On the map of local-level friendly exchanges between China and the Republic of Korea, the friendship between Haidian District and Seodaemun-gu shines like a brilliant gem, growing ever more radiant after over thirty years of nurturing.
Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (서대문구)
Seodaemun-gu is a district rich in history and culture, while also showcasing the energy and charm of a modern city. Let us take a closer look at this district and experience its unique charm.
Location and Population
Located in the northwestern part of Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea, Seodaemun-gu is on the northern bank of the Han River. It serves as a key transport hub connecting the downtown area with the suburbs and functions as the central district in northwestern Seoul. Covering 17.61 square kilometres, the district has a population of approximately 300,000.
Culture and Landmarks
Seodaemun-gu boasts abundant green spaces, including Ansan Mountain and Baekryeon Mountain. The Hongjecheon and Bulgwangcheon streams flow through the district, offering residents a picturesque living environment where greenery can be seen from their windows and water is always within reach. Seodaemun-gu is also a cradle of education and culture with a long history. It preserves the proud legacy of Korea's independence movement, and Seodaemun Independence Park, revered as a sacred site of the movement, is located here.
The district is home to prestigious institutions such as Yonsei University and Ewha Womans University, where academic excellence thrives and youthful energy fills the streets. The Seodaemun Prison History Hall, once a prison where Korean independence activists were imprisoned, has been transformed into a patriotic education center. Through immersive exhibitions, it brings history to life, offering a space for the public to reflect on the past.
A Stroll Through the City: A Symphony of Nature and Culture
Ansan Mountain Loop Trail: This 7-kilometer barrier‑free, circular trail winds through the forest. With metasequoia trees providing ample shade and birdsong filling the air, the path is accessible to wheelchair users and families with strollers alike.
Sinchon Yonsei-ro Street: Stretching from Sinchon Station on Seoul Subway Line 2 to the main gate of Yonsei University, this "youth promenade" is a vibrant hub of street performances, food markets, and cultural festivals all year round—a place where contemporary trends meet tradition.
Haidian & Seodaemun-gu: A Friendship Across Mountains and Seas
1995: Haidian District and Seodaemun-gu signed an agreement on friendly exchanges.
2012: The first delegation of government officials from Seodaemun-gu visited Haidian, marking the start of mutual learning.
2013: The first China-Korea International Youth Exchange Cultural Homestay Program was held, building bridges of friendship between young people.
2013: A Haidian delegation visited Seodaemun-gu to deepen ties between the two districts.
2015: An official delegation from Seodaemun-gu visited Haidian.
2020: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the two districts exchanged medical supplies and stood together in response to the crisis.
2022: Haidian District and Seodaemun-gu formally signed an agreement to establish sister-city relations.
2023: At the Haidian International Exchange Achievements Exhibition, Lee Seong-heon, the Mayor of Seodaemun-gu, delivered a congratulatory video message.
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In recent years, the two districts have engaged in fruitful exchanges in urban management, education, culture, and youth engagement. They have successfully held multiple rounds of civil servant exchange programs and youth cultural exchange and homestay initiatives, which have become signature events in their bilateral relations, injecting sustained vitality into their sister-city partnership.
Looking Ahead
From the lush greenery of Ansan Mountain to the innovation hub of Zhongguancun, from the youthful vibrancy of Yonsei-ro to the round-the-clock dynamism of Haidian Science Park, the two districts, bound by culture and connected through cooperation, are jointly weaving a heartwarming narrative of sister-city friendship. We look forward to deeper and broader exchanges and cooperation between the two sides across a wider range of fields, ensuring that the tree of friendship continues to flourish for years to come.
