Cheon Gye Cheon Restoration

Question 1

Location

Answer 1

Seoul, South Korea
Tributary of the Han River

Question 2

Restoration

Answer 2

The process of managing rivers to reinstate natural processes to restore biodiversity, providing benefits to both people and wildlife.
6km of river were planned to be restored. The restoration aimed to provide habitat for nature, preserving cultural heritage, providing access to nature for the public, flood control, and microclimate regulation

Question 3

Before restoration

Answer 3

Highway going over the river was a symbol of progress during the 60s and 70s but had been increasingly seen as an environmental nightmare. Not only were there notorious traffic jams, but the highway itself fell into disrepair and became unsafe. There was also growing anger at the poor air quality associated with urban development in Seoul.

Question 4

Beginning of restoration

Answer 4

Politician, Lee Myung-bak, proposed the restoration in a bid to become Seoul’s mayor (president a few years later) in 2001. By 2003, they had begun disassembling the expressway and the project was completed by 2005. The project cost $281m.

Question 5

Stakeholders

Answer 5

Different stakeholders involved included the President, transportation experts (concerned that removing highway would ↑ congestion elsewhere)
Cheon Gye Cheon Restoration Citizen’s Committee took responsibility of gauging public opinions
Local businesses saw the project as either an interruption or threat to their livelihoods

Question 6

Impacts of restoration

Answer 6

The river has become popular with residents and tourists alike for rest and relaxation - 18mil visitors by the end of 2008.
Speeds in the CBD slowed by only 12.3% meaning not a large increase in congestion. Bus + subway usage has also increased.
The stream has re-established lost habitats, plant and animal species, have reappeared and it has become an urban wildlife haven.