Yeonhui-dong, Seoul

During the Joseon period, the neighborhood had different names (Jeongja-dong, Yeom-dong, Gung-dong, Eumwol-ri). Under the Japanese occupation, it was sent to Gyeonggi Province, and returned to Gyeongseong-bu (Seoul) as Yeonhui-jeong (延禧町). In 1946 it became Yeonhui-dong. Note that the Southern ('nam') part of Yeonhui-dong that joined Mapo District in 1975 – the section on the other side of the Southern section of the Gyeongui Line – was logically named Yeonnam-dong. The name is a tribute to the Yeonhuigung palace praised by early Joseon kings, most notably King Sejong, who often stayed there on week-ends, and had the first Korean silk made in that palace. ==An international educational and residential area==

Two major foreign schools, Seoul Foreign School and Seoul Chinese School, seat in Yeonhui-dong, which also hosts many hagwon. Note that if Yonsei owes its name to the area, the university is actually located in Sinchon-dong. Many expat families live in this essentially low rise and residential area. If the Chinese community is less visible than a couple of years ago, some restaurants and shops subsist, particularly along Yeonhuimat-gil. Among famous residents or former residents: • Two former South Korean presidents: Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo. • Singer, Actors, Artists and Writers: Jeon Somi, Matthew Douma, Seo Taiji, Kim Young-ha, Choe U-ram, Park Seo-bo. ==Attractions and landmarks==

• Seodaemun Museum of Natural History • Seodaemun-gu office, Seodaemun Health Center, Seodaemun Youth Center • Ansan Park, Ansan forest • Seoul Art Space Yeonhui (writers residence) • Site of Yeonhuigung palace – a well has been restored in the Western half of the neighborhood • Site of the Yeonhui Hill 104 Battleground (), a strategic position during the Korean War, claimed by the South on September 21, 1950, defended from a counterattack by the North Korean forces the next day. A monument was erected on September 28, 1958. == See also ==