Location and Regional Characteristics
Regional Characteristics
The largest hub-city in the southwest region of the Seoul metropolitan area.
Multi-functional region combining politics, finance, media and business.
Transportation hub, connecting urban and suburban areas.
Epicenter of business development covering Seoul-Incheon region.
History
Since its first entrance upon the stage of history as the main port for defending Seoul in the annals of King Gojong in 1876 (13th year of King Gojong's reign), Yeongdeungpo-gu has seen continued growth and development along with the nation’s modernization.
Joseon Dynasty
The majority of Yeongdeungpo-gu used to form part of Sieunghyeon's Habuk-myeon, (Yeongdeungpo-dong, Singil-dong), Sangbuk-myeon (Dangsan-dong, Dorim-dong, Mullae-dong, Yangpyeong-dong, and Daerim-dong), and Namsan-myeon (Yanghwa-dong) during the Joseon dynasty. However, Yeoui-dong used to be affiliated to Yeonhuibang of Hanseongbu (present-day Seoul), and served as a horse ranch.
Japanese Occupation Period
With the opening of Gyeongin Line and Gyeongbu Line, the County Office of Siheung-gun was relocated to Yeongdeungpo-ri, Habuk-myeon, enabling Yeongdeungpo-ri to undergo a rapid growth as the hub of transportation and commercial activities. Subsequently, Yeongdeungpo-ri was incorporated into Gyeongseong district under the Japanese occupation, and upon liberation of the country in 1945, it became Yeongdeungpo-gu, remaining under the jurisdiction of Seoul to this date.
Modern Period
As the population rapidly grew throughout industrialization, Yeongdeungpo-gu was divided into Gwanak-gu in 1973, Gangseo-gu in 1977 and Guro-gu in 1980, currently spanning over 24.37 km² and 18 administrative dongs.
Location & Environment
Location
Yeongdeungpo-gu is located on the southern tip of the Hangang River, southwest of Seoul, and is surrounded by the Hangang River and three streams, forming a generally gentle terrain with an altitude of within 60 meters. With the National Railways and Subway Lines 2, 5, 7, and 9 as well as five bridges including the Yanghwadaegyo Bridge linking the district, Yeongdeungpo-gu serves as the gateway, connecting Seoul to the entire nation, marked by its status as a transportation hub in the southwestern region encompassing automobiles, subway and railway lines. In particular, Yeouido of Yeongdeungpo-gu functions as the cradle of democratic politics in the Republic of Korea, where the National Assembly building is located, as well as the heart of journalism, accommodating the broadcasting station KBS. Yeouido, often dubbed as the "Manhattan of Korea," continues to strengthen its firm presence as a global financial center as the securities town, banks, and the Seoul International Financial Center among many others actively operate in the region.
Environment
Yeongdeungpo-gu, the only district in Seoul without mountains, is taking the initiative in the formation of an eco-friendly city by creating parks around the green axis that runs from Yeouido along the Hangang River to Anyangcheon Stream. Following the opening of Hangang Park and Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park in 1986 and 1997, respectively, Yeongdeungpo Neighborhood Park was established on the site previously occupied by the OB Brewery in 1998, followed by Yeouido Park within the boundary of Yeouido Square. As marked by Seonyudo Park built on top of the site where the Seonyu Water Purification Plant was previously located, Yeongdeungpo-gu continues expand green spaces to provide its residents with pleasant spots to relax and enjoy leisure activities. In the future, the 20.3-km-long Waterfront Ecological Circulation Road linking the Hangang River, Saetgang River, Anyangcheon Stream and Dorimcheon Stream will be established to allow the residents to enjoy the waterfront landscape that presents grand sites according to seasonal changes and heal their emotional and physical exhaustion.