Hwangseong-dong, Gyeongju

Hwangseong-dong
Korean transcription(s)
• Hangul	황성동
• Hanja	隍城洞
• Revised Romanization	Hwangseong-dong
• McCune–Reischauer	Hwangsŏng-tong
Coordinates: 35°51′35.3″N 129°13′6.2″E
Country	South Korea
Region	Gyeongju
Government
• Type	Gyeongju City
Area
• Total	3.84 km2 (1.48 sq mi)
Population  (2008)
• Total	29,140
• Density	7,600/km2 (20,000/sq mi)
Dialect	Gyeongsang dialect

Hwangseong-dong is both an administrative and legal dong or a neighbourhood in the administrative subdivisions of the Gyeongju City, North Gyeongsang province, South Korea. It is bordered by Yonggang-dong on the east, Hyeongok-myeon on the west and north and Seongnae-dong on the south. Its 3.84 square kilometers are home to about 29,140 people. It has two elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school

Origin of the name

The name Hwangseong is believed to have originated from the presence of a fortress (seong) that existed in the area during the Silla period. The term Hwangseong (皇城) translates to "Imperial Fortress" or "Royal Castle."

Historically, the area was referred to as Goseong-dong (古城洞), meaning "Old Fortress Neighborhood." According to local elder accounts, the remnants of the former fortress are presumed to have been an earthen structure (toseong). Traces of the fortress are reported to remain faintly visible in the area stretching from behind the traditional archery range within Hwangseong Park, past the Memorial Tower, and toward the public stadium. The terrain features a higher elevation to the south and a lower elevation to the north. Over time, the visible remains of the structure have continued to diminish.

See also

• Subdivisions of Gyeongju
• Administrative divisions of South Korea

External links

• (in Korean) The official site of the Hwangseong-dong office