New Travel Series + Cheonggyecheon Stream

First, let me tell you how my week was so far: I was so sick these past few days. I had a terrible headache, I’m feeling nauseous, and I’m having stomach cramps. Before you start thinking these are probably signs of being pregnant, let me just say that my period came today (as scheduled). So yeah, I’m feeling a little better now.

As a comeback for the many days I wasn’t able to blog, I would like to start a series called: The Abella Adventures. This series will document all of our family trips locally and abroad and will include: travel tips, budget, itinerary, travel finds and more. Moreover, our travel posts shared in other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram will bear the hashtags: #theabelladventures and #theabellastravelto

Starting The Abella Adventures Series is a continuation of our recent trip to South Korea.

From Jeju Island, we (reluctantly) went back to Seoul. Due to our activities early morning that day (read all about it here), we were already exhausted by the time we arrived at Gimpo Airport. We just wanted to go to our accommodation and sleep. Luckily, our rented apartment is just 20 minutes away by subway from the airport. A review of our Airbnb accommodation will be posted soon.

4pm: At last we arrived at the apartment and were able to catch some Zzzzzzs. By 6pm we need to have dinner so we went out. We took a short detour to Cheonggyecheon Stream which I heard was quite a sight at night. We rode the subway to Gwanghwamun Square but unfortunately took the wrong exit. Good thing, the stream was just a little walk away, so walk we did!

One thing I like about South Korea is that sunsets are at almost 8pm. Look how bright it is at 7pm.

What was once a neglected waterway was transformed into an oasis in the middle of downtown Seoul. The “Spring Tower” and the Candlelight Fountain marks the start of the stream at Cheonggye Plaza.

Although named the Spring tower, it is more like a snail’s shell to me. Nonetheless, the structure is a great symbol of modernization and culture.

The fountain is what we came for actually, with its changing colors and beautiful lights at night, it is definitely stunning.

One can enjoy a leisurely stroll along this 11km long stream or simply take a rest, watch some fishes swim or dip your feet in its cool waters. The best part of it is you can do this for free.

There is also a wishing well at the middle of the stream not far from the entrance.

We took a quick family photo under the rainbow lighted bridge.

Crossed the stone steps to the other side. Sorry for the blurred photo. Hubby was in a hurry to cross while I was scrambling to take a picture of them.

The stream passes under 22 bridges before it flows out to Han River. We were able to have a photo in just one of the bridges, though then had dinner.

Too lazy to find something local to eat, we just settled for pizza and then went on our way home.

We went back here a few days after and in the morning to let Kara dip her feet in the water and to see how the view is at daytime. Personally, I think Cheonggyecheon Stream is best visited at night. the view is just so wonderful, with the lights illuminating the beauty of the stream. To be in a haven like this in the middle of a busy city is a breath of fresh air to me.

Next up is the 2nd day of our tour in Seoul: Around Gyeongbokgung Palace dressed in hanbok!

Tagged: cheonggyecheon stream, seoul, south korea, south korea travel, summer, travel series