Strolling through the heart of Seoul? You are now in Jung-gu. It is one of Seoul’s 25 districts. Jung-gu literally means Central District. As its name suggests, it is the historical center of the city.
Jung-gu sits on the northern side of the Han River. It is bordered by Jongno to the north. Seodaemun is to the northwest. Mapo lies to the west. Yongsan is to the south. Seongdong is to the southeast and Dongdaemun to the northeast.
Jung-gu is Seoul’s smallest district. It covers only 9.96 square kilometers. It is also the least populous. Jung-gu had a population of 131,452 in 2013. The district is divided into 15 neighborhoods. These are called dongs.
For many years, Jung-gu has been the center of politics, economy, culture and transportation. It still serves as the gateway to Seoul. Seoul Station is located here. Subway lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 pass through Jung-gu. Main roads like Eulji-ro and Cheonggye-ro also run through it.
Originally, Jung-gu was called “Jung-gu Yeokso”. This was when Seoul was first divided into “gu” districts in 1943. It was renamed Jung-gu in 1946.
Despite its small size, Jung-gu plays a key role in Korea. Main government offices are here. You will also find shopping districts and major financial institutions. Newspaper headquarters are located here too.
There are many historic sites in Jung-gu. These include Namdaemun and Deoksugung Palace. You can also visit Gwanghuimun and Seoul Station. Hwangudan and Seoul Fortress are also located here.
Jung-gu boasts many popular tourist attractions. Dongdaemun Fashion Town is a must-see. Namsan Park and Cheonggyecheon Stream offer green spaces. The Dongdaemun History & Culture Park is also worth a visit. Jung-gu is perfect for tourists. They can experience Korean history and culture here.
Jung-gu is a great place to shop. Both Koreans and foreign visitors enjoy it. There are large traditional marketplaces. Namdaemun Market is one example. You can also explore Bangsan Market, Jungbu Market and Pyeonghwa Market. Major department stores are also present.
Jung-gu hosts many cultural performances and festivals. These events take place throughout the year. This makes Jung-gu one of the best places to visit and live in Korea.
Jung-gu is a significant business core of Seoul. Many companies are based here. They are often found around Sejong-daero or Eulji-ro. Notable companies include Hanhwa and Shinsegae. You will also find Hanjin and Doosan Corporation here. SK Telecom and LG U+ also have offices in Jung-gu.
Major newspapers are also based in Jung-gu. The Chosun Ilbo and JoongAng Ilbo both have offices here.
One of the newest tourist spots is Seoullo 7017. It is also known as the Seoul Skygarden or Skypark. This elevated park sits on a former highway overpass. It connects the western and eastern sides of Seoul Station. The High Line in New York City inspired this development.
Jung-gu is more than just a district. It is a vibrant center of history, culture and commerce. It offers something for everyone who visits.