Seongbuk District

Etymology

The name Seongbuk derives from the Korean term meaning "the north of the capital city," which originally referred to the area situated to the north of the city walls of Hanyang, the former name of Seoul. The designation is believed to have originated during the Joseon Dynasty, a period when the region's location relative to the capital's fortifications gave rise to the name. Over time, the geographical reference to the northern part of the capital has endured, and today is used as the official name of Seongbuk District. Although the district's name changed over the years, Seongbuk was officially adopted as the name in 1949.

History

Archaeological excavations have not uncovered any prehistoric artifacts or relics in Seongbuk District. However, the area features a typical baesanimsu geographical structure, with Bukhansan and Bugaksan mountains to the northwest and streams such as Jeongneungcheon and Seongbukcheon flowing from the valleys of these mountains. Given this natural environment, it is presumed that people may have settled and lived in the region. During the Three Kingdoms period, the Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla dynasties engaged in continuous territorial conflicts over the Han River basin. It is likely that the Seongbuk District area also experienced shifts in ruling powers during this period. After Silla unified the Korean Peninsula, the region, including present-day Seoul, was incorporated into Hansanju, one of the administrative districts of Silla. During the reign of King Gyeongdeok, Hansanju was renamed Hanju, and the area was designated as Hanyang-gun, placing Seongbuk District under Hanju's jurisdiction. In 1967, in Samyang-dong, an area adjacent to Seongbuk District and now part of Gangbuk District, the Gilt-bronze Standing Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva of Samyang-dong, Seoul (National Treasure No. 127) was discovered. The statue is believed to date back to the early 7th century, and is attributed to Silla.

Following the establishment of Goryeo by Taejo of Goryeo in 918, the area encompassing present-day Seongbuk District was referred to as Yangju until the reign of King Jeongjong (r. 1035–1046). From the reign of King Munjong (r. 1046–1083) until the reign of King Chungnyeol (r. 1275–1308), the region was designated as Namgyeong. After King Chungseon (r. 1308–1313), and throughout the late Goryeo period, it was referred to as Hanyang-bu. A major transportation route connecting the Goryeo capital, Gaegyeong, with Namgyeong (modern-day Seoul) passed through Seongbuk District. The route is believed to have followed the modern-day road connecting Miasageori, Korea University, Sinseol-dong, and Dongdaemun. Several Buddhist relics and temples from the Goryeo period remain along the route, including the Rock-carved Seated Buddha of Botasa Temple, Bomunsa Temple, and Mita Temple. as well as the Gyeongguksa Temple, established in the late Goryeo period, located in Jeongneung-dong.

During the Joseon Dynasty, the Seongbuk District area was part of the Seongjeo Ship-ri, located outside the city walls of Hanseong (modern-day Seoul). In the late Joseon period, the region fell under the jurisdiction of Sungsin-bang and Inchang-bang. The name "Seongbuk" reflects the meaning "the north of the capital city," referring to the area located to the north of the city walls of Hanyang (modern-day Seoul). This name has persisted into modern times. In the 1840 map of Hanyang, Suseon Jeondo, the term "Seongbuk-dong" appears, marking the area. The southern foothills of Bukhansan, which are now part of Seongbuk District, were heavily forested, so much so that wild tigers once roamed the area, prompting the king to lead hunting expeditions to the region. During the Joseon Dynasty, the area now known as Seongbuk was a significant gateway to the northeast of Seoul. The main route connecting Seoul to Gangwon-do and ultimately to Hamgyeong-do passed through the region. This road served as an important trade route, linking merchants and facilitating the exchange of goods, such as daily necessities from Hanyang and various marine products from Hamgyeong-do.

Administrative divisions

Seongbuk District consists of 20 administrative dongs (haengjeong-dong, 행정동) and 39 legal dongs (beopjeong-dong, 법정동).

Anam-dong (안암동 安岩洞)

Bomun-dong (보문동 普門洞)

Donam-dong (돈암동 敦岩洞) 1~2

Dongseon-dong (동선동 東仙洞) 1~2

Dongsomun-dong (동소문동 東小門洞)

Gireum-dong (길음동 吉音洞) 1~3

Jangwi-dong (장위동 長位洞) 1~3

Jeongneung-dong (정릉동 貞陵洞) 1~4

Jongam-dong (종암동 鍾岩洞) 1~2

Samseon-dong (삼선동 三仙洞) 1~2

Sangwolgok-dong (상월곡동 上月谷洞)

Seokgwan-dong (석관동 石串洞) 1~2

Seongbuk-dong (성북동 城北洞) 1~2

Wolgok-dong (월곡동 月谷洞) 1~4동

Hawolgok-dong (하월곡동 下月谷洞), beopjeong-dong administered by the haengjeong-dong offices of Wolgok 1 ~2 dong

Education

Seongbuk-gu is known for housing several prestigious universities. It accommodates Korea University, which is among South Korea's SKY top three, with a brilliant reputation for scholarship, particularly in fields such as law, business, and international studies. The district also hosts Kookmin University, which is well-regarded for its programs in design, engineering, and business, Hansung University, acknowledged as a pioneer in academic-industry collaboration, as well as Sungshin Women's University, a leading institution specializing in liberal arts, education, and fashion studies. Seongbuk and nearby Seongdong-gu also host Hanyang University, another top school with highly respected engineering and business courses. The presence of such universities has changed Seongbuk into an active student quarter, with abundant libraries, coffee shops, and cultural centers accommodating academic life.

