#cheonggyecheon stream

[clarissahfrays]

Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul

[japanicus-nerdus]

Photo of the Day: Seoul

Seoul takes their green spaces seriously. This is Cheonggyecheon Stream, which cuts through Seoul. It was previously almost dry and covered by a freeway. The freeway was torn up and the stream was restored. it is about 11km long and can be followed to the Han River. The cycling path along this stream connects to the cycling path on the Han. This can be taken all the way down to Busan. For more…

[magnicifent]

Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul

[the-orphic-mr-awesomer]

Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul

[her0ngray]

Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul

[elizabethfredrick]

05/24/23 - Seoul “N” Tower, Gyeong Bok Palace, and Cheong-ge Cheon!

Today was filled with gorgeous views and lots of walking! We started by heading to the Seoul Tower by taxi, where we took the cable car up the mountain and enjoyed some gorgeous views and, as always, great food! Next, we took the subway to the incredible Gyeong Bok Palace. We didn’t get to rent out hanboks, but the palace complex was incredible just the same. I accidentally wandered off and got lost, but I ended up getting to see more anyways, so it worked out in my favor. We finished off the day taking a stroll through governor’s street and Cheong-ge Cheon, followed by delicious samkyupsal and lots of shopping at the Coex Mall. Go to the end of the photo dump for a surprise kpop group spotting - an Enhypen fan sign!

[seung-photo]

[lesbianlovewonderland]

Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul

[daichiduskdrop]

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚⋆·˚ ༘ *𝙎𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡 ⋆·˚ ༘ *ੈ✩‧₊˚

Chapter 25

Pairing: BTS Ot7 X fem! reader

Genre: A/B/O AU, Fluff, Angst, Strangers to lovers,

Warnings: none :)

Words: 3736

Taglist:@thelilbutifulthings @ilovemoneymorethenmen @singukieee @cherrysainttt @felicityroth @mageprincess7 @lucis-noctiana @danielle143 @osakis-gf @girl-nahh @vintageoldfashion @neverthefirstchoice @juju-227592 @silentreadersthings @i-have-no-life-charlie @everyonehatesshani @iamkookiesforyou @dragons-flare @fangirl125reader @roseidol @frieschan @popcatx0 @liz67900 @exfolitae

Previous:

⋆·˚ ༘ *ੈ✩‧₊˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚˚ ✩‧₊˚⋆·˚ ༘ *

Your cheeks heated up, your smile was soft and sweet on your lips. Yoongi's grip tightened on your palm, his fingers holding yours sincerely.

Namjoon smiled to himself, glad to know his pack was doing so well. The alpha wished to have an omega to take care of for so many years—pretty much since their pack was formed during their predebut.

And now that they finally had you, the packalpha was ready to spoil you. He would make sure you were always taken care of.

You would get only the softest blankets to cuddle up with—none that would itch or scratch your skin. The food they would make for you would be the tastiest they could ever manage, the meat always cooked well through to ensure no risks.

Nothing too chewy or crunchy, so your jaw wouldn't hurt from anything. They would make sure you had enough of everything under the sun and would always be protected and cared for.

While it wasn't that unusual for omegas to cook for their packs, it wasn't too abnormal for alphas and sometimes betas to fully do so instead.

The kitchen could be dangerous, and they didn't want you to get hurt. Plus, if something goes wrong, you might get stressed out, and they didn't want that to happen either.

Namjoon was sure you were a great cook, though, and so an idea for a cooking RUN BTS episode popped into his head, with you participating.

Oh, he could already just imagine—it would be for baking, a silly competition using random gadgets their staff would order for them, and whoever made the better pastry would win.

The packalpha was no professional in the kitchen, that's for sure, but he got a bit better over time. All of his packmates were still more skilled than him, that's certain.

It would all depend on how the meeting with the management goes today, and he can't get his hopes up like this. Namjoon knew you would make a nice first impression deep down; you made a great impression on him the first time he saw you.

