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Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Seongbuk-gu is one of 25 cities, counties and districts in Seoul. It has 20 neighborhoods (20 dong) and 420,993 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Jongam-dong with 36,568.

20neighborhoods
420,993residents

Landmark stamp: Gilsangsa Temple

GILSANGSA TEMPLESEONGBUK-GU · SEOUL길상사RANDOMPASSPORT.COM

Nestled in the quiet foothills of Seongbuk-gu, this tranquil Buddhist sanctuary offers serene walking paths, meditation spaces, and beautiful traditional wooden temple buildings.

History
This peaceful temple was established by Monk Beopjeong following a generous property donation by Kim Yeong-han, who ran a banquet hall.
What to see
The grounds enshrine a graceful Avalokitesvara statue sculpted by Catholic artist Choi Jong-tae, presenting a serene, interfaith artistic harmony.
Visitor tip
Tucked quietly into the wooded slopes of Bukaksan Mountain, this sanctuary is ideal for quiet meditation away from urban noise.

Food, festivals and stories of Seongbuk-gu

Local food
Along the hillsides of Seongbuk-dong, long-established restaurants serve savory king-sized pork cutlets and wholesome scorched-rice chicken soup.
Local story
Gilsangsa Temple was born after Jaya donated her vast estate to Venerable Beopjeong in lifelong devotion to the beloved poet Baek Seok.
Festivals
The Seongbuk Nurimasil Festival celebrates international friendship by sharing diverse global culinary traditions and street performances from local foreign embassies.
Did you know?
Gansong Art Museum is a historic sanctuary dedicated to preserving priceless Korean cultural heritage, including the original Hunminjeongeum Haerye manuscript.

Neighborhoods of Seongbuk-gu (20)

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

Seongbuk-dong성북동dong · 15,458 residents

  • Name: The name Seongbuk simply reflects its geographic position situated just to the north of the Seoul City Wall.
  • Story: Simujang, the hermitage of poet Han Yong-un, was deliberately constructed facing north to avoid facing the Japanese Government-General building.
  • Photo spot: The serene grounds of Gilsangsa Temple and its graceful statue of Avalokitesvara provide peaceful scenes for contemplative photography.
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Samseon-dong삼선동dong · 21,522 residents

  • Story: Legend says that three Taoist immortals descended here to enjoy music and scenic beauty alongside a heavenly maiden.
  • Photo spot: Walking along the Seoul City Wall at Naksan Park offers stunning photo opportunities overlooking shimmering city nightscapes below.
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Dongseon-dong동선동dong · 14,938 residents

  • Name: The name Dongseon was created by combining single characters from neighboring Dongsomun-dong and Samseon-dong.
  • Photo spot: Sungshin Womens University Rodeo Street is lined with colorful shop signs and vibrant youthful energy, perfect for lively street snapshots.
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Donam 1-dong돈암1동dong · 13,617 residents

  • Name: The name originated from the Chinese characters Donam, which phonetically transcribed the native Korean pass name Doeneomi-gogae.
  • Food: Donam Jeil Market is lively with locals enjoying humble street foods like blood sausage and spicy rice cakes.
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Donam 2-dong돈암2동dong · 22,722 residents

  • Photo spot: Walking up the trail behind Seongbuk Community Center rewards you with cozy panoramic views of the Bugaksan Mountain foothills.
  • Fun fact: Located on elevated hilly terrain, the area offers fresh forest air and quiet paths ideal for daily walking.
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Anam-dong안암동dong · 15,557 residents

  • Name: The name came from a massive rock where twenty people could rest under its shade, called Anjeunbawi.
  • Story: The historic Gothic stone buildings of Korea University carry the longstanding spirit of scholar traditions and modern higher learning.
  • Food: The alleyways of Chamsari-gil are packed with affordable, heartwarming eateries catering to cheerful university students every day.
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Bomun-dong보문동dong · 15,616 residents

  • Name: The neighborhood drew its name from Bomunsa, a historic Buddhist temple founded during the Goryeo dynasty.
  • Photo spot: Strolling along the Seongbukcheon Stream walkway offers delightful scenes of cherry blossoms blooming beautifully in spring.
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Jeongneung 1-dong정릉1동dong · 17,438 residents

