Haebangchon
| Haebangchon | |
|---|---|
| Korean transcription(s) | |
| • Hangul | 해방촌 |
| • Hanja | 解放村 |
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| Country | South Korea |
Haebangchon (Hangul: 해방촌 Hanja: 解放村) (Haebang - meaning: freedom or liberation, and Chon - meaning: village) is a district of Yongsan-gu, in Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the oldest towns in the central Seoul, today. It is also known as the town at the foot of the Namsan (남산자락).[1] The neighborhood's close proximity to Itaewon and the Yongsan Garrison US Army facility has made the area popular for expatriates and for military residents. In recent years, the area has become a haven for English speakers from a variety of English speaking nations.[2] The neighborhood is also home to a significant Filipino, Nigerian, and to a lesser extent, Russian community.
Today, Haebangchon has become the 'new' area in Yongsan to open or establish a new business. It became one of the hot places in Seoul juxtaposed with Itaewon and Gyeonglidan-gil (right across the street of Haebangchon). On the old alleyways up to Namsan, cafes, restaurants, pubs, studios, and bakery are taking up. It is known for its unique atmosphere of co existence of past and present and Korean and foreign.[3] Various seasonal festivals such as rock festivals and beer festivals are held around the area.[2]
Contents
History
It was originally the place which the 20th division of Japanese military had used as a shooting field. In 1945, after the liberation, a government office of the U.S. army took over the place. However, its control didn't reach out to the area and it was taken over by refugees from the North and returning citizens(귀환동포). It was the first start of the shanty town(판자촌). It was known as the town for those who returned for liberation but lost their hometowns.
Geography
Heabangchon is a small village in Yongsan-gu, which is located in the center of Seoul, South Korea. It is approachable by public transportation. It is close to Noksapyung Station of Line 6 of Seoul Metro. On address, most of Yongsan-2-ga area and a part of Yongsan-1-ga are included.[2] It is lying under the Namsan Mountain and of south of Namsan Tower.
Culture
Haebangchon is one of the multi-cultural places in Seoul aligned with Itaewon and Gyeonglidan-gil. According to statistics of 2013, 1,065 are foreginers out of 12,648 residents of Yongsan-2-ga.[2]
Attractions
Art Village
Recently Yongsan-gu Office and the neighbors finished the Art Village Project. As a result, the old alleys are decorated with murals and artworks.[4]
108 Stairway
There is a steep hill with 108 stairs. it is called 108 Heaven stairway (108 하늘계단). It was built during Japanese Colonial era to access the shrine easily. After independence from Japan, the shrine was demolished but the stairway remained. The stairway was used as a shooting place for Something Happened in Bali.[5]
Haebangchon Five-way Intersection
The interaction is just as it was in the old days. There is Sinheung Market (신흥시장). About 25 years ago, the market used to be crowded; however, nowadays, there are only three or four stores left.[5]
References
- ↑ Lee, Sanghee, ed. "해방촌의 새 얼굴 (New Face of Haebangchon)." Photo. Hyejeong Hwang. Nylon Aug. 2014. Naver Magazine Cast. Naver, Aug. 2014. Web. 18 Oct. 2015. [1].
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Shin, Soyoon. "해방촌, 또 하나의 코즈모폴리스." Hankyoreh21. Hankyoreh21, 18 July 2013. Web. 25 Oct. 2015. [2].
- ↑ "과거, 현재 공존...해방촌 변화의 바람." KTV 국민방송. KTV, 2 July 2015. Web. 18 Oct. 2015. [3].
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- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
| Pre-Korean division |
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| North Korea | ||
| South Korea | ||
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