From Polluted Stream to Ecological River: A Stroll Along Oncheoncheon Stream
Oncheoncheon Stream, flowing through Oncheon-dong in Asan City, Chungnam Province, is a small stream that runs through the heart of Asan, passing by Onyang Tourist Hotel to Gokgyocheon Stream. For decades, this stream suffered from garbage and sewage. However, after a large-scale renovation project lasting about six years since 2009, it was completely reborn as an ecological river in 2015. Today, let's take a walk along the Oncheoncheon Stream promenade, which has become a popular walking path and a resting place for citizens in the old downtown of Asan.
Autumn-Tinted Entrance to Oncheoncheon Stream: A Small Forest in the City
As I entered the Oncheoncheon Stream promenade, the first thing that caught my eye was the colorful autumn foliage. The harmony of pine trees and maple trees created a feeling as if I were in a small forest, not in the middle of the city. The promenade unfolded behind a large 'Oncheoncheon' sign, welcoming me.
From the beginning of the promenade, shelters and benches were provided for citizens. The benches with shade looked like a great place to relax or have lunch. The high-rise apartments in the background reminded me that this place was in the heart of the city, but the surrounding trees and well-manicured landscaping allowed me to fully appreciate nature.
Walking a little further, I found various circular wooden chairs and tables. The wooden furniture harmonized with the surrounding trees, creating a forest-like atmosphere in the city. It was a perfect space to sit and talk with family or friends.
Various Facilities for Citizens
In the middle of the promenade, there was an outdoor stage. The white, modern design of the stage facilities was impressive, and it seemed that various performances and events for local residents would be held here. There was also space around the stage for spectators to sit.
One of the characteristics of the Oncheoncheon Stream promenade was the variety of paths. This section was paved with neatly arranged brick blocks, making it very comfortable to walk on. The trees on both sides, dyed with autumn colors, created a tunnel, making it the perfect place to relax while taking a walk.
A Life-Integrated Promenade with Onyang Food Street
As I walked along the promenade, I noticed a map of 'Onyang Food Street'. As Oncheoncheon Stream runs through the center of the old downtown of Asan, a food street with many old restaurants has formed around it. Being able to enjoy delicious food after a walk was also a unique charm of the Oncheoncheon Stream promenade.
Small mini-fountains were installed throughout the promenade. The sparkling water jets under the sunlight were beautiful, and the sound of the water added to the relaxation of the walk. In the summer, it seemed like it would provide coolness on hot days.
Consideration for a Safe Village: Safety Facilities Everywhere
On the promenade, there was a safety map showing the village's safety facilities. The locations of various safety facilities, such as CCTV, information points, gobo lights, community facilities, safety switches, and emergency bells, were marked to ensure that residents could walk with peace of mind.
In fact, yellow emergency bells were installed throughout the promenade. With the sign 'Safe Zone', it was designed to allow people to press the bell in case of an emergency, so even citizens walking alone could use it with confidence.
A particularly noticeable facility was the 'Fine Dust Traffic Light'. It provided very useful information for citizens planning outdoor activities by checking the real-time fine dust concentration. This careful consideration made the Oncheoncheon Stream promenade an even more citizen-friendly space.
Various Walking Courses with Nature
Under the bridge, there was a stepping stone-like stone bridge crossing the stream, and a simple shelter was set up in the shaded area under the bridge. The wall decorations with traditional patterns added to the atmosphere, and crossing the stone bridge over the water seemed like a lot of fun.
Using the space under the bridge, exercise equipment was installed. For those who felt that walking alone was not enough, equipment for stretching or light strength training was provided to help promote the health of residents.
The highlight of Oncheoncheon Stream was the wooden deck promenade built over the stream. The brown wooden deck was winding, giving the feeling of walking on water. Aquatic plants and reeds were growing on both sides, and the apartments in downtown Asan could be seen in the distance, creating a unique landscape where the city and nature harmonized.
While walking along the promenade, I found a very welcome sign: the 'Otter Habitat' sign. Otters are animals that can only live in clean water, and it was proof that the once polluted Oncheoncheon Stream has now been revived as a clean ecological river where otters can live. It was a symbolic sign showing how successful the six-year maintenance project was.
Finally, what caught my eye was the evacuation guide map in case of flooding of Oncheoncheon Stream. The evacuation route in case of emergency was described in detail, and I could feel the careful consideration for safety.
Oncheoncheon Stream is a special promenade that crosses the old downtown of Asan and offers a glimpse of the surrounding comfortable villages and friendly scenery. The various trails, including dirt paths, wooden deck paths, stone paths, and brick paths, made it impossible to feel bored while walking. Above all, the story of the past polluted stream being reborn as a clean ecological river where otters can live is of great significance as a successful example of environmental restoration. Asan citizens, if you want to experience nature in the city near you in your busy daily life, why not visit the Oncheoncheon Stream promenade?
Oncheoncheon Stream Promenade
○ Location: Oncheon-dong, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
○ Available facilities: Promenade, outdoor stage, benches and shelters, exercise equipment, mini-fountains, emergency bells, fine dust traffic lights
○ Nearby attractions: Onyang Food Street
* Visited date: November 16, 2025
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224089355151
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