  • Name: The area was named after Jeongneung, the royal tomb of Queen Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo.
  • Photo spot: The well-maintained trail alongside Jeongneungcheon Stream makes a lovely spot for photographing seasonal wild blooms and flowing water.
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Jeongneung 2-dong정릉2동dong · 21,348 residents

  • Photo spot: The tranquil forest trails inside the royal tomb of Jeongneung offer scenic backgrounds that change gracefully throughout the seasons.
  • Story: Traces of the historic residence where legendary novelist Park Kyung-ni wrote masterpieces remain tucked within the residential alleys.
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Jeongneung 3-dong정릉3동dong · 13,842 residents

  • Fun fact: Located along the gateway to Bogukmun Gate of Bukhansan Mountain, this neighborhood fills with enthusiastic hikers every weekend.
  • Food: Alleys near Kookmin University feature generous local restaurants serving hearty meals tailored to students on a tight budget.
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Jeongneung 4-dong정릉4동dong · 23,350 residents

  • Fun fact: Nestled in the foothills of Bukhansan National Park, the area echoes with the refreshing sound of pure mountain valley streams.
  • Photo spot: Walking along the Cheongsugol valley trail provides an impressive backdrop of dramatic Bukhansan rock formations for nature photography.
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Gireum 1-dong길음1동dong · 35,332 residents

  • Name: The name stems from Girimi, referring to the long valley where water flowed steadily down from the hills.
  • Fun fact: Once a rugged hillside near Miasageori Station, this district has transformed into modern apartment complexes and well-planned community parks.
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Gireum 2-dong길음2동dong · 21,390 residents

  • Food: The sundae alley in Gireum Market has long been loved for its generous portions of piping-hot soup.
  • Photo spot: The pedestrian walkways near Jeongneungcheon Stream capture the warm, everyday urban scenes characteristic of this lively residential community.
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Jongam-dong종암동dong · 36,568 residents

  • Name: Legend holds that the area was named Jongam after a large rock shaped remarkably like a hanging bell.
  • Story: This historic neighborhood was home to activist poet Yi Yuk-sa, who wrote passionate patriotic verses during colonial oppression.
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Wolgok 1-dong월곡1동dong · 24,374 residents

  • Name: The neighborhood earned the poetic name Wolgok because its natural terrain curves gently like a glowing crescent moon.
  • Food: When the local Wolgok Moonlight Festival takes place, residents gather along the streets to share delicious treats together.
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Wolgok 2-dong월곡2동dong · 18,341 residents

  • Photo spot: Climbing up Wolgoksan Mountain in Odong Park provides sweeping panoramic views overlooking the vibrant northeastern skyline of Seoul.
  • Fun fact: Home to Dongduk Womens University, this area buzzes with youthful energy and charming cafes tucked along peaceful neighborhood alleys.
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Jangwi 1-dong장위1동dong · 22,460 residents

  • Name: Legend tells that the name originated from a Goryeo official named Jang Wi who once resided in this village.
  • Photo spot: Historic tiled roof houses like the Kim Jin-heung House offer photogenic glimpses into authentic traditional Korean architectural beauty.
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Jangwi 2-dong장위2동dong · 15,666 residents

  • Food: Jangwi Traditional Market captures visitors with alleys filled with farm-fresh produce and the savory aroma of pan-fried delicacies.
  • Fun fact: The neighborhood blends nostalgic old alleyways with modern urban revitalization, displaying an evolving and vibrant community atmosphere.
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Jangwi 3-dong장위3동dong · 18,727 residents

  • Fun fact: Bordering Nowon-gu along Uicheon Stream, this quiet residential quarter features peaceful riverside paths popular with neighborhood walkers.
  • Photo spot: Stepping stones across Uicheon Stream create an idyllic vantage point for capturing sunset reflections shimmered upon gentle ripples.
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Seokgwan-dong석관동dong · 32,727 residents

  • Name: The indigenous name Dolgoji originated from rocks along Cheonjangsan Ridge that resembled a traditional Korean black hat.
  • Photo spot: The quiet pine woods surrounding Uireung, the royal tomb of King Gyeongjong, create a dignified mood for memorable photographs.
  • Food: Dolgoji Market in Seokgwan-dong is celebrated for popular local snack stalls serving irresistibly spicy tteokbokki and crispy tempura.
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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.