Why is this place called Sinwol-dong? Sinwol-dong is a neighborhood in Yangcheon District in Seoul. It holds a story within its name.
Let’s explore Sinwol-dong. Its history is quite interesting. During the Gabo Reform King Gojong reorganized the administrative districts. This happened in the 31st year of his reign. Yangcheon-hyeon became Gun. In 1914 Sinwol became part of Gimpo-gun. The administrative district changed to Sindang-ri. It was part of Yangdong-myeon.
Sindang-ri’s name comes from two villages. These were Sinwol and Danggok. The area was once a mountainous village. It included Danggok Koeumwol Shindae Sinwol and Gatri.
Danggok was also known as Danggol. It had a city shrine. Shrine rituals took place here. Koeumwol means a town. The moon shines brightly here. The name originated from the Korean word for beautiful moon. Shindae means newly founded village.
Sinwol and Gateri get their names from the region’s shape. People say it looks like a half-moon. This half-moon is on the east side of Jeungsan. Currently this is the Sinwol 3-dong area.
Sinwol-dong is quite large. It covers 5.14 square kilometers. In 2001 its population was 156264. That is a density of 30401.56 people per square kilometer.
Gong Hyo-jin was born in Sinwol-dong. She was born in 1980. At that time it was part of Gangseo District. She is a famous South Korean actress. People know her for her roles in films and TV series. She is considered the queen of romantic comedies. She lived here during her early life.
So remember Sinwol-dong. It is more than just a name. It is a place with history. It is a place of bright moons and new beginnings. It is even the birthplace of stars.