How a Steep Hillside Kept the Apartment Towers Out

Narrow roads, a steep slope, and formal development restrictions combined to leave Buam-dong and Pyeongchang-dong as a rare low-rise, low-density pocket inside central Seoul.

Key takeaways

Because of its proximity to the former presidential compound, Buam-dong was kept under a formal Development Restriction Zone designation for decades. Fact No urban rail line reaches the area, so residents rely entirely on buses — several routes converge near Sangmyung University's Seoul campus and then fan out along three main roads: Jahamun-ro, Changuimun-ro, and Pyeongchangmunhwa-ro. Fact

This combination of terrain and regulation is the key to the whole neighborhood. The redevelopment pressure that reshaped Gangnam and Yongsan simply passed this hillside by — leaving low buildings, narrow lanes, old aristocratic retreats, and early-modern houses all standing side by side.

What to look for on site

The narrow, winding stretch of Changuimun-ro
How building heights drop the higher up the hillside you go
Crowds gathering at village-bus stops, since that's the only public transit option

Visitor tip

The roads are too narrow for large tour buses. If your visit is spontaneous, a mix of walking and local buses is your most reliable option.