Remembering the moment of how small and fragile you looked- oh, the packalpha could hear himself practically cooing if he thought of it any longer.

The way you entered their lives, triggering their alpha needs that have been tucked away for so long, had them wrapped around your tiny finger right away.

Scrolling through the many available radio stations they had recently purchased, he selected the one that seemed the most suitable, named Staticooll, the alpha's smile was dry at the play of words.

Switching it on, the simple conversation of two people flowed through the vehicle, the alphas quieting to hear better.

 

„-cial season, isn't it? Speaking of which, have you had a chance to visit any of the amazing Christmas markets around Seoul this year? A few of them had already opened!”

„Absolutely, Ji-hoon! The Christmas markets in Seoul are absolutely magical. One of my favourites is the Seoul Christmas Festival at Cheonggyecheon Stream. There's something so festive about strolling along the stream, browsing through the stalls, and sipping on hot chocolate while Christmas carols fill the air. It's such a delightful experience.”

„That sounds absolutely delightful, Eunji! I can just imagine the twinkling lights and the joyful atmosphere. Now, let's talk about your music. Any new songs or exciting projects that you're working on that we can look forward to?”

„I'm glad you asked! I'm actually releasing a new single next week called "Winter's Melody." It's a heartwarming ballad that captures the essence of the season—a blend of love, hope, and the joy of being together. I'm so excited to share it with everyone, and I hope it becomes the soundtrack for many cherished memories this winter.”

„Oh, that sounds absolutely enchanting, Eunji! I can't wait to listen to "Winter's Melody" myself. Will you be performing this song or any other winter-themed tracks at any upcoming events?”

„Yes, I will be performing "Winter's Melody" live at the Winter Sparks Concert happening at Olympic Park this Saturday. It's going to be an amazing night filled with incredible performances by various artists. I invite all of you to join-”

„I never heard of this singer; what's their name again?” Jimin asked from the backseat; the song's name was not familiar with him either.

„Me neither, do you think their song will be the next trend? Ah, I want to listen to it.” Jungkook whined softly. While the alpha was quite on point with the newest trends, he himself was on TikTok quite a lot; he truly never heard of the singer on the show.

„I'm sure they will play it soon, oppa.” You said gently, looking behind yourself, the three youngest alpha's eyes set on you. They watched you fondly, only leaning over to ruffle your hair gently.

The car ride continued peacefully, with the host and the singer talking about many things. It was a calm radio station, obviously meant to not scare and unsettle any omegas with how the songs they played sounded.

The pack members were glad you seemed to enjoy it, happy that the purchased monthly subscription didn't go to waste.

„Sunny? Baby, come here.” Hoseok whispered softly, pulling you closer to himself. Yoongi shot him a disapproving glance but let him be. They agreed to share after all.

Holding onto both of the alpha's hands, he looked into your eyes for a second or two. Sighing, his chin ran over the top of your head, his scent still carrying a worried undertone.

„Baby, listen to Alpha explain now, okay? There's a lot of bad people out there, you know that, hm? We are known quite a bit, especially around Korea, and it's very scary for us to have you go around and see strangers. I know you mean well, and my heart,...

Just, sunny-bub, baby, please be more careful.”

Hobi had a hard time explaining what he wanted to say and understood that his message didn't come across perfectly how he wanted it to. But he was sure you understood at least a bit.

Sure, it was just the police officers today, but it could have been practically anyone behind the doors. And having you go to open the doors so quickly truly scared the man.

They didn't want you to get hurt; their hearts were practically beating to protect you from any possible harm.

„I kno-know Hobi, and I'm sorry... I'll go with one of you next time, okay?” You said, meaning your words. You knew where the man's worry was coming from, and you felt your heart flutter at the thought of them worrying about you.

Pulling you close to himself, his lips brushed up against the top of your head. Breathing out a soft thank you, the alpha scented you slightly before tucking you back in with the blanket.

