Hello, global travelers! This is your local guide, Kiki 🐾.
If you are planning your itinerary and searching for the best things to do in Seoul in 2026, there is one place you absolutely cannot miss: the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Flowing right through the center of the concrete jungle, this 11 km urban oasis is where locals go to relax.
Because the stream is so long and packed with endless sights, I have created a detailed, multi-part walking guide. In this Part 1 Cheonggyecheon guide, we will explore the lively starting point from Gwanghwamun (Cheonggye Plaza) down to Samilgyo Bridge.
As your virtual guide—a cat elegantly dressed in a traditional Korean Hanbok with my signature look—I will show you the exact "Hidden Gems" and accessible "Local Eats" along this route. Let’s follow Kiki's pawprints!
🗺️ Cheonggyecheon Hidden Gems: The Part 1 Route
1. The Entrance: Cheonggye Plaza (청계광장)
Your Cheonggyecheon Stream walk begins here. You cannot miss the iconic, massive colorful sculpture named "Spring." Taking a photo in front of this giant conical shell is a must for any Seoul travel itinerary.
Kiki’s 2026 Insider Tip: The lighting at Cheonggye Plaza received a stunning upgrade recently. If you visit in the evening, the two-tier urban waterfall and the colorful LED lighting create a magical atmosphere reflecting off the modern skyscrapers. Entrance is free, 24/7!
2. Mojeongyo Bridge & The Stepping Stones (모전교)
Just past the main waterfall, you will reach the elegant Mojeongyo Bridge. Don’t just watch from the street level—walk down to the water! You can jump across the traditional stepping stones (jinggeomdari), relax in the cool shade under the bridge, and take amazing urban photography. Keep your eyes open; you might even spot a snowy egret or a teal duck!
3. A Dark Secret: Gwangtonggyo Bridge (광통교) 🌟 Kiki’s Pick!
Here is the secret: some of these carvings are upside down! These stones were originally taken from the tomb of Queen Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo (founder of the Joseon Dynasty). When the King died, his son, who hated the Queen, ordered her tomb dismantled and placed the stones here for the public to trample upon. It’s a dark but captivating piece of Korean history right in the middle of the stream.
4. The Transition: Gwansugyo Bridge (관수교)
When you reach the modern Gwansugyo Bridge connecting the Jongno and Euljiro districts, you have completed the first segment of our walk. Here, the urban noise begins to fade, and the greenery becomes incredibly dense, offering a true "forest in the city" vibe.
🍜 Seoul Local Eats Near Gwanghwamun & Jongno
Walking makes you hungry! To help you avoid tourist traps, I have selected three highly accessible local restaurants and cafes right along our Part 1 route.
☕ Local Cafe: Blue Bottle Coffee Gwanghwamun
Blue Bottle Coffee Gwanghwamun Cafe
[11 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seorin-dong, Jongno District, Seoul]
If you need a caffeine boost before your morning walk, this cafe is located directly at the entrance of Cheonggye Plaza. Grab a high-quality coffee and a pastry. The cafe features massive floor-to-ceiling windows offering unbeatable urban views of the stream.
☕ Local Cafe: Coffee Hanyakbang
[16-6 Samil-daero 12-gil, Jung District, Seoul]
A hidden cafe with a great atmosphere located just a 5-minute walk from Samil Bridge! You can enjoy the charm of old Korea here. It features a wide variety of coffee and desserts, and the taste is top-notch! It is tucked away in an alley, so please refer to the map to find it.
🍲 Authentic K-Food: Sundae-Silrok Jong-gak (순대실록 종각점)
[30 Jong-ro 14-gil, Jongno District, Seoul]
One of the foods Koreans love to eat! It is Gukbap. Considered a soul food for Koreans, Gukbap is a dish enjoyed with rice, warm broth, and various meats, and it pairs perfectly with Soju, Korea's representative alcoholic beverage. It is a dish that you will crave again once you try it! If you would like to properly enjoy this dish, please contact me via email!
🐾 Kiki’s Travel Tips for Your Stream Walk
- Footwear: Since you will be jumping on stepping stones and walking on uneven stone paths, comfortable sneakers are highly recommended.
- Restrooms: Don't worry about facilities. Look for the stairs leading up to the street level. Many large buildings near the start (like the Seoul Finance Center) have clean public restrooms, and there are designated public toilets near the major bridges.
I hope you enjoyed the first segment of our Cheonggyecheon adventure! Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will continue our journey from Gwansugyo Bridge all the way to the famous Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP).
Have you visited Cheonggyecheon before? Let Kiki know in the comments below, and don't forget to share this guide with your travel buddies!
🐾 Continue Your Journey with Kiki!
Curious about the next episode?
[Part 2: With Retro Vibes and Hip Hop] (From Samilgyo to Majeonggyo)