Oh Sehoon: "It's Hard to Imagine the Han River Without the Han River Bus"... Lee Myung-bak: "I Will Definitely Ride It"

Commitment to Han River Bus Operations Reaffirmed at Cheonggyecheon 20th Anniversary Talk
Lee Myungbak: "It Will Help Enhance Urban Functionality"

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Cheonggyecheon Restoration, former President Lee Myung-bak, who spearheaded the restoration project, and his successor, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, stood together once again.

Former President Lee Myung-bak and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon press the lighting button for a new public art installation at the ‘20th Anniversary of Cheonggyecheon Restoration’ event held at Cheonggye Plaza on the 1st. Photo by Yonhap News

The Seoul Metropolitan Government released a special interview video on October 4th, featuring the "20th Anniversary of Cheonggyecheon Restoration Special Dialogue," which was held at the Cheonggye Foundation on September 28th. Hosted by anchor Cho Soobin, the 40-minute discussion covered the background of the Cheonggyecheon restoration project as well as broader urban policy issues.

Former President Lee Myung-bak reflected on the Cheonggyecheon restoration, which he pursued during his tenure as Seoul Mayor, saying, "At the time, I wanted to transform the deteriorated urban environment," and added, "It was a decision to return the harmony of nature and the city to the citizens." Regarding the conflicts that arose during the restoration process, he stated, "We persuaded those opposed by presenting alternative solutions."

Mayor Oh Se-hoon remarked, "When officials from overseas cities visit Seoul, Cheonggyecheon and the Seoul Transport Operation & Information Service (TOPIS) are must-see sites. In particular, the Cheonggyecheon restoration is cited as a precedent for restoring an urban ecosystem."

The suspension of the Han River Bus service was also mentioned. Mayor Oh commented, "Just as it is hard to imagine Seoul without Cheonggyecheon, in two or three years, it will be just as difficult to imagine the Han River without the Han River Bus." Regarding the temporary suspension, he explained, "It is a process of recognizing and correcting trial and error."

Former President Lee also said, "A wide river like the Han River needs boats," adding, "I will use the Han River Bus once it resumes service." He further expressed the view that operating boats on the river could foster technological development and enhance the city's utility.

A special interview video commemorating the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Cheonggyecheon with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and former President Lee Myung-bak was released on the official Seoul Mayor website (mayor.seoul.go.kr) on the 4th. Seoul City

There were also comments on the city brand. Mayor Oh stated, "It is important to ensure that foreigners perceive Seoul as a destination for investment, residence, and tourism." Former President Lee added, "When a city’s brand value rises, it leads to increased tourism, investment, and employment."

During the discussion, the K-pop-themed animation "K-Pop Demon Hunters" was mentioned. Former President Lee emphasized the importance of the content industry, saying, "Such content naturally imprints Seoul’s image on the world," while Mayor Oh added, "It is an opportunity for people around the world to experience Seoul’s lifestyle."

Former President Lee also made remarks targeting the current administration’s consumer coupon policy. He said, "While giving out cash may make governance easier, I do not see it as a genuine expression of care."

The full interview video is available on the official Seoul Mayor website and on the Live Seoul platform.