The rest of the car ride was mostly calm. Yoongi spoke softly to you about what other music styles you liked, encouraging you not to worry about anything.

He could sense you were scared about what they would think, and while music certainly was a big part of their lives, they didn't feel the need to judge any of your opinions.

Soon, you all arrived at the Hybe building, with Jin driving towards the security entrance to the underground parking lot. Showing the man at the booth a card, the officer opened the bar, and the vehicle went through, the surroundings now darker.

Parking at a reserved spot, the car stopped rumbling, and you all started climbing out. Gently taking the blanket from you and folding it up into his bag, Yoongi smiled gently at you, unclipping the seatbelt before he helped you climb out.

You tightened the grip on the alpha's hand, worried after being in such an unknown environment. You didn't truly register that you would be going here today, and so you weren't sure what to expect.

Clinging onto the alpha's seemed like a safe bet, though.

He didn't seem to mind, pulling you closer to himself, his arm gently rubbing up and down your back, the puffer jacket crinkling.

The others soon noticed your unsettled and worried scent; the first to hop over was Taehyung, his hands taking in your cheeks as he watched you closely.

„Aigoo, babycheeks, don't worry, okay? Alpha's are here, baby." He whispered to you softly, his voice deep and rumbly.

Leaning close to you, his nose gently touched yours, a sweet bunny kiss shared between the two of you.

Taking your other hand in his, at the called-out command "let's go, you guys, we are already late", you all started moving towards the entrance.

Jin pulled out an ID card, letting it scan before the doors opened up, allowing you to all enter. You were met with a clean staircase and an elevator; the alphas ushering you inside once it opened.

You never did too well with closed spaces, but this one was larger than the usual elevators you've seen.

Still, you moved closer to Taehyung, the alpha understanding quickly before his arms gently pulled you to himself.

„You're okay, baby; Alpha is here now." He murmured, and all of you quickly moved up to one of the highest levels of the tall building.

With the doors opening with a soft ding, Namjoon led the way, your small group mingling through the hallways, many offices and doors lining the way over.

There weren't many workers you met on your way, but you all saw a few. They wore dark clothes and an obvious ID tag hung up on their necks that moved whenever they would bow to the packmembers.

They would eye you weirdly, usually looking back at you once the packmates passed by after they shared their own short greetings.

You looked back yourself, unsure as to what to do. Going to do your usual habit of picking on your fingers, you realised you couldn't, since your hands have been tightly nested in the palms of the two alphas.

Still, you turned your head to look back, noticing the quite nasty and confused state you received from the short-bob hairstyle girl.

You didn't get to do anything before Jimin gently positioned your head to stay forward, his smile sweet, calming you a little from your suddenly worried state.

„Don't worry, princess. Keep your head up, precious; Alphas will take care of everything, my sweet baby.” He whispered, being mindful not to talk too loudly.

 Opening the doors for all of you, Hobi held them as your group entered, Namjoon at the front. Everyone was already sitting around the long table, but once you arrived, they were quick to stand up, bowing and politely greeting all of you.

While you stood a little astonished and suddenly even shyer than before, a man was quick to stand up and greet you individually.

You didn't dare to look up, your hands abandoning the alpha's in slight emberassment. You weren't sure if showing skinship in here was okay.

„Hello, Miss L/N, my name is Sejin, and I'm one of the main managers from HYBE for the group. It's good to finally meet you.” His voice was heavy, and the man was obviously tired.

You could smell that he was an alpha himself, therefore making you more timid and shy if that was even possible. You didn't dare shake his hand, only whispering out soft greetings yourself.

Taking your hand in his right hand, Jungkook led you over to the table, pulling out the chair for you and letting you take a seat first before he sat down next to you.

The young alpha grasped your hand right away, your fingers locking with his under the table as he leaned close to your ear.

