Looking Seoul with the Sociological View

 

    I went to Seoul and took the subway, line No. 5 with my friends about a month ago. We visited several places around Chongno3-ga and Gwanghwamun stations. One of the most impressive places for me was the Cheonggye creek.

   By the influence of industrialization and urbanization the Cheonggye creek was covered and a highway was constructed above it. The former president, Mr. Lee decided to recover the creek when he was the mayor of Seoul. At first, many people strongly opposed to his plan because it would take lots of time and money. However, Mr. Lee thought recovering the creek would be good for the citizens environmentally. With his great resolve and effort the Cheonggye creek has been finally opened to the public.

   It was Sunday afternoon when we visited there and there were a lot of people. The creek was quite clean and there were lots of trees and grasses growing around there. There were also many bridges and a small waterfall. People were talking each other and taking pictures there. Most of them looked happy and seemed to enjoy their weekend. When we were walking along the path there were people who were conducting a survey. We answered the questionnaire and hoped that survey help to make the Cheonggye creek a better place. We had a pleasant time there and it was wonderful enough to make a good memory with my friends. From this experience I could have a chance to think the environment more. The recovery of the Cheonggye creek has been a really successful work for both human and our environment.