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 neighborhoods in central Seoul, today. It is also known as the neighborhood at the foot of Namsan (남산자락). 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 people from a variety of English speaking nations. The neighborhood is home to Korean residents, as well as Canadians, Americans, Filipinos, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Nigerians, and Russians, who have found their home in the "Freedom Village". Many businesses in HBC are foreign owned and offer a distinct flavor you can't find elsewhere in Seoul.
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 bakeries are taking up. It is known for its unique atmosphere of co-existence of past and present and Korean and foreign. The HBC Music festival has been a main component in drawing people and new business to the Hae bang Chon area.
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 neighborhood for those who returned for liberation but lost their hometowns.
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. It is lying under the Namsan Mountain and of south of Namsan Tower.
Haebangchon is one of the multi-cultural places in Seoul aligned with Itaewon and Gyeonglidan-gil. According to statistics 2013; 1,065 out of 12,648 residents of Yongsan-2-ga, are foreign . This can also be seen in and around the Sinheung-Ro area. Studios, art spaces, and food varieties from many nations line the main roads, and a few newer shops have gone into more residential smaller side streets. There is a convergence between residence and commercial space in HBC, however the buildings have always had the first floor as either parking or a business space for many years in HBC.
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