Cheonggyecheon river restoration project

• When did the Cheonggyecheon river project start?

  2003
• How long did the Cheonggyecheon river project take to complete?

  2 years and 3 months
• What was one major reason for initiating the Cheonggyecheon river project?

  Large amounts of pollution in the area
• What safety concern was associated with the elevated overpass?

  It was deteriorated and degraded, making it unsafe
• Why was the water quality poor in the Cheonggyecheon area?

  Due to the shanty town built around it
• What was one of the overall aims of the Cheonggyecheon river project?

  To improve the quality of life in Seoul
• How long was the area restored in the Cheonggyecheon river project?

  5.8 km long
• What was the cost of the Cheonggyecheon river project?

  $281 million
• What features were included in the Cheonggyecheon river project scheme?

  • Car use discouraged
  • 22 bridges added (12 pedestrian)
  • Hanging river used to reduce water pollution
  • Middle zone features fountains and waterfalls
  • End of river flows into conservation wetland
• What role did the citizens committee play in the Cheonggyecheon river project?

  They gauged public opinion and concerns
• How did local businesses react to the Cheonggyecheon river project?

  They saw it as a threat to livelihood
• What was the South Korean president's attitude towards the Cheonggyecheon river project?

  He had a positive attitude towards the scheme
• How did the Cheonggyecheon river project impact flow rates?

  Maintained a constant rate of 120,000 tons daily
• What flood protection capability does the Cheonggyecheon river project provide?

  Protection for up to a 200-year flood event
• By what percentage did biodiversity increase between 2003 and 2008?

  639%
• How many plant species were recorded before and after the project?

  From 62 to 308 species
• How many fish species were recorded before and after the project?

  From 4 to 25 species
• What was the reduction in average air temperature due to the project?

  By 2.5 degrees Celsius
• What effect did the project have on the urban heat island effect?

  It reduced the urban heat island effect
• How did evapotranspiration rates change after the project?

  Evapotranspiration rates increased
• What alteration was made to the inputs of the system in the Cheonggyecheon project?

  Added water from Han River and rainwater
• How was the biological oxygen supply improved in the Cheonggyecheon project?

  Via small waterfalls
• What were the environmental impacts of the Cheonggyecheon river project?

  • Increased overall biodiversity
  • Flood protection for up to a 200-year flood event
  • Reduced urban heat island effect
  • Reduced small particle air pollution by 35%
• What were the social impacts of the Cheonggyecheon river project?

  • 18.1 million visitors by 2008
  • Foreign tourists contributed 2.1 billion won
  • Reduced respiratory disease risk for residents
• What were the economic impacts of the Cheonggyecheon river project?

  • Increased land prices by 30-50%
  • Increased number of businesses by 3.5%
  • Investment into residential construction
• What was a limitation of the inclusive design in the Cheonggyecheon project?

  Limited consideration of certain user groups
• What action was taken in response to the protest for access to pathways?

  Lifts were provided at 7 locations
• What issue remained despite the provision of lifts in the Cheonggyecheon project?

  Irregular surface made wheelchair use uncomfortable