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Jung-gu, Seoul

Jung-gu is one of 25 cities, counties and districts in Seoul. It has 15 neighborhoods (15 dong) and 117,205 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Yaksu-dong with 15,565.

15neighborhoods

117,205residents

Landmark stamp: Deoksugung Palace

This historic site harmoniously blends traditional wooden palace halls with modern Western-style stone architecture surrounded by pleasant walking paths in downtown Seoul.

History: Emperor Gojong declared the Korean Empire and used this historic palace as the main imperial residence in modern times.
What to see: The Western-style stone structure Seokjojeon blends harmoniously alongside traditional wooden pavilions, creating a very distinctive aesthetic harmony.
Visitor tip: Taking an evening walk along the famous stone wall road is especially wonderful when autumn ginkgo leaves turn bright yellow.

Food, festivals and stories of Jung-gu

Local food: In Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town, visitors enjoy boiling spicy and sweet tteokbokki with various noodle toppings.
Local story: A well-known urban legend tells that romantic couples who walk along the Deoksugung Stonewall Walkway will eventually separate.
Did you know?: Dongdaemun Design Plaza, with its futuristic curved silver architecture, hosts prestigious global design exhibitions and stylish fashion events.

Neighborhoods of Jung-gu (15)

Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.

Sogong-dong소공동dong · 2,205 residents

Name: The area gets its name from a royal residence where a Joseon princess once lived during the early dynasty.
Story: Emperor Gojong built a sacred altar here to perform ceremonial rites to the heavens when founding the Korean Empire.
Photo spot: You can capture picturesque photos in front of the historic Hwangudan altar nestled harmoniously among modern downtown high-rises.

Hoehyeon-dong회현동dong · 4,020 residents

Name: The neighborhood was named Hoehyeon, meaning a gathering place of wise and virtuous scholars who once resided here.
Story: Tales remain about virtuous Joseon prime minister Lee Won-ik and prominent officials who lived modest lives in these foothill alleys.
Food: Deep inside Namdaemun Market, visitors can savor spicy braised hairtail fish served in sizzling traditional brass pots.

Myeong-dong명동dong · 2,465 residents

Name: The name originated from Myeongryebang, an old district title symbolizing brightness during the Joseon Dynasty.
Photo spot: The stone steps before the red-brick Myeongdong Cathedral provide a classic backdrop for memorable city travel photographs.
Story: After liberation, impoverished writers and artists gathered in historic teahouses here to share literature and artistic dreams.

Pil-dong필동dong · 4,319 residents

Name: It was called Brush Village because the nearby Namsan peak resembled the slender tip of a calligraphy brush.
Story: Scholars known for unyielding integrity and frugal living walked these foothill paths wearing traditional wooden clogs.
Photo spot: Visitors can take timeless pictures at Namsangol Hanok Village, blending restored traditional pavilions with views of Namsan Tower.

Jangchung-dong장충동dong · 4,537 residents

Name: The name comes from Jangchungdan altar, established by the royal court to honor soldiers who sacrificed their lives.
Story: Emperor Gojong built a dedicated memorial altar to honor brave royal guards who sacrificed their lives defending the palace.
Food: The famous local food alley attracts visitors with tender pigs' trotters braised thoroughly in seasoned aromatic soy broth.

Gwanghui-dong광희동dong · 5,727 residents

Name: The neighborhood was named after Gwanghuimun Gate, an auxiliary fortress entrance meaning to shine bright and prosperous.
Story: Gwanghuimun was once called the gate of corpses because funeral processions carrying deceased citizens passed through here to exit the capital.
Photo spot: The futuristic curved metallic facade of Dongdaemun Design Plaza offers incredible visual backdrops, especially under brilliant evening illumination.

Euljiro-dong을지로동dong · 3,041 residents

Name: The avenue was named after General Eulji Mundeok, a renowned Goguryeo hero celebrated for his historic military triumph.
Story: Generations of skilled craftspeople and printing specialists have quietly sustained their vibrant workshops throughout these labyrinthine urban alleys.
Food: As dusk falls, crowds gather at outdoor tables to enjoy crispy dried young pollock served with refreshing cold beer.

Sindang-dong신당동dong · 7,219 residents

Name: The name originated from numerous shrines where shamans once gathered to perform spiritual rituals and traditional ancestral rites.
Story: Shamans gathered outside the historic city gate to comfort wandering spirits departing through the ancient water gate passageways.
Food: The vibrant food alley is celebrated for bubbling instant tteokbokki cooked in a rich blend of spicy gochujang and chunjang.

Dasan-dong다산동dong · 12,820 residents

Name: The district was named after Dasan, the renowned pen name of Joseon scholar and philosopher Jeong Yak-yong.
Photo spot: Strolling along the softly illuminated Dasan Fortress Wall at night reveals sweeping views ideal for capturing Seoul's dazzling skyline.
Fun fact: Quaint artisan craft studios and atmospheric cafes line the ancient stone ramparts of the Seoul City Wall trail.

Yaksu-dong약수동dong · 15,565 residents

Name: The neighborhood was named after natural mineral springs near Beoti Pass, long praised for their therapeutic healing waters.
Story: Folklore tells of weary travelers waiting in groups to cross Beoti Pass safely to avoid opportunistic mountain bandits.
Food: Local restaurants are famed for North Korean-style steamed chicken topped with tender chives and served alongside buckwheat noodles.

Cheonggu-dong청구동dong · 10,592 residents

Name: Cheonggu is a traditional poetic name for Korea, carrying the poetic meaning of peaceful and verdant green hills.
Story: The historic home of a prominent politician once stood here, serving as a bustling hub of modern political discussions.
Fun fact: Resting gently on sloping hillsides, the neighborhood blends friendly local shops with peaceful residential community life.

Sindang 5-dong신당5동dong · 9,960 residents

Name: Locals once called this quiet area Baekhak-dong because pure white cranes were said to nest among the tall pines.
Story: Folklore tells of peaceful cranes descending here, leaving a beloved historic nickname preserved in various neighborhood community spaces.
Fun fact: This pleasant residential neighborhood features cozy lanes and Baekhak Children's Park where local residents share warm neighborly community spirit.

Donghwa-dong동화동dong · 9,696 residents

Name: The name was thoughtfully chosen to express hopes for peace, prosperity, and communal harmony in this eastern district.
Photo spot: Scenic walking paths in Eungbong Neighborhood Park offer refreshing breezes along with pleasant elevated vantage points overlooking downtown.
Fun fact: Surrounded by leafy parklands while staying close to transit stations, the area offers a cozy and quiet residential environment.

Hwanghak-dong황학동dong · 13,097 residents

Name: The name arose because the surrounding terrain was thought to resemble a mythical yellow crane taking flight toward the sky.
Story: A famous flea market earned the nickname goblin market because fascinating antiques and vintage trinkets mysteriously popped up everywhere.
Food: Near the kitchenware district, cozy street restaurants serve savory grilled pork entrails cooked with rich smoky charcoal aromas.

Jungnim-dong중림동dong · 11,942 residents

Name: The name was created by combining syllables from old villages known for medicinal herbs and lush green woods.
Photo spot: Perched gracefully atop the hill, the brick bell tower of Yakhyeon Catholic Church creates an exquisite photographic subject all year.
Story: A memorial park and museum honor marathoner Sohn Kee-chung, who brought pride with an Olympic laurel wreath victory.

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.