Dongducheon Soyocheon Revives as an Ecological Stream After 40 Years Under Concrete

Dongducheon City Receives Final Approval for Soyocheon Ecological Stream Restoration Plan

Dongducheon City in Gyeonggi Province announced on January 7 that the basic plan for the "Soyocheon Ecological Stream Restoration Project," which involves demolishing the concrete decked section of the Soyoso Stream-currently used as a parking lot and flowing from Soyo Mountain to Sincheon-has received final approval from Gyeonggi Province. The project aims to restore the stream as an ecological waterway.

Dongducheon City, Final Approval of Soyocheon Ecological Stream Restoration Plan. Provided by Dongducheon City

The stream decking facility, currently used as a parking lot within the Soyo Mountain tourist area, was constructed in earnest starting in 1986 to accommodate large numbers of tourists after Soyo Mountain was designated a national tourist site in 1981.

However, over the past 40 years, the concrete covering has led to the disconnection of the aquatic ecosystem and water pollution, resulting in the stream losing its natural functions. In addition, there have been concerns about the severe internal damage to the aging decked structure and the vulnerability to disasters, such as the risk of flooding during heavy rains due to insufficient water flow capacity.

With the approval of the basic plan, Dongducheon City plans to remove approximately 550 meters of decked structure from the Soyo Mountain Tourism Resource Center to the former Livestock Brand Meat Town. With a total project budget of 27.6 billion won (13.8 billion won from the province and 13.8 billion won from the city), the city will sufficiently widen the stream in line with the comprehensive small stream maintenance plan, prioritizing flood control stability and establishing a disaster prevention system that can withstand sudden heavy rainfall.

In addition, instead of the existing concrete parking lot, the city will create a riverside promenade with clear flowing water and an ecological learning center, further enhancing the natural landscape of Soyo Mountain, known as the "Seoraksan of Gyeonggi." This is expected to offer visitors a unique attraction, transform the area from a stopover tourist destination to a stay-type destination, and contribute to revitalizing the local economy.

Park Hyungdeok, Mayor of Dongducheon City, stated, "Once the 'Soyocheon Ecological Stream Restoration Project' is completed, along with the 18 ongoing Soyo Mountain expansion development projects, Soyo Mountain will be reborn as a premier healing destination in the Seoul metropolitan area. Restoring the waterway after 40 years of concrete coverage will not only enhance ecological value but also provide tourists with a pleasant riverside space for relaxation, injecting new vitality into the local economy."

Dongducheon City, Final Approval of Soyocheon Ecological Stream Restoration Plan. Provided by Dongducheon City

Meanwhile, to minimize inconvenience to visitors caused by the demolition of the existing parking lot as part of the stream restoration, the city plans to secure alternative parking facilities nearby and is also considering the construction of additional large parking lots.

The project will begin its basic and detailed design phases within this year, aiming for completion by 2030. The city plans to deliver a healthy stream environment to residents as early as possible through prompt and efficient project management.