Cheonggyecheon Flashcards
Where is the Cheonggyecheon River
South Korea
North-east Asia
Population of Seoul
10 million
24.5 million in the larger metropolitan area
How many people are there per square km in Seoul
17,000
Reasons for and aims of the project
- Japanese colonial administration had first begun dredging the river in 1918, aiming to cover it over. This is because it was seen as a sanitation and flood risk
- After WW2, refugees and returning populations established squatter settlements along the banks of the river
- Aimed to create both ecological and recreational opportunities for the population
What was launched in 2003
A $281 million scheme to restore the river
How long was the newly regenerated river
5.8km
What posed a safety risk to the river
The ageing elevated freeway and concrete deck
It needed to be repaired or removed
What was in the area surrounding the overpass
100,000 small businesses
The freeway had a serious impact on their competitiveness
What was happening to the area by the end of the twentieth century
Buildings were disintegrating
Area was becoming more polluted
There was little green space
How many bridges were built during the project and what was the reason for them
22
12 for pedestrians and 10 for cars
Built to improve movement between the north and south of the area
What was an issue with removing the elevated highway
Could cause an increase in traffic congestion as it carried 169,000 cars per day
How did local businesses view the project
Saw it is either an interruption to their normal lives or a threat to their livelihoods
What did the Seoul Metropolitan Authority do to minimise inconvenience and stimulate business activity
Provided extra parking
Reduced parking fees
Improved the loading and unloading system
Promoted Cheonggyecheon businesses
Provided support, subsidies and grants for business restructuring
Struck special agreements with businesses that had to relocate
How many tourists had the river attracted and by when
18.1 million by 2008
How has the project helped develop economic sustainability
Development capital has been invested in residential construction
Property prices have risen by more than double than rates elsewhere in the city
The number of businesses in the areas closest to the restoration work has risen
What is a result of the removal of a large quantity of cars in the area
Created a 2.5 degree reduction in average temperatures in the area
What did a 2005 public survey show about air quality
Residents were overwhelmed by how much improvement there had been to air and water quality, noise and smells
What has the river re-established
Lost habitats
Plant and animal species have reappeared
Become an urban wildlife haven
Provided a valuable educational resource through the embedded ecology
What was the response to a 2005 protest march about disability access
Lifts were provided at 7 locations
Free wheelchairs were made available
