Haebangchon

Haebangchon (HBC; Korean: 해방촌; lit. 'Freedom Village') is a district of Yongsan District, 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 (남산자락). 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, South Africans, 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 (right across the street from Haebangchon). 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.