Did you know Bangi-dong’s name changed? It wasn’t always Bangi-dong. In 1636 during the Joseon period Bangigol played a crucial role. King Injo sought refuge in Namhansanseong fortress. Qing soldiers tried to advance. Local defenders repelled the invaders from Bangigol’s mountain slopes. They shot arrows and hurled stones. This earned the area the name Bangigol meaning blocking the barbarians.
Around 1914 scholars at the village school reinterpreted the name’s characters. They changed bang from defense to fragrant. They changed i from barbarian to white mugwort. This led to Bangigol’s renaming. The area was known for its terrain and rhododendron flowers.
Bangi-dong’s history is rich. It belonged to Bangi-ri in Jungdae-myeon. This was during the Joseon Dynasty in Gwangju-gun Gyeonggi Province. Administrative changes in 1914 during the Japanese colonial period incorporated Bangigol. Utmal and Geonneomal also joined Bangi-ri. Seoul’s expansion changed Bangi-dong’s district. It was annexed to Seongdong District in 1963. It became part of Gangnam District in 1975. Later it joined Gangdong District in 1979. Finally in 1988 Bangi-dong settled within Songpa District.
Today Bangi-dong thrives. Korea National Sport University stands near Olympic Park. Several schools call Bangi-dong home. These include Seoul Bangi Elementary School. Seoul Bangsan Elementary School and Bangi Middle School are also there. Bangsan Middle School and Bangsan High School complete the educational landscape.
Bangi-dong’s story is one of resilience. It’s a tale of transformation. It’s a neighborhood that witnessed war and adapted to urban growth. It preserves its past while embracing its future. Remember Bangi-dong’s journey as you explore its streets. Remember the arrows the stones the fragrant mugwort.