„You're doing great, baby. Alpha is very proud of you, my bunny.” A wide, toothy grin took over his face, your eyes shooting up to his for only a millisecond.

The man felt worry deeply swarming under his skin at how your eyes looked. Wide and almost teary, you truly looked like a small, timid bunny kit sitting next to him and Jin on your other side.

„Okay, let's just get this done and over with; we are already behind on the schedule. So you guys have started courting Miss L/N?”

Another man, his voice younger, asked the group. You didn't look up in case you made any unintended eye contact; your usual worry was coming back to you.

„Yes, we want her as a part of our pack, as our mate.” Namjoon answered simply, stating the truth. You felt your cheeks heat up slightly at how blatantly he addressed it. He was talking about marking and mating with you, after all!

„...Right. And can you all just once again tell me who this even-" The other manager didn't get to finish; a low rumble sounded through the room, his snarky tone cut off.

„That's our 'mega." Yoongi's words sounded so cold and heartless, you felt a chill run down your spine. Jungkook's fingers tightened at yours, and when you looked up, you could see his jaw clenching—you thought he might just about break it.

The room fell quiet for a few seconds; a stare off was held between the pack members and the manager.

„Okay. I trust you guys will choose the right one. I've prepared the NDA to be signed, so if you would be so kind, miss, and go through it to see if everything is to your liking, We will need a few details about you too.” 

The manager, Sejin, as you remembered his name, seemed to have taken a slight pity on you, noticing your shaken-up form.

He slid a file of papers stapled together, and you thanked him quietly as you went to look through the long documents. Jin and Jungkook are leaning close to you, reading it with you.

 

NDA (non-disclosure agreement)

This NDA is made and entered into as of the date set forth below, by and between HYBE, a S. Korea's corporation, with a principal place of business located at 42, Hangangdae-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea, referred to herein as "Discloser," and L/N F/N, with a principal place of business located at Y/A, referred to herein as "Receiver."

 

Whereas the discloser is the owner of certain valuable and confidential proprietary information, including but not limited to trade secrets, processes, formulas, product designs, market strategies, and other valuable information related to its business operations,

 

Whereas the recipient desires to receive access to such confidential information in the course of conducting business or for any other purpose,

 

Whereas the discloser and receiver desire to protect and safeguard the confidentiality of such proprietary information,

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and covenants contained herein and other good and valuable considerations, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions.

"Confidential Information" means all present and future, written or oral, technical or non-technical information, or data, relating to Discloser's company, products, processes, and/or information, including (without limitation) trade secrets, business plans, strategies, systems, software, research and development, financial information, customer lists, and supplier and customer information, which is disclosed by Discloser to Receiver during or following any discussion between the Parties.

"Discloser's Confidential Information" means all Confidential Information of the Discloser that is disclosed or made available to the Receiver pursuant to this Agreement.

 

2. Confidentiality.

The receiver agrees that the confidential information received from the discloser is highly confidential and will be maintained by the receiver in the strictest confidence. The receiver shall not disclose any confidential information to any person or entity, except to such of its directors, officers, employees, and/or consultants as may be required for the performance of the receiver's duties hereunder and who shall be required to keep the confidential information confidential. The receiver shall not make any use of confidential information of a commercial or competitive nature (other than for evaluating the feasibility of doing business with the discloser).

 

3. Return of Confidential Information

The recipient agrees that it shall not copy, reproduce, or remove any confidential information from its offices, and at the termination of this agreement, it shall return...

You felt like you didn't even understand half of these words. You never had to sign a contract like this in your entire life, logically, and you didn't really ever get to work except for small part-time jobs you would keep from time to time.

It wasn't like you would ever have the opportunity to get a job anyway; with you being an omega, it would be complicated.

You read through the whole stack of papers within the few next minutes, providing your ID and full name so the managers could get in touch with the police and get your full criminal records��there wasn't anything to really look at, though.

Jin would, from time to time, let his chin rest on top of your head, his own eyes tearing up slightly, his arms wrapping around you as much as he could in the current situation.

