The Restored Cheonggyecheon and the Quality of Life in Seoul

Abstract

Conservative mayor of Seoul, Lee Myung-bak, oversaw a project to restore the Cheonggyecheon stream from 2003 to 2005. The purpose of the restoration was to improve the quality of cultural and environmental life in central Seoul, thus making the urban environment more attractive for residents while creating a more favorable economic climate. The restoration was based on a top-down vision but leaders tried to win over residents by providing broad benefits. The project improved the air quality in the area, provided more green space and an artificial urban waterway, improved traffic flow through the area, and has contributed to the improvement of Seoul's image and helped promote its tourism. On the other hand, the project went over budget, met some protest, promoted gentrification, and involved more of an historical and environmental reimagining than a restoration. The perceived success of the project helped Mayor Lee win the presidency, but he was unable to replicate the project on a nationwide scale and the new environmental/cultural development model heralded by the project has quickly receded, replaced by a new focus on welfare.

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