Discover the Cultural Charms of Seoul’s Yongsan District. Yongsan District in Seoul is a vibrant neighborhood known for its unique blend of traditional Korean culture and modern influences. From historic landmarks like Namsan Mountain to trendy shopping districts like Itaewon, Yongsan offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors to explore. Immerse yourself in the rich history, delicious cuisine, and lively atmosphere of this dynamic district during your trip to Seoul.
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Seoul Yongsan-gu ‘Crown Haetae Kids Museum’ – A Unique Cultural Experience in Seoul
The Crown Haitai Kids Museum, operated by the confectionery group Crown Haitai, is a children’s experiential space where parents can engage in various activities with their children to foster creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. Designed primarily for children aged 4 to 8, this indoor playground features various themed play facilities. Kids can freely enjoy activities like building with large blocks, rock climbing, and doodling on walls. In the creative experience classroom, kids can participate in various hands-on activities using snacks and even try their hand at making a snack house. Please note that in the creative experience classroom, at least one parent must accompany the child, and reservations, including payment, must be made online in advance. The basic usage time is 2 hours, and any additional time beyond that will incur extra charges. The museum is located on the basement floor of the Crown Confectionery headquarters in Namyeong-dong near Seoul Station.
• Address (location): 3 Hangang-daero 72-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Namyeong-dong).
Seoul Yongsan-gu ‘Seoul National Cemetery Memorial for Korean War Students’
On September 28, 1950, when the Korean military reclaimed Seoul and advanced northward, they gathered student volunteers who offered to join the fight as artillery soldiers at Yongsan High School. Out of the many students, 341 were selected and departed Seoul on October 20, arriving in Pyongyang the next day to join the 17th Division’s 18th Artillery Battalion. Until the ceasefire on July 23, 1953, they served on the front lines as officers or volunteer soldiers, with 112 of them falling in battle or going missing. In addition to the 80 Yongsan High School students who bravely served as artillery soldiers, the Yongsan Student Patriots Monument was established on October 23, 1956, to honor the sacrifice of many other students who served in different military units to dedicate their youthful vigor to the homeland. To commemorate the 55th anniversary of the student volunteers’ participation in defense of ‘the homeland and democracy,’ the Seoul Student Volunteer Memorial was erected on October 20, 2005, by the Seoul Student Artillery Association to pass down the noble spirit of sacrifice to future generations. In honor of the 65th anniversary of the student volunteers’ participation, the Seoul Student Volunteer Memorial was established on October 20, 2015, by the Seoul Student Artillery Association. The names of the 341 Seoul student volunteer soldiers who departed from Yongsan High School on October 20, 1950, to serve as artillery soldiers are engraved on the monument. Every June and October, the Seoul Student Artillery Association, Yongsan High School, and the Yongsan High School Alumni Association host commemorative events to honor the noble spirit of patriotism of the student volunteers.
• Address (location): 60 Duteopbawi Road, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Special City (Yongsan-dong 2-ga)
Seoul Yongsan-gu ‘An Jung-geun Memorial Statue’
The statue of Ahn Jung Geun, a symbol of patriotism and independence movement, was rebuilt on October 22, 2010 to honor the noble spirit of Ahn Jung Geun, who devoted himself to the independence movement and sacrificed his life. Located at the entrance of the Ahn Jung Geun Memorial Hall, the statue portrays his brave and dignified stance, as he pulled out the Taegukgi flag right after assassinating Ito Hirobumi near Harbin Station. Ahn Jung Geun, a key figure in the anti-Japanese independence movement, bravely targeted Ito Hirobumi, who colonized our country, making the place where his statue and memorial hall now stand significant in the history of anti-Japanese resistance. This location, where the memorial stands today, was once the site of the Namsan Chosun Shrine, a symbol of Japanese colonial rule, adding to its historical importance.
• Address (location): 30-80, Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Special City
Seoul Yongsan-gu ‘Independence Movement Martyr Lee Bong-chang Statue’
In Hyochang Park, the statue of Dr. Lee Bong-chang is a monument sponsored by Dong-a Ilbo newspaper to honor the noble patriotism and sacrificial spirit of the doctor. Dr. Lee Bong-chang graduated from Yongsan Moonchang Elementary School in Seoul and worked as a railway employee at Yongsan Station. He resisted discrimination against Koreans, resigned, and went to Japan to work and live alone. In 1931, he went to Shanghai with Mr. Kim Gu to plan an assassination attempt on Emperor Hirohito in Tokyo on January 8, 1932, but failed to throw a grenade at him at Sakuradamon and was arrested on the spot. In September of the same year, Dr. Lee was sentenced to death in a Japanese court, received a death penalty at Ichigaya Prison, and died a martyr. In Hyochang Park, there is a space dedicated to the patriots who devoted themselves to Korea’s independence, so it’s worth exploring together. You can get off at Hyochang Park Station on Seoul Subway Line 6 to visit.
• Address (location): 177-18 Hyochangwon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Special City (Hyochang-dong).
Seoul Yongsan District ‘Namsan Seoul Tower’
Namsan Seoul Tower is the first comprehensive transmission tower in Korea, combining efficient broadcasting and preserving traditional beauty to serve as a tourist attraction. Just like iconic towers around the world, such as the Eiffel Tower, Namsan Seoul Tower has been a symbol of Korea and a must-visit spot in Seoul for over 40 years. With its height, unique structure, and form visible throughout the city, the tower has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Recently, it has gained popularity as a filming location for various entertainment shows and dramas, attracting visitors from all over the world.
◎ Travel Tips to Experience the Charm of Hallyu Featured in the original content show , the youngest members, Hueningkai and Taehyun, enjoyed wearing school uniforms during their visit. They rode the cable car to the top, took pictures together, and spent time filling out wish locks. You can purchase these locks at the souvenir shop located at the cable car upper station, where you can also rent a name pen to write your wishes.
• Address (location): 105 Namsan Park-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Special City