Jung-gu Yesterday and Today
Jung-gu, one of the 25 gus of Seoul, is located in the middle of the capital city and on the northern side of Hangang River, with Jongno-gu to the north along Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seongdong-gu on the other side of Muhakbong Peak and Eungbong-dong to the east, Yongsan-gu on the opposite side of Namsan Mountain to the south, and Seodaemun-gu to the west.
For many years, Jung-gu has been the center of politics, economy, culture and transportation. It still serves as the gateway to Seoul, since it is where Seoul Station is located. In addition to subway lines 12, 3, 4, 5 and 6. there are also a number of main roads passing through Eulji-ro, Cheonggye-ro, Toegye-ro and Taepyeong-ro on all four directions.
Jung-gu was originally called "Jung-gu Yeokso" when Seoul was first zoned into "gu" districts in 1943, until it was renamed to Jung-gu in 1946. Jung-gu includes a total of 65 dongs.
The administrative districts of Seoul were reorganized in 1975, and a number of dongs were placed under the jurisdiction of Jung-gu, such as Jung-gu, Hwanghak-dong, Muhak-dong, Heungin-dong, Sindang-dong, portion of Sangwangsimni of Seongdong-gu, Seosomun-dong, Jeong-dong, Sunhwa-dong, Uijuro 2-ga, Jungnim-dong, Uijuro 1-ga, Chungjeongno 1-ga, Chungjeongno 3-ga, Hap-dong, Malli-dong 1-ga, and part of Malli-dong 2-ga of Seodaemun-gu as well as a section of Hannam-dong of Yongsan-gu. This added to the size of the district, and the district government named October 1 as Gu Citizens' Day in 1999.
Today, Jung-gu has a total of 15 administrative dongs. With area of 9.96㎢, it is the smallest gu in Seoul. Despite the small size, the administrative district plays a pivotal role in Korea since it is where the main government offices, shopping districts, major financial institutions, and newspaper headquarters are located.
There are many historic sites in Jung-gu, including Namdaemun, Deoksugung Palace, Gwanghuimun, Seoul Station, Hwangudan, and Seoul Fortress as well as a number of popular tourist attractions like “Dongdaemun Fashion Town,” Namsan Park, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park. Thus, in many aspects, Jung-gu is one of the best places for foreign tourists wishing to experience the history and culture of Korea and see the country as it is today.
Jung-gu is also a great place to shop for both Koreans and foreign visitors, since there are a number of large traditional marketplaces such as Namdaemun Market, Bangsan Market, Jungbu Market, and Pyeonghwa Market as well as major department stores. In addition to all these, Jung-gu hosts a series of cultural performances and festivals throughout the seasons, making it one of the best places in the country to visit and live in.
