The Ecological History of Yongsan-gu: From Royal Hunting Grounds to Urban Center

I live in Yongsan-gu, a district located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. The name “Yongsan” means “Dragon Mountain,” reflecting the hilly terrain that characterizes much of the area[1]. As I explore the ecological history of my neighborhood, I’m struck by how dramatically this landscape has been transformed over the centuries.

Long before Yongsan became an urban center, this area was inhabited by indigenous peoples who lived in harmony with the natural environment. According to historical records, settlements in the Han River basin, which includes Yongsan, date back 8,000-10,000 years. These early inhabitants likely relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering wild plants for sustenance. The Han River and its tributaries would have provided abundant fish, while the surrounding forests offered deer, wild boar, and other game.

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), much of Yongsan was designated as royal hunting grounds[2]. This protected the area from extensive development for centuries, preserving its forests and wildlife. The landscape was dominated by pine and oak forests, with a rich understory of native shrubs and herbs. Wildlife in the area would have included species like water deer, raccoon dogs, and various birds of prey.

Significant changes to Yongsan’s ecology began in the late 19th century with the arrival of foreign powers and the onset of modernization. In 1884, Yongsan was designated as an area open to foreign residence and commerce[3]. This marked the beginning of more intensive human alteration of the landscape.

The biggest transformation came with the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945). The Japanese military established a major garrison in Yongsan, clearing large areas of forest and dramatically altering the topography[4]. This military presence would continue after Korea’s liberation, with the U.S. Army taking over the Yongsan Garrison in 1945.

The rapid urbanization of Seoul in the post-Korean War period had a profound impact on Yongsan’s ecosystems. Natural habitats were fragmented or destroyed as residential and commercial developments spread across the district. The Han River, once a pristine waterway teeming with fish, became heavily polluted with industrial waste and sewage[5].

Despite the extensive urbanization, pockets of green space have survived in Yongsan. Namsan Mountain, on the northern edge of the district, remains a forested area and important habitat for urban wildlife. Species like raccoon dogs, squirrels, and various bird species can still be found here[6].

Invasive species have become an increasing concern in recent decades. Plants like false acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) and tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) have spread rapidly in urban green spaces, outcompeting native vegetation[7]. These invasive plants alter habitat structure and can negatively impact native wildlife.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on environmental stewardship and green urban development in Yongsan. The planned relocation of the U.S. military base has opened up new possibilities for ecological restoration. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has announced plans to create a large urban park on the former base site, which could significantly increase green space and habitat in the district[8].

Community-led environmental initiatives have also taken root in Yongsan. Urban gardening projects have sprung up in various neighborhoods, providing both green space and opportunities for local food production[9]. These gardens not only improve the urban environment but also help reconnect residents with nature.

Efforts to improve water quality in the Han River have been ongoing since the 1980s. The implementation of advanced sewage treatment systems and strict regulations on industrial discharges have led to significant improvements, though challenges remain[10].

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has also implemented various measures to improve stormwater management and reduce urban heat island effects. These include the installation of permeable pavements, green roofs, and rain gardens throughout the city, including in Yongsan[11].

Looking to the future, Yongsan faces both challenges and opportunities in terms of ecological sustainability. The district’s central location and ongoing redevelopment projects put pressure on remaining green spaces. However, there’s also growing awareness of the importance of urban ecology and increasing efforts to incorporate green infrastructure into new developments.

As I walk through my neighborhood today, I can see traces of its ecological past alongside signs of a more sustainable future. The hills that once served as royal hunting grounds now host high-rise apartments, but community gardens sprout on rooftops and in small plots between buildings. The Han River, though altered by centuries of human activity, is once again becoming a vibrant ecosystem, with fish returning to its waters and migratory birds resting along its banks.

Yongsan’s ecological history is a story of dramatic transformation, from pristine wilderness to urban center. Yet it’s also a story of resilience and renewal, as nature finds new ways to thrive in the heart of one of the world’s largest cities. As we move forward, the challenge will be to continue balancing urban development with ecological preservation, ensuring that the “Dragon Mountain” remains a green heart in Seoul’s urban landscape.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yongsan_District
[2] Seoul Metropolitan Government. (2009). “Seoul’s Cultural Heritage.”
[3] Yongsan-gu Office. (2021). “History of Yongsan-gu.”
[4] Cumings, B. (2005). “Korea’s Place in the Sun: A Modern History.” W. W. Norton & Company.
[5] Cho, M. R. (2010). “The Politics of Urban Nature Restoration: The Case of Cheonggyecheon Restoration in Seoul, Korea.” International Development Planning Review, 32(2), 145-165.
[6] Seoul Metropolitan Government. (2020). “Seoul Biodiversity Report.”
[7] Korea National Arboretum. (2019). “Invasive Alien Plants in Korea.”
[8] Seoul Metropolitan Government. (2019). “Yongsan Park Master Plan.”
[9] Seoul Community Garden Network. (2022). “Community Gardens in Seoul.”
[10] Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea. (2018). “Water Quality Management in Korea.”
[11] Seoul Metropolitan Government. (2021). “Seoul Urban Planning Report.”