Perhaps you’ve heard the whispers of a district where Seoul’s elite mingle with echoes of its humble past. That place is Seongbuk-gu. It is one of Seoul’s 25 districts. Seongbuk-gu sits in the city’s mid-north.
Seongbuk-gu’s story began long before Seoul became the metropolis we know today. Presidential Decree No. 159 established it on August 13, 1949. This decree included areas of Dongdaemun District and Sungin-myeon. Later, on May 1, 1988, it became an autonomous district.
Imagine walking through Seongbuk-gu’s administrative divisions. There are 20 dongs that comprise Seongbuk District. Anam-dong is one of them. Bomun-dong is another. Donam-dong, Dongseon-dong and Dongsomun-dong are also part of it. Gireum-dong and Jangwi-dong each add their unique character. Jeongneung-dong with its royal tomb echoes. Jongam-dong and Samseon-dong offer a glimpse into everyday life. Sangwolgok-dong and Seokgwan-dong are further pieces of the puzzle. Then there is Seongbuk-dong itself giving the district its name. Wolgok-dong completes the picture.
What makes Seongbuk-gu truly special? It is its blend of tradition and modernity. Here, old homes stand in the shadow of new apartments. The district covers 24.57 square kilometers. Approximately 423,439 people call it home.
Did you know many famous Koreans hail from Seongbuk-gu? Yoon Suk-yeol, the 13th President of South Korea, was born here. Talented singers like Bumkey and Wendy from Red Velvet also came from here. Lee Jin-hyuk of Up10tion, Hwang Yun-seong of Drippin and Jake from ENHYPEN were born in Seongbuk District. Yeonjun of TXT also shares this origin. Actor Um Ki-joon is another notable person from Seongbuk District.
Seongbuk-gu is more than just a district. It is a vibrant tapestry woven from history, culture and the lives of its people. As you explore its streets, remember you are walking through a place that has shaped Seoul and South Korea.