By Mr Johnson K C LEE 
Seoul, the cultural hub of Korea, is in the process of becoming an advanced eco-friendly city. The recent completion of the Cheong Gye Cheon Stream Restoration Project has marked the eco-advanced rebirth of Seoul. Dr Lee In-keun, Director of Urban Planning of Seoul was invited to introduce the project in a technical meeting organised by the CIWEM-HK, CV and EV Divisions on 24 November 2005.

Dr Lee began by highlighting the project background. Cheong Gye Cheon Stream was once a living river for everyday use by the public but was covered in the 1960s to ease the environmental problems arising from increased population. Cheonggye Expressway was completed over the stream in 1971. It had been in service for more than 40 years and the structures had high-levels of risk and required costly repairs and frequent maintenance. The Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to demolish the overpass to restore the river and to recover the ecological structure of the city. The restoration project, estimated at US$386 million, commenced in September 2003.

Considerable efforts were made to handle the challenges when implementing the project. First, the potential traffic congestion due to the dismantlement of Cheonggye Expressway was prevented by implementing the vehicle management policy, discouraging automobiles usage and improving public transportation system network. Second, to alleviate the concerns of the neighboring merchants, the government set up consultation offices at the business markets. Third, by installing the block screen and using the diamond saw method of construction, the environmental nuisance brought to the business activity were minimised. Most of the demolition materials were further recycled.

The restoration work was also of cultural and historic significance. The 600- year-old Gwanggyo bridge located under the covering structure was recovered. Ancient properties discovered during the restoration were preserved at the museum. The landscape works were designed with the concept of gradual transformation from urban landscape to natural environment. Thematic places including the waterfall and fountains further enhanced the attractiveness of the restored stream.

The project was successfully completed in October 2005. It fundamentally eliminated the Cheonggye Expressway 's safety risk, revived the natural environment, reminded citizens of the historic importance of Seoul and facilitated the area's redevelopment. This seminar was well received by participants and the project was considered as a good model for the sustainable development of Hong Kong.