Cheonggyecheon Bathing Controversy: What Water Activities Are Allowed? 2026 Event Location and Hours

이 포스팅은 쿠팡 파트너스 활동의 일환으로, 이에 따른 일정액의 수수료를 제공받습니다.

This article is based on the latest available news reports and official sources verified as of 2026-07-26 Korea Standard Time.

Bathing or swimming freely in Cheonggyecheon is not permitted. Activities resembling bathing or swimming are normally restricted. However, an official event held from 2026-07-31 through August 9 along the 120m section between Mojeongyo Bridge and Gwangtonggyo Bridge temporarily allows water activities such as dipping your feet in the stream. The event may be canceled if it rains.

Why Has Cheonggyecheon Suddenly Become a Trending Search Topic?

On 2026-07-25, a video showing a woman washing herself with soap and bathing products and scrubbing her skin beside Cheonggyecheon spread across social media and online communities.

The video appears to have directly triggered the increase in searches. However, the person's identity and nationality, the time the video was recorded, and whether any administrative action was actually taken have not been officially confirmed. These details should therefore not be presented as established facts.

The key question visitors should consider amid this controversy is: “To what extent are people allowed to enter the water at Cheonggyecheon?”

Is Bathing or Swimming Allowed in Cheonggyecheon?

Swimming in Cheonggyecheon or bathing with soap is subject to restrictions. Scrubbing the skin, using shampoo, and washing the entire body are also fundamentally different from simply dipping one's feet in the water, making them difficult to classify as permitted recreational water activities.

The Seoul Facilities Corporation's official guidelines for Cheonggyecheon include the following prohibited or restricted activities.

Swimming, bathing, and similar activities

Fishing and catching fish

Camping and cooking

Smoking and drinking alcohol

Dumping waste and urinating

Using bicycles, inline skates, and other wheeled devices

Bringing animals into the area, except assistance dogs

The official guidelines describe these activities as subject to 'administrative guidance.' Therefore, it would be inaccurate to conclude that every violation automatically results in an administrative fine of the same amount

이 포스팅은 쿠팡 파트너스 활동의 일환으로, 이에 따른 일정액의 수수료를 제공받습니다.