Haebangchon, sometimes abbreviated as HBC, is a district of Yongsan-gu, in Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the oldest neighborhoods in central Seoul. It is also known as the neighborhood at the foot of Namsan. The neighborhood's close proximity to Itaewon and the Yongsan Garrison US Army facility has made the area popular with expatriates and military staff. In recent years, the area has become a haven for people from a variety of English-speaking nations. The neighborhood is home to Korean residents, as well as Americans, Canadians, Filipinos, Australians, New Zealanders, Britons, Nigerians, Russians and Ecuadorians who have found their home in the "Freedom Village". Many businesses in HBC are foreign-owned and offer a distinct flavor not found elsewhere in Seoul. Recently, Haebangchon has become the 'new' area in Yongsan to open or establish a new business. It became one of the hot places in Seoul juxtaposed with Itaewon and Gyeonglidan-gil. On the old alleyways up to Namsan, cafes, restaurants, pubs, studios, and bakeries are taking up. It is known for its unique atmosphere of co-existence of past and present, Korean and foreign. The HBC Music festival has been a main component in drawing people and new business to the Haebangchon area.
History
Haebangchon was originally the site of a shooting field used by the 20th division of the Japanese military. A government office of the U.S. army took over the area after liberation in 1945. However, its control was limited and the area was settled by refugees from the North and returning citizens. It was the origin of the shanty town and became a magnet for those who returned after liberation but had lost their hometowns.
Haebangchon is a multi-cultural neighborhood in Seoul, aligned with Itaewon and Gyeonglidan-gil. According to 2013 statistics, 1,065 out of 12,648 residents of Yongsan-2-ga are foreign. This can also be seen in and around the Sinheung-Ro area. Studios, art spaces, and food outlet from many cuisines line the main roads, and a few newer shops have appeared in smaller and more residential side streets. There is a convergence between residence and commercial space in HBC; however, the buildings have always had the first floor as either parking or a business space for many years in HBC. In 2018 Minerva Schools at KGI opened a campus in Haebangchon bringing with it around 200 international students to live in the area from September to December.
Attractions
Art Village
Recently Yongsan-gu Office and the neighbors finished the Art Village Project. As a result, the old alleys are decorated with murals and artworks.
108 Stairway
There is a steep hill with 108 stairs, called 108 Heaven stairway. It was built during the Japanese Colonial era to allow easy access to the shrine. After independence from Japan, the shrine was demolished but the stairway remained. The stairway was used as a location in the TV series Something Happened in Bali.
Haebangchon Five-way Intersection
The interaction is just as it was in the old days. There is Sinheung Market. About 25 years ago, the market used to be crowded; however, nowadays, there are only three or four stores left.
The premiere independent music festival in Seoul, Korea, Hae Bang Chon music festival has been running in the Yongsan area since 2006. It was founded by Lance Reegan-Diehl and DEELEEBOB music along with James Gaynor. Musical attractions and people from all parts of Korea and the world assemble for live music performed by both professional and amateur artists, including open mic sessions. The HBC Festival takes place twice a year: the May Music Festival and the Fall Music Festival.
