“Sangtugul” or cave of pall bearers is how Sangdo 2-dong got its name. Many pall bearers once dwelled here together. The area shifted names several times. Finally, in 1955, it became Sangdo-dong. Seoul City divided the region into administrative units.
Today we explore Sangdo 2-dong a unique area. Imagine pall bearers living here. They carried coffins. It is a somber but interesting origin.
Let’s wander through Sangdo 2-dong. We will uncover more secrets. Salpijae Ridge stretches from Soongsil University crossings to Bongcheon-dong. Long ago this passage teemed with trees. Robbers hid there. People warned each other to watch themselves. They said “salpyeoseo gara”. This phrase became Salpijae.
Consider Seongdaegul’s history. It is an old village between Seongdae Market’s entrance in Sangdo 3-dong and Guksabong Peak’s valley. Once a rich man named Sin lived here. After his death people searched for a tomb site. They discovered an armful of peach flowers. It was then called Seongdohwari. This means peach flower village. The name changed over time. It became Seongdoari, Seongdori, and Seongdaeri.
Now picture Neung Gogae Ridge. Neung means tomb. The pass connects Guksabong Middle School in Sangdo 4-dong to Bongcheon-dong. A tale speaks of a poor household. They had little food. An elderly monk asked to stay one cold winter night. The owner offered gruel instead of rice. He did not eat himself. The monk saw this kindness. He took the owner to Neung Gogae Ridge. He said use this place for your tomb. The owner was buried here after his death. His descendants prospered.
Think about Manyang Gogae Ridge. It starts in front of Daelim Apt and ends in Noryangjin. It was a long walk. It took “manyang” or forever to walk.
Lastly imagine Binsugol. It is behind Seongdae Market. A well always provided cold water. So the area was called Binsugol. This means place of ice water. The name later became Binsugol.
Sangdo 2-dong holds many stories. These names reveal its past. Pall bearers, robbers, monks, and peach flowers all shaped this place. As we leave remember these tales. They make Sangdo 2-dong special.