Over the course of three months, I inspected six countries with the research topic “building attractive waterways to rejuvenate the city.” Among those cities, the project for the waterways of Seoul, Korea left a great impression on me.

Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project
The Cheonggyecheon River flows from the Seoul City Office through the downtown area. Previously the area above the river had been covered and paved with an overpass in a rather inorganic design.  However, the river restoration project has removed the overpass and restored the river, creating an attractive area for city residents and tourists alike. Not only has the project brought rich greenery to the city, herons and spot-billed ducks have settled in the rivers, bringing nature and harmony to the center of the city. I heard that the area was so popular with the residents that they complain about off limits when the riverside is closed for safety when it drizzles.

Han River Renaissance
The Han River is another river in Seoul, which flows from east to west. The area along the river has been made public as city parks filled with beautiful flowers, and also is home to facilities such as police stations, convenience stores, outdoor pools, rental cycle shops, restaurants on the river, ferries, and other facilities that create a memorable atmosphere.
Additionally, Seoul is currently carrying out a river improvement project called the Han River Renaissance, which seeks to change the river into more than just a soothing space: it will become a place where people will actively gather to enjoy the scenery. Among these new facilities, cafes are constructed at the foot of the bridges, and a convention center is currently built on a floating island on the river.

Seoul is continuously implementing city restoration projects along the rivers from the viewpoint that increasing appeal as a city contributes to its strength in international competition. It still has many other projects going on, which has gained notice not only from Seoul citizens, but from around the world.