Yongsan Garrison, Military garrison in Yongsan District, South Korea
Yongsan Garrison is a cement military installation located in the heart of Seoul, occupying a substantial area divided into distinct operational sections. The compound includes residential housing, administrative buildings, medical facilities, and support infrastructure typical of a major military base.
Built in 1910 as the Imperial Japanese Army headquarters, the installation served under Japanese control for decades before changing hands. Following World War II, United States forces took over the facility and maintained it as a key military installation throughout the Cold War era.
The military presence influenced the development of Itaewon neighborhood into an international district with diverse food, shopping, and entertainment options.
The compound functioned as a restricted military area, meaning public access was limited and required special authorization to visit. Its central Seoul location made it highly visible, though its grounds remained separated from civilian areas by security fencing and checkpoints.
Following the relocation of operations in 2018, the former garrison grounds were transformed into Yongsan Park, a new ecological space. This conversion of military land into green space represents a significant shift in how this central Seoul location is now used by residents.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
