaza is a popular spot for locals and tourists to go for walks on weekends and in the summer. The plaza is also a popular location for protests and political gatherings.

Spring Sculpture

The Spring Sculpture is a piece of art located in Cheonggye Plaza near Cheonggyecheon Stream. It represents new life for the once decrepit stream area. The sculpture was created by Dutch artist Coosje Van Bruggen and Swedish artist Claes Oldenburg.

The colorful ribbons that stream down the side are inspired by the traditional dress of Korean women. The colors of blue and red represent the unity of opposites in nature and human spirit. The shape was inspired by a shell rising up like a pagoda.

Today, the sculpture is an important symbol of nature in Seoul. It is also an icon for the restoration of Cheonggyecheon Stream area.

Nearby Sights

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon Stream is an 8.4 kilometer (5.2 mile) waterway and public space that runs from west to east through the heart of downtown Seoul. During the Joseon Dynasty, the stream was known as Gaecheon, meaning open stream.

40th Anniversary Monument of Gojong's Enthronement

The 40th Anniversary Monument of Gojong's Enthronement was built to honor the 40th anniversary of the crowning of Gojong as the 26th Joseon Dynasty king. Gojong became king on December 13, 1863 at the age of eleven. His father, Heungseon Daewongun, ruled for him until he was an adult in 1873.

Statue of Admiral Yi Sunshin

Walking south of the statue of the great King Sejong brings you to the towering statue of Admiral Yi Sunshin, also known as Yi Sun-sin. The statue is officially named 12.23 Fountain in honor of the 23 battles he fought using 12 warships. Yi, born on April 28, 1545, is best known for his military achievements during the Imjin War.

Seoul Anglican Cathedral

Seoul Anglican Cathedral is a Romanesque style Anglican church founded by Bishop C.J Corfe in 1922. It is located just west of Deoksugung Palace and Seoul Plaza. Its official name is Cathedral Church of Saint Mary the Virgin and Saint Nicholas.

Old Seoul City Hall (Seoul Metropolitan Library)

The Old Seoul City Hall, now the Seoul Metropolitan Library, is a Renaissance style building that served as the city hall of Seoul from 1945 until 2008. After over four years of construction, the new city hall building opened on August 27, 2012. The building was slated for demolition multiple times but was saved because of its historical importance. It has now been converted to the Seoul Metropolitan Library.

Seoul Plaza

Seoul Plaza is an oval public space located in front of City Hall in the heart of the city. Once a traffic circle, it is now used for events and festivals. Originally, a large water fountain could be found in the center of the traffic circle, but it has since been removed.

Last Updated on Dec 23, 2021