Dongjak-gu is one of the 25 districts of Seoul and is named after a ferry that once plied the Han River. It’s home to South Korea’s first national cemetery and a former air force academy-turned-park, as well as the campus of the private Christian university, Soongsil.
Things to do in Dongjak-gu
Sprawling across the north-east of Dongjak-gu is the Seoul National Cemetery, which is the final resting place of veterans who served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Step through the Hyeonchung Gate and pay your respects at the tomb of former president Park Chung-hee, who was assassinated in 1979. The Seoul National Cemetery is particularly scenic during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
On the opposite side of Dongjak-gu is Boromae Park, a former Korean Air Force Academy that has been transformed into a recreational space. Stretch your legs on the walking trail and jogging course, enjoy a picnic in the open fields or relax on the banks of the small pond. Nearby flows the Dorimcheon River, which is fringed by a walking trail.
If you’re interested in the history of Christianity in Korea, pay a visit to the Korean Christian Museum, which is located on the campus of Soongsil University. It was founded back in 1897 by the Christian missionary William M. Baird as the first modern university in the country. The museum displays ancient earthenware and stone artefacts, as well as religious icons of national significance.
Getting around Dongjak-gu
Dongjak-gu is around 15 minutes by train from Seoul Station and 1.5 hours from Incheon International Airport. Trains travelling along several lines of the Seoul Subway pass through Dongjak-gu, stopping at Isu, Soongsil University, Jangseungbaegi and Dongjak stations. An extensive network of buses also serve the district.