“What if a district could resemble a puppy?” That’s the question Yangcheon District seems to answer. Yangcheon-gu is one of Seoul’s 25 districts. It sits on the Han River’s southwest side.
Let’s explore Yangcheon. This district has a unique history and character. Once known as ‘Jechapaui-hyun’ during the Goguryeo age, it was renamed Yangcheon in 1310 during the Goryeo dynasty. In 1988, it was separated from Gangseo district.
Yangcheon includes Mok-dong, Sinjeong-dong and Sinwol-dong. This area saw significant development in the 1980s. The government aimed to create a new residential area in Seoul. Large apartment complexes arose. Today, Yangcheon is home to many middle and upper-class families. It is considered a desirable ward in Seoul. Yangcheon is east of Gimpo International Airport and south of the Hongdae area.
Mok-dong is at the heart of Yangcheon. It boasts shopping outlets, bars, restaurants and an ice rink. Large residential buildings house mostly upper-middle and upper-class families.
Mokdong Stadium opened for the 1988 Olympic Games. The baseball stadium hosted many junior games. Since 2008, it has hosted amateur and professional baseball games. Nexen Heroes, a team refounded from former Hyundai Unicorns players, settled here.
The Hyperion Towers dominate Mok-dong’s skyline. These three buildings were completed in 2003. Tower A has 69 stories and stands 256 meters tall. It is among Seoul’s tallest buildings. A large Hyundai department store sits at the base of these towers.
CBS and SBS headquarters are also in Mok-dong. Yangcheon is more than just buildings and businesses.
Since 2015, the district has hosted the “Happy yangcheon companion dog culture festival”. This event is inspired by the district’s puppy-like shape.
Yangcheon has sister city relationships around the world. These include cities in China, Australia, Japan, Costa Rica and France.
Yangcheon Hyanggyo is the only remaining hyanggyo in Seoul. It is designated as Seoul Monument No.8. The Daeseongjeon Shrine enshrines ancestral tablets of Confucius. Myeongnyungdang Lecture Hall is the largest building. It is where people learned. Monuments for Yangcheon ministers stand near the front gate.
The Gyeomjae Jeongseon Art Museum opened in 2009. Gyeomjae Jeongseon served as Yangcheon mayor in his late 60s. He perfected True-View Landscape Painting. The museum has three stories. It exhibits Jeongseon’s life story and paintings. Models of the Yangcheon government office from 300 years ago are displayed.
Gungsan Trail is popular among residents. Gungsan is 76m above sea level. It once formed a boundary between the Hangang River and the Yangcheon government office. Cannons fired from Gungsan during the Siege of Haengju in the Japanese Invasion. A fortress stood here from the Unified Silla period until the Joseon Dynasty.
Soangnu Pavilion offers scenic views. From here, Ansan, Inwangsan Mountain and Gwanaksan Mountain are visible. The Hangang River extends into the distance.
Yangcheon’s story is one of transformation and vibrancy. From its historical roots to its modern developments, it offers a unique glimpse into Seoul’s dynamic landscape.