Experience Cheonggyecheon Stream: Seoul's Urban Oasis

The Cheonggyecheon Stream is literally the coolest place to escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul life right in the city’s center.

Picture this: a peaceful 11 kilometer stream tucked between towering skyscrapers, with cute pedestrian walkways, stepping stones, waterfalls, and old‑school bridges. By day, it feels like a sliver of nature snuck into the city, with people jogging, going on dates, sipping on coffee, or just hanging out by the water watching cranes and fish go about their business.

By night, the entire stream comes to life with beautiful colorful lights, light busking, people cooling their feet in the clear waters and special events like the Seoul Lantern Festival and Lotus Lantern Festival. Though summer isn’t the most ideal time to be in Korea due to the the high humidity, sweltering temperatures and sudden heavy rains, it is also the time of year when the Cheonggyecheon feels most alive.

One our favorite spots along the Cheonggyecheon this time of year is hidden beneath Gwanggyo Bridge where you can enjoy ‘Cheonggye Soul Ocean,’ a special media art exhibition that uses six projectors to display gorgeous visuals across 40 meters of the water’s surface. From whales swimming between your feet to Monet’s floral masterpieces floating down the stream, it’s an incredibly soothing way to unwind, especially after a long busy day or week.

This projection show happens every day from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, so it’s the perfect spot to cool your toes after a long day of walking. The location is just south of Insadong and north of Myeongdong, making it the perfect place to end a day of shopping or sightseeing.

And if you’re not in Seoul this summer, never fear, the show will actually continue until the end of the year (December 31st). As always with outdoor exhibitions, the show is subject to change or cancellation in the case of bad weather so be sure to keep that in mind when you visit.

Where is the Cheonggye Soul Ocean?

The multimedia light show can be found under Gwanggyo Bridge. The easiest way to get there is walk there from Jonggak Station on the dark blue line (line no. 1) through exit 5. It’s a quick 5 minute walk.