Seoul transforms after dark, and few places capture its magic like Cheonggyecheon Stream. This urban oasis, once a highway, now winds through the city with shimmering waters, art installations, and glowing bridges—perfect for unforgettable night photography. Here’s where to capture its best angles:
1. Cheonggye Plaza (Starting Point)
📍 Location: Near City Hall Station (Exit 4).
🌟 Why Shoot Here: The iconic “Spring” sculpture (a giant pink+blue whirlpool) reflects beautifully in the water. Framed by sleek skyscrapers, it’s a surreal contrast of nature and urbanity.
📸 Pro Tip: Use a tripod for long exposures to blur water movement. Arrive at twilight (6-7 PM) for deep blue skies.
2. Mojeon Bridge (Stepping Stones Zone)
📍 Location: Between Jongno 3-ga and Jonggak Station.
🌟 Why Shoot Here: Quaint stepping stones let you compose shots from the stream. Capture lantern-lit bridges and crowds strolling overhead for dynamic layers.
📸 Pro Tip: Shoot low angles near the water’s edge. Include colorful umbrellas from nearby cafes for pops of color.
3. Gwangjang Market Section
📍 Location: Downstream from Jongno 5-ga Station (Exit 5).
🌟 Why Shoot Here: Where tradition meets modernity. Frame historic market stalls (bathed in warm light) with neon cityscapes. The “Fashion” LED tunnel here creates kaleidoscopic reflections.
📸 Pro Tip: Use a wide lens (16-35mm) to capture bustling energy. Try street photography-style candids of vendors.
4. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) & Waterfall
📍 Location: Near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station.
🌟 Why Shoot Here: The futuristic DDP (Zaha Hadid’s spaceship-like building) glows silver/purple at night. The adjacent 2-story waterfall adds drama with backlit mist.
📸 Pro Tip: Use the waterfall as a foreground for DDP shots. For silky water effects, set shutter speed to 2-5 seconds.
5. Seun Arcade (LED Rose Garden)
📍 Location: Close to Jongno 2-ga Station.
🌟 Why Shoot Here: A hidden gem! Thousands of LED roses illuminate this section seasonally (usually spring-fall). It’s ethereal and romantic—ideal for moody compositions.
📸 Pro Tip: Focus manually for sharp flower bokeh. A 50mm f/1.8 lens creates dreamy background blur.
📷 General Night Photography Tips
- Timing: “Blue hour” (30 mins after sunset) offers rich hues. Avoid weekends for fewer crowds.
- Gear: Tripod essential! Bring a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) and fast prime (f/1.4-1.8) for low light.
- Settings: Start with ISO 800-1600, f/8-11 aperture, 2-10 sec shutter speed. Use a 2-sec timer to reduce shake.
- Safety: The stream is well-lit, but watch steps near water. Respect locals while shooting.
Cheonggyecheon isn’t just a stream—it’s Seoul’s glowing artery. Whether you’re framing neon reflections or quiet lantern-lit corners, every turn offers a new story. So charge your batteries, pack your tripod, and let the city’s light paint your masterpiece! ✨🌃
Pro Note: Install Naver Maps (English) for precise spot navigation. Stream access is free and open until 10 PM.