Perhaps a ghost lurks nearby. We are now in Oksu-dong. It is a neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea. Oksu-dong is part of the Seongdong District. This area has a rich history.
Once, Oksu-dong was a small village. It was called Doomo-Village. This was during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Doomo-Village belonged to Hanji. It was within Goyang County. The village lay near the Han River.
Oksu-dong has an area of 1.95 square kilometers. In 2001, its population was 32,339. The population density was about 17,000 people per square kilometer. That is a lot of people in a small area.
The name Oksu-dong means “Jade Water Village”. “Ok” means jade. “Su” means water. “Dong” means village. The name suggests clean, precious water.
Oksu-dong is also known for its railway station. Oksu Station is on Line 3 and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. The station opened in 1985. It is near where the Han and Jungnang Rivers meet.
One of the Line 3 platforms is above ground. It offers a view of the Han River. You may have seen it in movies or advertisements. The Gyeongui-Jungang Line part of the station was renovated. It now has a glass top. This lets in sunlight.
There is a webtoon and movie set at Oksu Station. It is called “Oksu Station Ghost”. Some say a ghost haunts the Line 3 platforms.
Kim Ho-young moved to Oksu-dong. Since then, the Oksu Station Ghost is said to have disappeared. Some joke that Kim Ho-young is stronger than ghosts.
Oksu-dong is more than just a neighborhood. It is a place of history. It is a place of stories. It is a place where the past meets the present. Take a moment to feel the spirit of Oksu-dong. Remember its past as Doomo-Village. Consider its present as a vibrant neighborhood.