Seoul to beautify streams with new parks, terraces

The city of Seoul is giving its streams a makeover in the next few years, adding more waterfront facilities such as parks and terraces through 2025.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday it plans to install at least one additional waterfront terrace or park in each district of the city, connecting them to existing streams.  

“By 2025, the city will have 30 new parks and terraces built around local streams,” the city government said in its statement.  

The first locations to receive new streamside parks and terraces will be Hongje Stream in Jongno District of central Seoul, Dorim Stream in Gwanak District of southern Seoul and Segok Stream in Gangnam District of southern Seoul.

They will be completed before the end of the year, according to the city government.  

The Hongje Stream park will have a waterside terrace with a view of Mount Bukhan, Hongjimun Gate and Tangchundaeseong Fortress — the latter two dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) — and include a pathway with soft lights to create a beautiful ambience for night strolls, the city government said.  

The park by Dorim Stream in Gwanak District will be more of a platform for outdoor conventions and events and attempt to draw more foot traffic to local facilities and businesses such as Sinwon Market.  

Construction on four other parks will begin this year at Jeongneung Stream in Dongdaemun District, eastern Seoul; Godeok Stream in Gangdong District in eastern Seoul; Bulgwang Stream in Eunpyeong District, northern Seoul; and Seongnae Stream in Songpa District, southern Seoul.

Other parks are still in the design phase, such as those at Seongbuk Stream in Seongbuk District, central Seoul, and Anyang Stream in Geumcheon District, southern Seoul.

Although it’s still in the planning and design process, the park by Yangjae Stream will likely include a complex of cafes and bookstores with outdoor spaces.

The city is also taking more applications from districts for areas they want to develop into parks and terraces.

“Through the expansion of such waterfront facilities, we expect Seoulites will be able to enjoy a higher level of leisure and cultural activities closer to their homes,” said Kwon Wan-taek, a director of the city government overseeing the park projects.  

BY MOON HEE-CHUL, ESTHER CHUNG [chung.juhee@joongang.co.kr]