The stream was named Gaecheon (open stream) after the first refurbishment project to construct a drainage system during the Joseon Dynasty (mad long ago nuts!). The work, which included dredging and bolstering the banks of the stream and building the bridges, was carried out every 2~3 years during this period from the reign of Taejong, the third king of the Joseon Dynasty. The King Yeonjo especially undertook the refurbishment work as a national project.
Gacheon was renamed to Cheonggyecheon, its current name, during the Japanese colonial period. During this time, financial difficulties prevented the colonialists from covering up the stream despite several attempts to do so (the damn Japanese, why they gotta ruin everything for us? we can't even have a stream?).
After the Korean War (1950~1953), more people migrated into Seoul and settled down along the stream in shabby makeshift houses. The accompanying trash, sand, and waste, and deteriorating conditions resulted in an eyesore in the city. The stream was covered up with concrete step by step for 20 years since 1958 (good good way to get rid of an eyesore..cover it with concrete I guess). This area became an example of ‘successful industrialization and modernization’.
In July 2003, then-Seoul mayor, current President Lee Myung-Bak initiated a project to remove the elevated highway and restore the stream. Some people didn't want it, they spent $281 million us dollars making this glorious. Lee Myung-Bak gets the last laugh because now everyone loves it.
It is a very pretty refuge to relax in the craziness that is Seoul. The water is very clean, kids swim and bring inflatables. Couples cuddle under bridges (because I don't know if I mentioned that Koreans are super monogamous and everyone is one half of a couple here, it's annoying more on that another day). Really nice place to hang out.
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