He felt his heart breaking at the things you had to agree to. Of course, it was a standard process for all of their staff members, and they had to sign such contracts all the time.

But having you sign that you wouldn't even get to talk to your friends about things you did with them? Something so absolutely normal and even considered necessary, in his opinion, for an omega to do?

You needed to have social contacts with other people, and the alpha didn't want you to have to cut off all of your social life because of them. What about that Yuki boy they met at the mall? Would you not be able to be friends with him because of their jobs?

With more and more worried thoughts clouding his mind, he sighed out once again, seeing you file in the list of required information from you.

You stopped at the address link; the pen handed to you by the managers stopped its smooth movements; you had pretty and sleek handwriting, the alpha noticed.

It probably had to do something with you drawing and painting your entire life, but nonetheless, it was so easy to read and pretty to look at.

„Sh-should I write my apartment address or yo-yours, oppa?” You whispered out softly, your fingers shaking lightly.

Jungkook looked up from the paper he was currently rereading, a small frown on his face as he leaned over to look at what you had struggled with.

„Sejin-hyung, the address should be ours or her own apartment?” The alpha didn't hesitate to ask, and the older man looked up from the notebook.

„You can write both.” Nodding timidly, you scribbled down the address of your place, letting Jin whisper the exact number of the street of their own softly.

You wrote out quite a lot of things: your full contact details, your previous pack name, your family pack name's (even though those were technically the same), your date of birth, your whole employment history, and the place of your occupations. There was a lot to do.

And with how long it was taking, it was only natural for someone to knock on the doors and ask for the alphas—they had a busy schedule today after all.

Whenever one of them would leave, either to go record a song, go to a dance practise, or just to have a meeting about their upcoming solo music, the alphas would make sure to tell you the most proper goodbyes.

Crouching on the floor next to you, Jimin found your soft hand, his fingers wrapping around yours. He held worried eye contact, smiling softly at you.

„Stay close to your alphas, my princess, okay? We will talk later, baby. Call me if you need anything. Alpha loves you precious, lots and lots.” He kept his words quiet, wanting you to understand they were meant for you and no one else in the room.

With his lips brushing against your forehead in a quick peck, he pulled away to leave himself. By now, you were in the room with only Namjoon, Jungkook, and Taehyung, though the second youngest was preparing for his own meeting that would happen only in a few minutes.

You finished the paperwork in a few minutes after he left, with Namjoon and Jungkook staying close with you the whole time, helping you whenever you weren't sure what exactly was requested from you.

Finishing with a signature from you and the main manager, the man then looked over everything, his eyes taking notice of your being an art student.

„You draw? You must be clever, then. Do you have a photo of some of your work?” He asked, the man warming up slightly to you over the time with you there. It has taken quite some time for you to read through everything, after all.

Fumbling with yourself, you took out your phone, going to the gallery. Before you slid over the cracked device for the man to look through, the album named 'Portfolio' opened.

Sejin wasn't so sure about everything when Namjoon and Yoongi came to tell him about starting the courting process. He was worried, naturally, that you might take advantage of them over time, but with how sweet and timid you looked, he felt reassured.

You were a sweet omega after all, and with how you had the packmates at your feet, quite literally, he knew you wouldn't do them much harm in the future.

„You are talented for sure. Good job!” Smiling widely, he placed your phone back on you, having you thank him for his kind words again.

It didn't take much longer before he was telling you all goodbyes, the other managers politely adding to the words as you all piled into the clean meeting room.

Just as the doors closed, you were immediately held against a chest, your body tightly gripped as the alpha's chin went over the top of your head, holding you close.

With Jungkook carefully hugging you from the back, you let yourself be held by the two alphas, their own chins and cheeks running over your head as they scented you.

„Alpha is so, so proud of you, my pup. You did so well."

„Such a good girl, babybun. Alpha's good 'mega.”

