The CRP is a perfect example of collaborative regeneration and environmental progress. The restoration was completed within a short time period following a top down urban renewal planning model.
Due to the success of the CRP, many metropolitan governments have tried to replicate the process to emulate the economic, social and ecological benefits. For example Yangjaechon is a waterway development being pursued within Seoul. In 1995, this stream which used to be heavily polluted, underwent a 5 year restoration program and now is immaculate.
A further example is The Han River Renaissance Project. This project consists of the developments of cultural and recreational facilities by developing the river in order to boast the image of Korea as well as Seoul. This would in turn reinvent Korea as a major tourism and business hub. Ecological restoration is a key element of this scheme which includes planting and the remodelling of Yeouido Brook, Amsa and Gangseo eco parks. Emulating the natural riverbank slopes employed in the CRP and creating green corridors provided pedestrian access and improved circulation of the area. By adding water taxis, amphibious buses and pleasure boats, water transportation would be vastly improved.
The Seoul-Incheon Canal Project is being pushed by the Korean government. The project consists of building a cross country canal which would connect Seoul and Busan. The Ministry believes that the Seoul-Incheon canal would be profitable based on a report by DHV (Dutch company specialising in canal operations) as it would improve the efficiency of trade between Korea and China via the canal. It would also help pull the country out of its economic slump. This project consists of the canal being used as various means of public transportations, developing the land alongside the waterway and roads leading to inland transportation networks.
During April 2008 the Cheonggyecheon Plus 20 Project was announced by the Ministry of Environment of Korea. Which proposed to reinvigorate 20 urban dry streams in the style of the Cheonggyecheon restoration project.
A smaller scheme similar to the CRP is being proposed to be implemented in Shanghai. Tokyo has an elevated road above an ancient bridge and they are toying with the idea of the possibility of removing it. Other cities in Eastern Asia are also taking an interest however; this planning approach is less feasible in North America.
The examples mentioned relate to Cheonggyecheon as they all have tried to replicate its sustainable qualities. They have all undergone restoration to help themselves get out of their respective economical recessions and reduce pollution with the inclusion of better public transport. Fewer vehicles mean less vehicle emissions (which present global climate and air pollution problems).
The above examples suggest that Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon plan is bound to become a future sustainability model for Asia. China is currently in the same situation Korea was during the 1960’s due to carrying out a splurge of freeway building as they feel they are a symbol of modernisation.
As the number of drivers in China increases, they are bound to learn from Korea's mistakes; vehicles can never work as the key form of urban transportation for dense Asian cities. A single train can carry as many passengers as 10 freeway lanes. The land used for one freeway that is only sufficient enough for a small segment of the city’s traffic could be utilised to provide public spaces which would enhance city life and the inhabitants experience of nature.
Cities as dense as China only have the capacity to provide public transportation as effective means of transport. Therefore restoring waterways and developing railways is a fair better option in relieving congestion and developing a sustainable city. As the figure of drivers rises and traffic becomes more congested, China may realise that freeways are not a symbol of modernisation but a symbol of noise and ugliness. In a similar way to Korea’s changing viewpoint of Cheonggyecheon, China may look at Seoul as a precedent to alleviate the associated issues with urban sprawl by assessing the mass concrete structures that facilitate the movement of vehicles through the city.
All restoration cases are unique. A successful project will take the successes of the CRP, then accommodate for the individual aspects of the site looking to create beneficial socio-politcal implications for the inhabitants.
