Imagine Yongsan-gu Office humming with activity. It is more than just a government building. It is the heart of Yongsan District in Seoul.
Yongsan-gu Office stands as a testament to the district’s rich history. The office helps Korean and foreign residents in Korea. It offers services like documentation, taxes, public safety and medical services.
Let’s step back in time. Yongsan’s story stretches back to the Baekje Dynasty. A fable tells of two dragons appearing over the Han River. Some say the name “Yongsan” comes from mountains shaped like dragons. Yong means dragon and San means mountain.
During the Joseon period, Yongsan became Seoul’s entry point for seaborne travelers. Commerce thrived. It became Korea’s first satellite city. In 1884, Yongsan became an “open district.” French, Chinese, and Japanese missionaries settled here.
Yongsan-gu as an administrative district emerged in 1896 as Yongsan-bang. It transformed into Yongsan-gu in 1945. In 1946, it became Yongsan District of Seoul. Smaller administrative units called dongs came in 1955.
The Yongsan district office is located close to Noksapyeong Station. This location is on Noksapyeong-daero. You can reach Yongsan-gu Office easily by subway. Take Line No. 6 to Noksapyeong Subway Station. Use Exit 3. It is a five-minute walk. Several buses also stop nearby. These include 143, 401, 406, 730 and 8401. Town shuttle buses Yongsan 02 and Yongsan 03 also serve the area.
The Yongsan-gu Office maintains leisure facilities. These include Yongsan Sports Center, Ichon Hangang Riverside Park, Namsan, Hyochang Park and Yongsan Family Park.
Since the late 19th century, Yongsan has been multicultural. The Seoul Central Mosque and the Yongsan Garrison influenced the district. In 2020, the foreign resident population was 21,067.
The Korean Ministry of National Defense is in Yongsan. It sits between the northern and southern sections of Yongsan Garrison. Samgakji station is nearby.
The President of South Korea’s office is now in Yongsan. It occupies the former Ministry of National Defense Building. The Presidential office moved here in 2022.
Many foreign embassies are located in Yongsan.
From 1910 to 1945, the Japanese used Yongsan as their military headquarters. After WW2, the US Army established the Yongsan Garrison. Most US personnel have moved to Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek. A small part of the garrison remains. It keeps the Dragon Hill Lodge open.
Itaewon developed to serve the needs of US personnel. The area was designated a special tourist zone in 1997.
The Yongsan area has changed since the mid-2010s. Upscale apartments and office spaces have been added. Seoul Dragon City is a hotel development. It is planned as the first phase of a major redevelopment project.
As you leave Yongsan-gu Office remember its history. It has transformed from ancient origins to a modern administrative hub. The office stands as a symbol of Yongsan’s vibrant culture and evolving identity.