We transferred from Seoul Incheon Airport to the city area and checked in to Seoul Dragon City Hotel for our first overnight in Seoul. After breakfast we drove to Cheonggyecheon Stream for our first Seoul walkabout.

Cheonggyecheon is a 10.9-kilometre-long, modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul. This massive urban renewal project is on the site of a stream that flowed before the rapid post-war economic development caused it to be covered by transportation infrastructure. The $900 million project initially attracted much public criticism but, since opening in 2005, has become popular among residents and tourists. 

Creating an environment with clean water and natural habitats was the most significant achievement of the project. Species of fish, birds, and insects have increased significantly as a result of the stream excavation. The stream helps to cool down the temperature on the nearby areas by 3.6 °C on average versus other parts of Seoul. 

This urban renewal project was the catalyst of revitalization in downtown Seoul. Cheonggyecheon has become a centre for cultural and economic activities.