⋆·˚ ༘ *ੈ✩‧₊˚˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚˚ ✩‧₊˚⋆·˚ ༘ *

Next:

[bangtanhoneys]

Bora's First Christmas

(photo credit to: travel-stained.com)

The Kim/Chu household was a little bit different than normal households in Seoul, South Korea. While most Koreans didn’t go all out for Christmas, Grace grew up in England with an English mother and Korean father so she had all the full experience of Christmas. Even in Germany, they went all out. 

So that tradition continued when they moved back to Korea, when Grace joined the boys in the dorm for the first time, when they moved to their subsequent dorms and into her own home and finally the home she shared with Seokjin and their eight-month-old daughter. 

Bora was crawling up a storm and had nearly started to form words, nearly getting there but not quite making it. The lights on the Christmas tree always caught her attention and her small fingers played with the baubles that she could just about reach but her father always swooped in before she could pull it off. 

It was like having a second Min-ji at times. The cat had calmed down since his first Christmas, having knocked down the tree and everything with it. The more it appeared, the more he grew bored of it until he liked to sleep underneath it so his long tail could swish at the lights. 

“My Bora, are you ready for your first Christmas?” Seokjin asked, adjusting his grasp so he was more comfortable holding the eight-month-old. Her fingers reached up and grabbed hold of his nose, giving it a squeeze which made her laugh. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Come here you little rascal, I hadn’t finished putting on your shoes,” Grace sighed as she finally spotted where her daughter was. “Don’t you want to see the Seoul Lantern Festival? That should tire you out.”

It was a little struggle to get shoes on and to get her wrapped up in a coat with some gloves and a little hat but as long as she was in her father’s arms, she was quiet and content. After a 15 minute drive and a 10 minute search for a parking space, the couple with their daughter were walking along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. 

They were masked up, hats on, and no distinct tags that shouted they were part of BTS. No bodyguards to give it all a way - just a young family enjoying what Seoul had to offer for Christmas. 

“At least she’s enjoying herself,” Grace chuckled from where she was resting her head against Seokjin’s arm, their daughter still in his grasp. Bora’s tiny eyes were taking it all in but every now and then she would close them, have a five second nap then they would pop open when there was a new sound. 

“Just wait until everyone arrives for Christmas, she won’t know what to do then,” Seokjin grinned. They had planned a not-so-traditional Christmas dinner with both sets of parents, Seokjin’s brother and his wife with their two sons and the rest of Bangtan. All boys forgoing any schedules or events to spend time with Bora, to experience her first Christmas with them. 

Jungkook had already made plans to take over his room again on Christmas Eve, having bought everyone matching pyjamas (a photo which would later be uploaded to social media and spread like wildfire over how cute it was). 

“Come on,” Seokjin groaned and adjusted the now heavy child. “Let’s get this tuckered out one home and get wrapping presents.”

“I think your more excited than you let on,” Grace chuckled as she reached over to adjust the hat that kept sliding off.

“Excited to see my daughter’s first Christmas? You must be kidding. I want to see Jungkook’s face when he realises he got a lump of coal.”

[jamelalatise]

Cheonggyecheon Stream in Seoul, South Korea

[ardyanslmo]

Cheonggyecheon stream

[noa-nightingale]

Travel Season Hype Train! <3

In anticipation of Travel Season I rewatched Steven Eats Through Korea for 24 Hours Straight. I love this video a lot.

He is accompanied by Brittney, Annie and Lizzie. The episode starts with him going to a convenient store. You get to see many different dishes. He learns a little bit of Korean. They meet Brittney's aunt.

They visit the Blue House. They spend time in a park. They visit Hikr Art Museum and the Nation Museum of Korea. They walk along the Cheonggyecheon Stream and learn a little bit about history. They visit a traditional tea house. They walk up Seoul Tower.

