Songpa-Gu

Geographical Feature

Songpa-gu is located in southeast part of Seoul; it is 33.88㎢ with a population of 670,000; Han river to the north, Tancheon to the west adjacent to Gangnam-gu and to the east, Gangdong-gu and Hanam city, Gyeonggi-do with Namhansanseong behind. Songpa is a circulation hub in southeast part of Seoul; there are Garak-dong wholesale marketplace for agricultural and marine products, Jamsil Lotte World and Lotte Department Store.

Historical Feature

Historically, Songpa presumably already existed before Goryeo and was a home to people of Neolithic Age since prehistoric times because of its geographical condition located near Han river after ancient state was established it was a central stage for Ancient Chosun and a capital of Baekje for over 493 years from king Onjo, the founder of Baekje, to Gaero, the 21st king. From late 4th century B.C. to late 7th century B.C., there was intense power struggle among Baekje(Hanam Weraeseong and Hanseong), Goguryeo(Nampyeongyangseong) and Shilla(Hansanju-Namhansanju, Hanju) near Han river.

Cultural remains include tangible cultural properties including Mongchon Toseong in early Baekje, Pungnap-li Toseong and Jeokseokchong of Baekje in Seokchon-dong and an intangible cultural property such as Songpa Sandae Nori.

Cultural Feature

Songpa is a center of sports and 24th Olympics in 1988; there is Jamsil main stadium and stadiums for weight lifting, gymnastics, fencing and cycle are within Olympic Park. Seokchon Lake is composed of east and west lake and provides a resting place to people in a city center; there are also Olympic Park and Ogeum Park; many sculptures commissioned to famous artists, Olympic monuments and the Peace Gate, a symbolic monuments of Olympics, are on Olympic road, all of which create harmony of tradition and modern with Mongchon Toseong and show the city’s history.