"South of Yeonhui" Became Yeonnam

Yeonnam-dong got its name in 1975, when part of Yeonhui-dong in Seodaemun-gu was incorporated into Mapo-gu — the name means "south of Yeonhui."

Key takeaways

Yeonhui-dong takes its name from Yeonhuigung, a residence built during the reign of King Sejong so the king could travel freely to and stay in the area west of the old capital, near what is now Yonsei University. Fact In 1975, a Seoul district-boundary adjustment separated the section of Yeonhui-dong southwest of the Gyeongui Line and incorporated it into Mapo-gu, giving rise to the name Yeonnam-dong — meaning "south of Yeonhui." Fact

What to look for on site

The administrative boundary between Yeonhui-dong and Yeonnam-dong, divided by the Gyeongui Line rail corridor
The contrast between Yeonhui-dong's quiet residential streets and Yeonnam-dong's commercial district
Traces of this administrative boundary adjustment embedded in the place name

Editorial note

It's inaccurate to say "Yeonnam-dong was always its own independent neighborhood." Be clear about its background as a district split off from Yeonhui-dong.