Cheonggye Plaza and Stream, Seoul (must see)

Cheonggyecheon Stream flows through downtown Seoul. The stream was covered up with concrete for many decades. In 2003, work to remove the elevated highway and restore the stream began. The stream was officially re-opened in 2005.

The stream runs under 22 bridges and flows into the Hangang River. Gwangtonggyo Bridge was one of the busiest and most important bridges of the Joseon Dynasty. It was also buried for 100 years during Seoul's economic boom. Now restored, it's one of the most scenic places on the Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Cheonggye Plaza is located at the head of Cheonggyecheon Stream. The plaza celebrates the re-opening of the stream. The vibrant red and blue Spring Sculpture dominates the plaza. The sculpture's design is reminiscent of a shell rising like a pagoda. The colorful ribbons represent traditional Korean wrapping cloth known as a bojagi.

The Candlelight Fountain at the plaza is a stunning two-tiered, four-meter (13-foot) tall waterfall. It's stunning at night when the lights of Seoul are reflected in the water.