A Name Saved by Resident Opposition

When this area was incorporated into Seoul, it nearly became "Taereung-dong" — but opposition from longtime Gongdeok-ri residents kept the name Gongneung-dong instead.

Key takeaways

When Gongdeok-ri, in Nohae-myeon, Yangju-gun, Gyeonggi Province, was incorporated into Seoul during the city's 1963 administrative expansion, planners considered naming it "Taereung-dong" after the nearby royal tomb, to avoid confusion with the existing Gongdeok-dong in Mapo-gu. Fact But longtime Gongdeok-ri residents opposed this, and after negotiation among local residents, the name "Gongneung-dong" was confirmed in 1970. Fact

This naming process can be read as a rare case where residents' wishes ultimately prevailed over administrative convenience.

What to look for on site

Local records documenting how the name was decided
The compromise between two identities: old Gongdeok-ri and Taereung
A case where administrative convenience and residents' wishes came into direct conflict

Visitor tip

There isn't much on-site signage explaining this naming history — bringing background reading beforehand will help you appreciate it.