Minister Dang Quoc Khanh visits the "reviving a dead river" model in Seoul

Cheonggyecheon River before and after renovation

The Cheonggyecheon River (Chinese name: Thanh Khe Stream) is an 11 km long river that runs through the center of Seoul. Introduced as part of an urban renewal project, the Cheonggyecheon River is a restoration of a river that has existed since the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

After the Korean War (1950-1953), the river was covered by an elevated highway as part of the country's post-war economic development. As people could not stand the stuffy air in the city, restoration work began in 1958. By October 2005, the stream had been successfully cleared and restored. At first, the construction received mixed opinions from the public. Today, it has become an ideal green tourist spot and a symbol of Seoul.

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh visited the Cheonggyecheon River - a symbol of the capital Seoul in "reviving the dead river".

From the Cheonggyecheon River site to visit the monitoring and operating area of ​​the Cheonggyecheon River management unit, Minister Dang Quoc Khanh admired the city government for daring to change, daring to do big things, and boldly spending a large amount of money to create a new symbolic project of the capital Seoul. Here, Minister Dang Quoc Khanh asked the management unit to share about the activities of maintaining and regulating the flow, the operation of collecting rainwater and domestic wastewater as well as operating costs...

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh visited the Cheonggyecheon River Management and Operation Center

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh said that July 1, 2024 is the effective date of Vietnam's Law on Water Resources, in which the restoration of polluted water sources is also an important part of this Law. Currently, many rivers in Vietnam are heavily polluted, so we really hope that Korean professional agencies will share practical experiences so that Vietnam can create symbolic works like those in Seoul.

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh listened to the Director of the company managing the Cheonggyecheon river system introduce the activities here.

The Cheonggyecheon River Restoration Project involves removing an elevated highway section and restoring a historic river section of the Cheonggyecheon, located in central Seoul. The project also "becomes a model for planning intentions and actions across Korea."

Since its restoration, the capital’s summer temperatures have dropped by 2-3 degrees. It is now also an ideal place for Seoul residents to relax. The river welcomes about 60,000 visitors every day because of its green beauty amidst the high-rise buildings.

Since its restoration, the capital’s summer temperatures have dropped by 2-3 degrees. It is now also an ideal place for Seoul residents to relax.

Some photos of the visit to Cheonggyecheon by Minister Dang Quoc Khanh and the delegation of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh and the delegation of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment listened to a report on the operation and management process of the Cheonggyecheon River.

Minister Dang Quoc Khanh and the delegation of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment listened to a report on the operation and management process of the Cheonggyecheon River.

Below the road is a sewer system to collect rainwater.

The house was built by the Cheonggyecheon River Management Board for tourists to visit and view the river from above.

Inside the house built by the Cheonggyecheon River Management Board for visitors to visit and view the river from above

The delegation moved down to directly feel the freshness of the Cheonggyecheon River.

Nowadays, when visiting the Cheonggyecheon River in Korea, visitors can stroll along both banks to enjoy the peace or visit famous tourist attractions in Seoul located nearby.

The Cheonggyecheon River not only helps regulate the air but is also a symbolic structure of the capital Seoul. The water of the Cheonggyecheon River is very clear, there are 22 bridges connecting the two banks. Along both sides of the river are rows of green trees casting shade. Therefore, Seoul residents often take advantage of this place as a place to rest or have fun in their free time.

The city government has come up with special solutions to solve wastewater problems during the project. A significant number of wastewater pipes have been buried near Cheonggyecheon because wastewater from downtown Seoul is often concentrated along it. Finding a way to treat wastewater is a prerequisite for rehabilitation.

One of the priorities during the restoration process was safety, including implementing appropriate flood protection measures. The embankments were designed and built to withstand very large floods.

Direct impacts of restored streams include the provision of public space and natural environments.

Indirect results include the revitalization of downtown Seoul, which is now attracting people and businesses.

More broadly, revitalization has led to changes in public awareness as well as urban planning strategies to improve downtown areas and public transport.

The stream welcomes about 60,000 visitors every day because of its green beauty among the high-rise buildings. Minister Dang Quoc Khanh admires the city government for daring to change, daring to do big things, and boldly spending a large amount of money to create a new symbolic project for the capital city of Seoul.

The delegation took a souvenir photo at Cheonggyecheon River

Source: https://baotainguyenmoitruong.vn/bo-truong-dang-quoc-khanh-tham-mo-hinh-song-lai-dong-song-chet-tai-seoul-376211.html