Mispronouncing the word foliage. Comments on his blue hair. Learning things about food and culture. "Water Fact: I'm thirsty." Meeting people. Learning about Korean history. Tammy is there! (And Steven calls her "the father of my two pets" lmao.) Doing karaoke (where Annie falls asleep). And of course Steven absolutely dying at the end of the day lol.

It all has so much s(e)oul in it.

It's super cozy, comfy, informative and funny. It has exactly the vibes I hope Travel Season will have. It has 2,3 million clicks so you can't really call the video underrated - but I am still calling it underrated. It is a fantastic video with a great concept, lovely people, wonderful editing (the editing, you guyssssss - it is just so well done and high quality!) and so much heart.

[wuxiaphoenix]

Worldbuilding: West Down Jongno Boulevard

Here’s one reason I get hardcopy references whenever possible. It’s much, much easier to have two books open at the same time while you compare each reference. Especially their maps. In this case, Flowering Plums & Curio Cabinets and Korean History in Maps, where I’m comparing their various maps of Hanyang (modern-day Seoul) and the information relating to those maps.

That bit in the Kindle sample of Flowering Plums is why I got the book in the first place. It goes into descriptions of where yangban, merchants, and commoners lived, and where various kinds of shops were. The Korean History in Maps has less details in the text, but has three maps of the area I’m looking at; one of Hanyang as a whole, one of the area leading to Gyeongbok Palace, and one of a major intersection with labeled shops on Jongno Boulevard, the main street running from Donul Gate (the Great West Gate) to Heunginji Gate (the Great East Gate).

Yes, that intersection will be important. Particularly since it runs down to the Gaecheon, a shallow river through the city that eventually flowed into the Han.

...And this is a reason I check multiple sources, because the name on the river in the Korean History is Cheonggye Stream (Cheonggyecheon). Likewise in Flowering Plums, though they use a much different Romanization. Which is the modern name of the river in Seoul.

Ordinarily, where two history books matched, I’d take that as a given. But. Wikipedia had a mention that the Cheonggye Stream is currently undergoing restoration, bringing it back to the surface after it was paved over during the Korean War and later decades. And it notes that in the early Joseon Dynasty this river was the Gaecheon. You see the conundrum.

On the other hand, Wikipedia.

So I went looking for sources on this restoration. And found research paper abstracts. That likewise say, yep, Gaecheon.

Thankfully I’m writing an alternate history that diverged centuries before the story even starts. So I’m going to lean on my ecological preferences and come down on the side of the people actually restoring the river to have the right name.

(Seriously, if you want the specific history of any stream, forest, or ecological area in general, talk to the people who live with it, conserve it, and try to fix things that went wrong. They have a vested interest in getting their facts right.)

And I know. I know how silly that sounds. Two books, a dozen websearches, Wikipedia, and at least ten research paper abstracts. Way too much overkill for one river name.

...But darn it, it matters. This is the river that brings good feng shui to Hanyang, and draws evil influences away. This is a waterway used for transport and moving goods - not all of them legal. This is a place to spy frogs, catch fish... and possibly be caught by monsters.

This is an alternate history and I have to get some things very close to right. With enough differences that a reader who gets curious and pokes around can see the divergence.

Flop.

And maybe now the bunnies will at least let me start making a more detailed sketch of this sticky “track down monsters” bit.

Slightly related note: All of you who find swords Shiny and are curious about Damascus/ wootz steel? This is the time period it was being made. And it was traded east as well as west - scholars in the Ming Dynasty knew it as bin iron.

When Jason realizes that, possibly by looking at a particular cultivator’s sword, he is going to squee.

[eomcheong-keun-megi]

ayo since youve been to seoul, can u recommend anywhere to visit? i went last year and im going again in a few months but besides myeongdong and the typical touristy places i didnt have time to go anywhere else

yooooh so in 2023 I was working twice in Seoul -

one time as a sound tech for a artist friend of mine who had their solo exhibit in Gyeongbokgung in the north of the city

and half a year later as a sound artist with a artist collective exhibiting and performing in Munjeong-dong in the southern outskirts of Seoul.

