The area was once a village to the west of the fortress
Dongnaeeupseong. During the 1910–1945
Japanese colonial period, a tram was built from
Yeongdo through the area, which passed through Seo-myeon. After the 1945
liberation of Korea, factories were built around the area. In the 1950s, a number of factories were built in the area, including
Cheil Jedang (a predecessor to the modern
Samsung) and Lakhee Chemical (a predecessor to the modern
LG). The area's iconic 5-way intersection was built in 1957.
Busan Tower was built in 1963. Trams passed under the tower until the tram closed in 1968. Industry in the area continued to flourish; this was due to the area's access to rail and proximity to the
port of Busan. The area became especially busy in the 1970s, as workers commuted in large numbers to the area. It also became popular as an area for culture, and had theaters and shopping streets. It attracted both local workers and college students. Beginning in the 1980s, factories were gradually moved to the outskirts of the city. The opening of shopping malls in the area during this decade cemented the area's status as a commercial hub. Banks and finance companies opened in the area, and government offices were located nearby.
Hagwons increased in density in the 1990s. == Symbology ==