them. However, most of the original civilians were too poor that they have been unable to help themselves. Also, the Japanese used the local administrative organization for the exploitation of the people. But the seongbukgeongheo (the local administrative organization at Seongbuk-dong) also had an identity of autonomy group of citizens. Seongbukgeongheo tried to solve problems of the region by the understanding of the citizens who belong to Seongbuk-dong. Post-colonial era Development of pondok villages After the Korean War, as the economy got stabler, more people moved into the area. Especially refugees from Hamcheong of Hamgyeong-do moved in and developed a pondok village. Most of the pondoks then are now torn down for redevelopment. Urbanization Since 1968, the opening of Bukaksan Road and completion of Samcheong Tunnel have facilitated traffic after Samcheong-dong-gil and Seongbuk-dong-gil met. This development allowed many embassies to move into the city. Today, Seongbuk-dong developed into a very modern city, represented by the well-maintained Seongbukcheon, the remains of the castle, and highly raised apartments. The city is now a unique area where the refugees and wealthy residents live together. There are also large income gaps in this city. people who were wealthy from the 1960s has been settled in this area and still are. Multi-million dollar houses were built across the hill and it is quite fun to drive around there. However, Seongbuk-dong has a small area where low-income elders have settled from 1960s also. This city gives you this weird irony look because of this huge gap between rich and poor people. Administration Geography Seongbuk-dong totals 2.85 square kilometers in area. The city has Bukhan Mountain to the north and is surrounded by the old ramparts of Seoul in a fan shape. Population 2008 Census According to the 2008 Census, Seoungbuk-dong's population was 19,308. 2016 Census According to the 2016 Census, Seongbuk-dong's population was 18,397. 2017 Census According to the 2017 Census, Seoungbuk-dong's population was 17,664. Transportation Seoul Subway Line 4 01,02,03 Seongbuk town bus Community diversity Artists-in-residence During the Joseon Dynasty, many writers and painters set up their hometowns in Seongbuk-dong because the valley of the Seongbuk was the closest hunting grounds and shelter to the city. Seongbuk-dong is also a birthplace of a lot of great literary, such as Choi Sung-woo, Yeom Sang-seob, Lee Tae-jun, Han Yong-woon, Kim Kwang-seop. Ambassador residence Due to the good accessibility to the blue house (or Cheong Wa Dae), Seongbuk-dong