내곡대교

Clutching my grandfather’s worn leather-bound journal, I first heard whispers of Naegok-dong. It was more than just a neighborhood in Seoul. It was a place woven into the fabric of our family history, a place I now stand before you with. Naegok-dong, nestled at the foot of Guryong Mountain in Seocho District, holds centuries of stories. It was once a quiet village known as ‘Angol’ or ‘Anmal’, a name that echoes a simpler time. Imagine Naegok-dong during the Joseon period. Dense forests blanketed the slopes, teeming with tigers and foxes. The Gyeongju Kim clan, my ancestors, were among the first to settle here. Their lives were intertwined with the rhythm of the land, a stark contrast to the bustling city that surrounds us today. Naegok-dong wasn’t always a peaceful haven. The presence of Heoninreung, a royal tomb, restricted development for a time. This sacred ground shaped the community’s growth, its very presence a reminder of the past. The mountains surrounding Naegok-dong have witnessed history unfold. Guryong Mountain to the north and Inneungsan marking the boundary with Seongnam. On the slopes of Guryong Mountain, Yeongneung, the original burial site of King Sejong the Great, once stood before being moved to Yeoju in 1469. Even now, Hyeonneung and Inneung rest here on this hallowed ground, a silent testament to the passage of time. Look around you. The modern city pulses with life, but the spirit of Naegok-dong endures. From the whispers of ancient forests to the echoes of royal tombs, this place breathes history. This quiet neighborhood, once home to my ancestors, invites you to explore its hidden depths and discover the stories etched within its very soul.