Seonggok-dong

Stepping back in time, imagine Seonggok-dong during the Joseon Dynasty. It was known as Hanyang then, the bustling heart of Korea. Seonggok-dong was nestled within the protective embrace of a massive circular wall. This wall, a formidable stone fortress standing twenty feet high, shielded the residents of Seonggok-dong and the greater Hanseong area from wild tigers, thieves, and potential attacks. Can you picture the city gates, Sungnyemun (Namdaemun, the South Gate) and Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun, the East Gate)? These grand portals, along with Sukjeongmun (Bukdaemun, the North Gate) and smaller gates like Changuimun and Hyehwamun, punctuated the city walls. Each day, these gates would swing open and closed with a resounding clang, accompanied by the deep ringing of large bells. Seonggok-dong was part of Hanseong, a capital prefecture divided into inner districts (Sadaemun-an, meaning “inside of the city wall”) and outer districts (“outside of the city wall,” located about four kilometers from the wall). The Jungnangcheon River, the Han River, Mount Bukhan, and Hongjecheon defined the prefecture’s boundaries, encompassing Seonggok-dong within its administrative reach. Life in Seonggok-dong during this era revolved around the rhythm of the city gates and the ebb and flow of the Han River. This strategic location, at the heart of Korea, positioned Seonggok-dong as a key player in the nation’s political and economic landscape. From its protected position within the city walls, Seonggok-dong witnessed the grandeur of the Joseon Dynasty and the daily lives of its people. The legacy of this period is etched into the very fabric of Seonggok-dong, adding a layer of historical depth to its modern-day charm.