Jeongneungcheon stream in Bukhansan National Park restored to natural state

A section of the Jeongneungcheon stream within Bukhansan National Park in South Korea has been restored to its natural state, marking the completion of a project aimed at revitalizing the area's ecosystem and landscape. The National Park Service announced on August 16 that it invested 19 billion won since 2020 to transform the covered section of the stream into a natural waterway and construct a new parking facility.

Previously, the Jeongneungcheon area, a key entrance to Bukhansan National Park, was marred by a covered stream, commercial buildings, and overhead power lines, which detractors argued had damaged the environment and scenery. The Bukhansan National Park Office began its renovation efforts in 2020. They acquired and demolished 10 old commercial buildings and removed a 70-meter-long, 10-meter-wide covered section of the stream, restoring it to a more natural state. To improve the view of the mountain, utility poles and electrical wires that obstructed the vista were moved underground.

In addition to the environmental improvements, a 34-space parking lot was established to better accommodate visitors. The restored Jeongneungcheon area now presents an improved ecological and scenic appearance, shedding its former dilapidated state. By partially reviving the buried waterway, the project has helped restore natural ecosystems. Walking paths have been installed along the stream, providing citizens with safe and convenient access for recreation and relaxation.

Looking ahead, the National Park Service plans to further enhance visitor amenities by adding an information center, an accessible trail, and a forest library. This initiative builds upon previous efforts by Seoul's Seongbuk and Dongdaemun districts between 2007 and 2011, which involved improving a 5.8-kilometer stretch of the Jeongneungcheon stream from the park entrance to its confluence with Cheonggyecheon. Those earlier projects included demolishing some covered structures and illegal buildings, installing walking paths, and improving water quality and the overall landscape.