Urban Regeneration in Seoul: Cheonggyecheon Stream and Seoullo 7017

This report provides an overview of urban regeneration in Seoul, South Korea, with a focus on two key projects: the Cheonggyecheon Stream and Seoullo 7017. The report discusses the historical context of urban development in Seoul, including the mistakes made during the post-war modernization boom and the subsequent efforts to rectify them. It details the transformation of the Cheonggyecheon Stream from a buried waterway to a restored urban oasis and examines the conversion of an elevated highway into the pedestrian walkway and Skypark known as Seoullo 7017, drawing parallels with New York's High Line. The report highlights the innovative approaches to integrating nature and pedestrian-friendly spaces into the urban environment, emphasizing the importance of considering alternative transport plans and the potential for other cities to learn from Seoul's example. The author's personal experience and observations during a visit to these sites are also included, offering insights into the impact and appeal of these urban regeneration projects.

Running head: KOREAN URBAN REGENERATION
KOREAN URBAN REGENERATION
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Authors Note

1KOREAN URBAN REGENERATION
Regeneration is generally referred to the urban transformation practices, which
is done through reconstruction, re-design and re-allocation of urban land (Vickery
2007). However, regeneration is considered differently when applied to any particular
region. Such as in cities, it is quite clear that the complex factors elements are more as
compared to the rural areas. In the current scenario, urban policymakers have laid
greater emphasis on reconstruction of hard infrastructures like building, transport and
land systems. This further is related to the improvements in "soft infrastructure" such as
education, training and other business support services. Moreover, social infrastructure
related to regeneration is also included that comprises of health, housing and
community networking. Thus, urban regeneration is regarded in the much wider, multi-
faceted sense (Pedro 1996).
The central and local government has to balance the needs and interests of all
community sectors. Moreover, it should also be kept in mind that the lawful right of any
particular group is not sacrificed. (Hankuk University 2011). Urban regeneration is also
interrelated with place marketing. According to Holland’s and Vail's research, the main
idea for creation of three elements related to place marketing constitutes material form,
geographic location and place related to values and meanings. This is known as ‘place
imprinting’ that means to encompass both social and geographic effects related to that
place (‘place-doing’). This is also related to how it is created and re- created (‘place-
making’) (Hollands 2015). During the year 1980s culturally led urban development is
generally highlighted.
Examples:
According to its history, each city makes it own development and planning

2KOREAN URBAN REGENERATION
mistakes. No city is really perfect in all sense but a better city always tries to rectify its
errors related to urban planning procedures and modifies itself.
The city of Seoul, is a huge metropolis city with modern skyscrapers and
heritage buildings. It is the capital of South Korea. The highlight for most of the visitors
to Seoul is the “Five Grand Palaces” built by the Joseon Dynasty built over five
centuries. Notable attraction also includes Gyeonbokung palace and Dongdaemun
Design Palace. For my visit to Seoul, I was mostly looking forward to see two urban
regeneration projects.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
In central Seoul lies Cheonggyecheon stream, which was paved since South
Korea’s post-war modernization boom period during 1950’s. In the year 1970, (after
realizing the urban mistakes during the years) an improved elevated highway was
designed along the path of Cheonggyecheon stream. During the year 2003, the city
began to remove all the elevated highways and started a project to rediscover all the
major waterways that was lying buried under concrete. The stream is generally 11 km
long and is deep down below the street level. The stream has walkways along with
beautiful greenery on its either side. Though the stream is not yet restored to its earlier
natural glory and is on hybrid form. Thus, lead in blending nature into innovative and
improved urban environment.
The water is very clean as if generated from Swiss Alps itself. The stream is
full of large fishes with variety of species in the water. No fishing is allowed so it makes
a better environment for the aquatic life. The water of the stream is pumped from
different sources. This includes groundwater, which is further collected from various

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metro systems. To make the view more realistic and countryside, steeping stones
crossing have been paved along the way. There are water features at various points of
the streams with art installations. Moreover, at some point, the stream is complete
incarnation of a concrete jungle. Recently, it is becoming precedent for various cities for
the reclamation of this waterway. Los Angeles is one such city that has initiated to
restore its concrete river.
Seoullo 7017
Seoullo 7017 (or Seoul Street) also considered as Skypark or Skygarden. It is a
pedestrian walkway present near Seoul Station, which is designed on a former elevated
highway. The Seoul Station region surrounds the main railway lines and is completely
jumbled mess of roads. During 1970, an overpass was designed to improve the
roadways but instead it added to the clutter related to road traffic. The overpass was cut
across the railway lines and multiple roads in central Seoul, which led to more traffic.
The overpass was therefore closed in 2015 and rather than being demolished Seoullo
was proposed to be re-designed it into a pedestrian walk and Skypark. The idea was
modeled on New York’s High Line that was earlier an old elevated railway line and was
later reconstructed and transformed into a walking path.
The path was finally re-opened in May, 2017 and the name 7017 originated by
combining Seoullo original construction date of 1970 as well as its rebirth year 2017.
The path is only a kilometer long and barely consists of any trace showing that this was
previously used for cars.
During my visit, the line was just opened a month before so it has new and
improved features to it. I remembered Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, while looking

4KOREAN URBAN REGENERATION
at the park, which had now trees grown up beautifying the place. Similarly, once the
trees will grow up in Seoullo it will add more value to the place. The walkways have
botanical garden instead of ornamental garden. The garden is full of varied species and
perfectly marked with its botanical and Korean name. During evening time, bands can
perform at the provided performance space. Moreover, for temporary exhibitions there
are few cafes along the galleries and path.
While staying at railway line back entrance side, I realized that moving to the
front side was very fun and pleasing due to the amazing walkway. It would be really
great for all the pedestrian if all the flyovers present in cities throughout the world is
transformed into walkways or skyparks. Before taking this drastic step, it is also
important for all the cities to ascertain their alternative transport plan. The elevated
highways should be adequately replaced with decent metro station so that there is no
chaos and confusion related to traffic and safety issues in the city. Currently, Seoul has
over 20 metro lines that serve the major part of the Seoul area and also has various
expansion plans on the horizon.
The High Line of New York, was copied by Seoul for regeneration of its urban
planning. Similarly, other town planners should also come in Korea and copy their
urban regeneration examples through Seoul.