I entirely fuck with nature and tried to visit as many gardens, public parks, botanical gardens and mountain parks as I could. You cannot go wrong with any of those.

Aside from that I was really interested in art and artistic crafts - thanks to some korean friends who sent me instagram accounts of local galleries and events.

I was lucky to find some places showing sound and experimental art in Euljiro-Dong. This is a place that is RAPIDLY changing. The district is special because of its huge spectrum of artistic and technical manual craftsmanship. In the 6 months between my two visits an entire street block had been demolished and replaced by high rise buildings. The city changes crazy fast!

I also LOVE the Cheonggyecheon River stream - the ancient former city border used to have a multileveled highway constructed above it but since 20 years now flows over 10 km trough Seouls City center as a renatured river ecosystem.

Following the stream is a super lovely way to explore the city and also pass the famous textile and fabric district of Dongdaemun.

If you are interested in anything fashion or textile related, this is the place to be and you could honestly get lost in the universe of one of the building complexes.

I experienced the Itaewon district as one of the most diverse places I have ever been to - where else in the world can u find a central mosque down the street of the so called "homohill" of the gay- and transbars, the Nigerian community next to the Vietnamese Community and an elementary school in the middle of the most vibrant night life full of neon crosses and kebab stores in the HEART of Seoul.

I also recommend trying out any Jjimjilbang / Sauna you can find if you can go with a local. It is the most chill experience when someone first shows u around and then u can basically add 5 years to your life.

The Hongdae 24 H Sauna(the one skz filmed at) is actually super accessible to foreigners and a good place if its your first time at a jjimjilbang.

Every time I went to Korea I came back healthier and I am chronically ill - the saunas and nutrition was just on point and affordable.

Lastly, I recommend the Seoul National Museum. It's free entry and you legit can spend an ENTIRE DAY in that spaceship of a building. Many amazing topics and exhibits so explore also just a fun place. There r some stray cats living in the park in front of the complex and I recommend them too.

skz is actually not super represented in public. only by chance I saw a skz hilfiger ad billboard in Itaewon and a Lotte Duty Free ad at an airport. I saw way more bts, nct and many girl groups represented in public.

I did go up to Namsan Tower because I am insufferable and wanted to check out how gay it would be to kidnap your best bro up there for surprise dinner and take photos with a giant heart statue on a platform that is entirely dedicated for couples and has a specific proposal spot. yea.

It's getting long, so anyway, I recommend following your special interest and hanging out with people who live there.

have fun and eat a lot of good food!

[urbidas]

Seoul Itenary : Day 2

GWANGHWAMUN &

ANGUK

9:00 - 9:30 travel to the hanbok rental shop

9:30 - 10:00 rent a hanbok

10:00 - 11:00 Gyeongbokgung Palace

Hwangsaengga Kalguksu

11:00 - 11:30 travel to Bukchon Hanok Village

11:30- 12:30 Bukchon Hanok Village

12:30 - 1:30 lunch

1:30 - 2:00 return the hanbok

2:00 - 2:15 travel to Cheonggyecheon Stream.

2:15 - 2:45 Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Vegan Insa Chae Restaurant

Kiki Delivery Service

2:45 - 3:00 travel to Dongdaemun Design Plaza

3:00 - 5:00 DDP

5:00 - 5:30 travel to National Museum of Korea.

5:30 - 7:00 National Museum of Korea.

7:00 - 7:30 travel to Banpo Rainbow Bridge.

7:30 - 8:30 Banpo Rainbow Bridge.

Jangchungdong Jin Tofu Restaurant

Cafe Onion

TICKETS to PURCHASE

Hanbok Rental 2294/-

https://www.seoultravelpass.com/en/products/52-seoul-hanbok-rental-near-gyeongbokgung-palace-seohwa-hanbok