Seongbukcheon (North Fortress Stream) is a river that originates from the west of Bukak Mountain in Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, and flows southeast, eventually joining the Cheonggyecheon Stream. In the past, it was known as Anamcheon (安岩川).
Even until the 1960s, the water was clear enough for peach cultivation in the area, and it was also used for laundry. However, from the late 1960s, a total of 3.66 kilometers of the stream underwent canalization, leading to a significant deterioration in water quality.
However, efforts have been made to restore it, and now it has been transformed into an ecological stream from Hansung University Entrance to the confluence with Cheonggyecheon.
“Well-maintained Seongbukcheon”
Seongbukcheon stretches from Hansung University Entrance to Cheonggyecheon. When I visited the area in front of Hansung University Entrance after a long time, I took a photo. It happened to be sunset, so the photo turned out well. While I was taking the photo, an elderly man who was enjoying the view next to me struck up a conversation, saying, “Is this the Seine River?”
I haven’t personally visited the Seine River yet, but I could relate to his comment, as Seongbukcheon is surprisingly well-maintained and the atmosphere is quite charming. Especially, with the sunset as the backdrop, the scenery of Seongbukcheon looked even more captivating.
“Korean-Chinese Peace Girl Statue”
In the square near Hansung University Entrance, the “Korean-Chinese Peace Girl Statue” is displayed. Next to the statue, the following message is written:
“In memory of the painful history of two hundred thousand Asian girls who were brutally violated as ‘comfort women’ by the Japanese military, and in order to never repeat the tragic history of human dignity being annihilated by war and violence, we, citizens of all nations, will unite to practice for a world where peace and human rights are guaranteed.
First, citizens of Korea and China jointly gather their hopes for peace and human rights, establish the Korean-Chinese Peace Girl Statue here, and take the first step in the movement.”
It may not be a place that one would deliberately come from afar to visit, but it is a cherished space for those living in the nearby area. It offers a walking path for activities like strolling and jogging, making it a special spot.
“Hansung University Entrance: Seongbukcheon”
- Address: Samseon-dong 4ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea