Gwanak District to Restore Bongcheoncheon as an Ecological Stream

Plans for Revitalizing Waterfront Spaces Established
Preparations Underway for Ecological Stream Restoration to Begin in 2027

Gwanak District in Seoul (District Mayor Park Junhee) announced on January 6 that it has established a "management plan for revitalizing waterfront spaces" to transform the area around Bongcheoncheon, which will be restored as an ecological stream, into a water-friendly space for residents.

Bird's-eye view of the integrated plan for revitalizing the Bongcheon Stream waterfront. Provided by Gwanak District.

Bongcheoncheon is a covered stream that originates from Gwanaksan Mountain and merges with Byeolbitnaerincheon (Dorimcheon). The district is pursuing the restoration of Bongcheoncheon as an ecological stream to recover its original functions and to create a new urban relaxation space. The restoration of the first 620-meter section, from the confluence with Byeolbitnaerincheon to Dangkok Intersection, is scheduled to begin construction in 2027.

Last year, the district commissioned a study to establish a management plan for revitalizing waterfront spaces and, last month, developed a management plan for the areas surrounding the restoration project.

This plan includes the creation of water-friendly living spaces reflecting the needs of residents along both banks of the 3.5-kilometer Bongcheoncheon ecological stream restoration section (from the confluence with Byeolbitnaerincheon to Wondang Elementary School), focusing on 500 meters of ground-level space on each side. In addition, it presents a strategy to connect the restored Byeolbitnaerincheon ecological stream and reposition the area as a "waterfront culture and leisure hub."

Key details include the vision of "Gwanak, where water flows and daily life breathes," with goals set for "restructuring the urban space around the waterfront" and "establishing convenient and safe everyday waterfront zones." Based on this, four management strategies have been established: fostering a high-density, mixed-use waterfront business district; tailored improvement plans for aging low-rise residential areas; revitalization of entrances to Bongcheoncheon; and management of key waterfront landscapes.

The district held three "Premium City Design Resident Participation Workshops," in which residents participated directly, to actively incorporate their opinions into the waterfront revitalization plan. The district aims to create a refined, waterfront-centered lifestyle and cultural space by combining the future vision of Bongcheoncheon envisioned by residents with expert consultation.

District Mayor Park Junhee stated, "Starting with the restoration of Byeolbitnaerincheon and extending to Bongcheoncheon, as these streams are returned to ecological waterways, Gwanak District will be reborn as a true green healing city in the heart of the metropolis, where water flows and schools of fish and birds return. We will create a unique waterfront space for Bongcheoncheon and make it a beloved landmark for Gwanak residents."