🇺🇸 English Version: 9 Things You Should NOT Do at Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul
🇰🇷 Korean Version: 서울 청계천에서 하면 안 되는 행동 9가지
Cheonggyecheon Stream runs through the heart of Seoul and is one of the city's most popular urban attractions. It is enjoyed by both local residents and international visitors as a place to walk, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
However, because Cheonggyecheon is a public space used by many people, there are also rules that visitors should follow.
Some activities that may seem harmless elsewhere may be restricted at Cheonggyecheon.
In this guide, we'll look at the important rules and things you should avoid when visiting Cheonggyecheon Stream.
1. Do Not Fish or Catch Fish
낚시하거나 물고기를 잡지 마세요.
Fishing and catching fish are restricted at Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Cheonggyecheon is not only a popular walking and relaxation area but also an urban stream where various aquatic species live.
Even if you see fish in the water, visitors should not use fishing equipment or attempt to catch them.
Recent surveys by the Seoul Facilities Corporation have also confirmed the presence of various fish species in Cheonggyecheon, highlighting its ecological value.
2. Do Not Swim or Bathe in the Stream
청계천에서 수영하거나 목욕하지 마세요.
On a hot summer day, you may feel tempted to cool off by putting your feet in the water.
However, swimming, bathing, and similar activities are restricted at Cheonggyecheon.
If you are visiting with children, make sure they do not enter the water.
Remember that Cheonggyecheon is a public stream for walking and relaxation, not a swimming pool or water playground.
3. Do Not Camp or Cook at Cheonggyecheon
야영하거나 취사하지 마세요.
Camping, sleeping overnight, setting up tents, and cooking food are also restricted at Cheonggyecheon.
Taking a short break or enjoying a walk is a great way to experience the stream, but it should not be treated like a campsite.
Using portable burners or other cooking equipment can also create safety and fire risks, so visitors should avoid such activities.
4. Avoid Smoking and Drinking
흡연과 음주는 피해주세요.
Smoking and drinking are also restricted at Cheonggyecheon.
Because the area is shared by many residents and tourists, cigarette smoke and excessive drinking can cause inconvenience to other visitors.
When visiting Cheonggyecheon, it is better to enjoy a peaceful walk and the surrounding scenery rather than treating the area as a place for drinking.
5. Do Not Litter or Urinate in Public
쓰레기를 버리거나 방뇨하지 마세요.
Littering, including leaving food waste or other rubbish, and urinating in public are prohibited activities at Cheonggyecheon.
If you have snacks or drinks while walking, do not leave the waste on the walking path or near the water.
Keeping the area clean is a basic courtesy to other visitors and helps protect the environment of Cheonggyecheon.
6. Do Not Ride Bicycles or Inline Skates
자전거와 인라인스케이트를 이용하지 마세요.
The use of bicycles, inline skates, and similar wheeled devices is restricted on the Cheonggyecheon walking paths.
There are exceptions for mobility devices used by people with disabilities, young children, elderly visitors, and for facility management such as cleaning, construction, and maintenance.
These restrictions help reduce the risk of collisions on walking paths shared by many pedestrians.
If you want to explore Cheonggyecheon, walking is the safest and most appropriate way to get around.
7. Be Careful When Bringing Pets
반려동물 동반 시 주의하세요.
Access with animals is also restricted in certain areas of Cheonggyecheon.
However, assistance dogs for people with disabilities are an exception.
If you are looking for a place to walk your dog, check the facility's current rules and access information before visiting.
Do not assume that pets can freely enter all areas of Cheonggyecheon.
8. Do Not Sleep Rough or Operate Unauthorized Businesses
노숙이나 무단 영업을 하지 마세요.
Sleeping rough and unauthorized commercial activities are also restricted at Cheonggyecheon.
Although Cheonggyecheon is a public space open to visitors, it is not intended to be used as a personal accommodation area or an unauthorized business location.
If you want to organize an event, performance, or other special activity at Cheonggyecheon, separate application and approval procedures may be required.
9. During Rain, Leave Cheonggyecheon Immediately
비가 올 때는 청계천 밖으로 대피하세요.
One of the most important safety rules to remember is what to do when it rains.
Because of the way rainwater flows into the Cheonggyecheon area, the walking paths can become flooded quickly during heavy rainfall. The Seoul Facilities Corporation advises visitors to follow the instructions of safety personnel and leave the stream area promptly when necessary.
⚠️ Important: Do not stay under bridges to avoid the rain.
(중요: 비를 피하기 위해 교량 아래에 머물지 마세요.)
According to the Seoul Facilities Corporation, floodgates under bridges may open during rainfall. Visitors should therefore leave the Cheonggyecheon area instead of waiting under a bridge for the rain to stop.
If it suddenly starts raining while you are visiting Cheonggyecheon, or if you hear an evacuation announcement, do not wait to take photos or wait for the rain to stop.
Follow the instructions of safety personnel and leave the stream area immediately.
What Can You Do at Cheonggyecheon?
그렇다면 청계천에서는 무엇을 하면 좋을까요?
So, what can you actually do at Cheonggyecheon?
The simplest answer is to walk, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
Cheonggyecheon offers various attractions and cultural spaces, and seasonal events and programs are held throughout the year.
The Seoul Facilities Corporation also operates various programs related to the ecological and cultural value of Cheonggyecheon.
You can simply enjoy walking along the stream, taking photos, and appreciating the surrounding scenery.
Just remember to be considerate of other visitors, especially when the area is crowded.
Conclusion | Cheonggyecheon Is a Shared Public Space
마무리 | 청계천은 모두가 함께 이용하는 공간입니다.
There are more restrictions at Cheonggyecheon than many first-time visitors may realize.
Some of the main things to avoid include fishing, swimming or bathing, camping and cooking, smoking and drinking, littering, public urination, riding bicycles or inline skates, bringing animals into restricted areas, sleeping rough, and unauthorized commercial activities.
Most importantly, if it starts raining heavily, follow the instructions of safety personnel and leave the Cheonggyecheon area immediately.
Cheonggyecheon is a special public space where residents and visitors can enjoy walking and relaxing in the heart of Seoul.
By following a few simple rules, you can help make the area more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
If you are planning to visit Seoul or take a walk along Cheonggyecheon, keep these basic rules in mind.
Enjoy your trip, but always put safety and consideration for others first.
📌 Information & Translation Notice
Source: This article was written with reference to public safety and visitor guidelines provided by the Seoul Facilities Corporation.
Translation Notice:
This article was translated and adapted from the Korean version with the assistance of AI. Every effort has been made to provide clear and accurate information. Please check official sources for the latest rules and regulations before visiting.