Gwanak-gu is one of 25 cities, counties and districts in Seoul. It has 21 neighborhoods (21 dong) and 477,073 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Cheongnyong-dong with 36,184.
21neighborhoods
477,073residents
Landmark stamp: Gwanaksan Mountain
Towering above southern Seoul, this rugged mountain showcases striking rocky crests, secluded Buddhist hermitages, and popular hiking routes that overlook the sprawling capital.
What to see
Hiking up to Yeonjudae hermitage perched on the cliff rewards visitors with a sweeping view of the Seoul cityscape.
Visitor tip
Visitors can easily reach the entrance trail after arriving at Gwanaksan Station on the Sillim subway line.
Legends & stories
Legend says haetae statues were placed in the capital to ward off fiery energy thought to originate from this peak.
Food, festivals and stories of Gwanak-gu
Local food
Sillim-dong Sundae Town is renowned for white sundae, stir-fried without spicy red sauce and enjoyed wrapped in perilla leaves.
Local story
Nakseongdae earned its historic name from the legend that a great star fell where Goryeo General Gang Gam-chan was born.
Festivals
The annual Gwanak Gang Gam-chan Festival is held every autumn to honor and celebrate the heroic Goryeo general.
Did you know?
Seoul National University sits at the base of Gwanaksan Mountain, known for its scenic hiking trails and striking granite peaks.
Neighborhoods of Gwanak-gu (21)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Boramae-dong보라매동dong · 22,908 residents
Name: The neighborhood was named after the red-footed falcon emblem of the Air Force Academy, which was previously located nearby.
Story: Legends tell that villagers held ancestral rituals in Danggok village, whose name meant a valley with a guardian shrine.
Name: The neighborhood drew its name from clear silver springs and fresh streams that once bubbled from the nearby hills.
Photo spot: Climbing up the Euncheonmaru lookout along Guksabong trail rewards walkers with breathtaking panoramic views extending toward Namsan Mountain.
Name: The village was named after Nanhyang, a legendary Joseon artist whose historic tomb was located on this hillside.
Story: Folk tales relate that Nanhyang secluded herself in this quiet mountain valley, devoting her remaining life to poetry and art.
Photo spot: The tranquil pavilions of Nanhyang Park offer panoramic vantage points overlooking the surrounding neighborhood through peaceful pine branches.
Name: The neighborhood rests at the foot of Samseongsan, named after three revered monks who meditated upon its quiet slopes.
Story: Legend says Master Wonhyo built a hermitage in the valley of Samseongsan, attaining deep spiritual enlightenment through silent meditation.
Photo spot: The wooden observatory at Samseongsan Forest Shelter provides fantastic angles to photograph dramatic rocky peaks across neighboring ridges.
Name: The valley was named Nangok after the Joseon official Jeong Ran, who cultivated fragrant wild orchids while living here in seclusion.
Story: Stories recall that the upright scholar Jeong Ran gave up his court post to live alongside wild mountain orchids.
Photo spot: The hilltop viewpoints along Nangok-ro offer gentle evening vantage points capturing golden sunset light over cascading residential rooftops.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.