Haebangchon
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Haebangchon | |
|---|---|
district | |
| Korean transcription(s) | |
| • Hangul | 해방촌 |
| • Hanja | 解放村 |
 Haebangchon in 2025 | |
  Haebangchon | |
| Coordinates: 37°34′25″N 126°57′46″E / 37.5737°N 126.9627°E | |
| Country | South Korea |
| Reference no. | 2013-283[1] |
Haebangchon (HBC; Korean: 해방촌; lit. 'Freedom Village') is a district of Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in central Seoul. It is also known as the neighborhood at the foot of Namsan (남산자락).[2] The neighborhood's close proximity to Itaewon and the Yongsan Garrison US Army facility has made the area popular with expatriates and military staff. In recent years, the area has become a haven for people from a variety of English-speaking nations.[3] The neighborhood is home to Korean residents, as well as Americans, Canadians, Filipinos, Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, Britons, Nigerians, Russians and Ecuadorians who have found their home in the "Freedom Village". Many businesses in HBC are foreign-owned and offer a distinct flavor not found elsewhere in Seoul.
Recently, 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 from 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, Korean and foreign.[4] The HBC Music festival has been a main component in drawing people and new business to the Haebangchon area.[3]
Haebangchon was originally the site of a shooting field[clarification needed] used by the 20th division of the Japanese military. A government office of the U.S. army took over the area after liberation in 1945. However, its control was limited and the area was settled by refugees from the North and returning citizens (귀환동포). It was the origin of the shanty town (판자촌) and became a magnet for those who returned after liberation but had lost their hometowns.
Geography
Haebangchon is a small village in Yongsan District, in the center of Seoul, South Korea. It is accessible by public transport: it is close to Noksapyung Station of Line 6 of Seoul Metro. Most of the Yongsan-2-ga postal area and a part of Yongsan-1-ga are included.[3] It is overlooked by the mountain Namsan and is south of the Namsan Tower.
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