Attractions

Seongbuk-gu is home to several historical and cultural landmarks that highlight Seoul's rich heritage. Uireung and Jeongneung are royal tombs from the Joseon Dynasty, both part of the UNESCO-listed Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. Uireung is the burial site of King Gyeongjong, the 20th King of Joseon, as well as his queen consort, Queen Seonui, while Jeongneung houses the tomb of Queen Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo, who founded the Joseon Dynasty. The district is also notable for its connections to Seoul's ancient fortifications. Hanyangdoseong, or the Seoul City Wall, runs through Seongbuk and includes two of its historic gates, Sukjeongmun and Hyehwamun. Sukjeongmun, also known as the North Gate, was one of the four main gates of the city wall and played a strategic role in protecting the northern entrance to Seoul. Hyehwamun, originally called Honghwamun, served as one of the four auxiliary gates and remains a well-preserved historical site.

Seongbuk is known for its cultural and literary heritage. The Manhae Han Yong-un Simujang Residence was the home of Han Yong-un, a prominent independence activist, Buddhist reformer, and poet. Han was among the 33 national representatives who led the March First Movement in 1919, a turning point in Korea's struggle against Japanese colonial rule. He is also famous for his poem collection Silence of Love (Nim-ui Chimmuk). Han lived here from 1933 until his death in 1944, during which time he continued his political and literary activities. The Lee Tae-jun Residence and the Choi Sun-u Residence in Seongbuk-dong, former homes of prominent literary and artistic figures, are also significant. The Choi Sun-u Residence, in particular, was the home of Choi Sunu, a scholar and former director of the National Museum of Korea. The district is also home to Gilsangsa Temple, and the Korea Furniture Museum, which displays approximately 550 pieces of wooden furniture. Gilsangsa is a unique Buddhist temple with a modern history. Originally a high-end restaurant, the site was later donated and converted into a temple, which now serves as a place for meditation, spiritual study, and cultural programs. Seongbuk also features Samcheonggak, a traditional Korean cultural complex established in 1972, known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.

Transportation

Railroad

Seoul Subway Line 4 passes through areas such as Gireum, Sungshin Women's University, and Hansung University, connecting Seongbuk and Jongno Districts.

(Gangbuk-gu) ← Gireum — Sungshin Women's University — Hansung University → (Jongno-gu)

Seoul Subway Line 6 runs through Jongno and Nowon Districts, with key stations including Bomun, Anam, Korea University, Wolgok, Sangwolgok, and Dolgoji. The line links the eastern and northern parts of the city.

(Jongno-gu) ← Bomun — Anam — Korea University — Wolgok — Sangwolgok — Dolgoji → (Nowon-gu)

The Ui LRT, a light rail transit system, passes through Bukhansan Bogungmun, also known as Seokyeong University, Jeongneung, Sungshin Women's University, and Bomun, connecting the district to Gangbuk and Dongdaemun.

(Gangbuk-gu) ← Bukhansan Bogungmun — Jeongneung — Sungshin Women's University — Bomun → (Dongdaemun-gu)

Sister cities

Shunyi, China

Buena Park, CA, United States

Notable people

Um Ki-joon (엄기준), South Korean actor

Bumkey (Real Name: Kwon Ki-bum, 권기범), South Korean R&B singer-songwriter (born in Seongbuk District)

Wendy (Real Name: Shon Seung-wan or Son Seung-wan, 손승완), singer, dancer, model, MC and K-pop idol, member of K-pop girlgroup Red Velvet (born in Seongbuk District)

Lee Jin-hyuk, singer, rapper and actor, member of Up10tion (born in Seongbuk District)

Yoon Suk-yeol, 13th President of South Korea (born in Seongbuk District)

Hwang Yun-seong, singer, dancer, idol and member of Drippin (born in Seongbuk District)

Sim Jae-Yun (known as Jake), singer, rapper, dancer, songwriter, a member of ENHYPEN (born in Seongbuk District)

Yeonjun (Real Name: Choi Yeon-jun, 최연준), rapper, singer-songwriter, dancer, Ambassador, MC and member of TXT (born in Seongbuk District, Seoul, South Korea)