"Let's Change Dongmyoap Station to Sungin Station"... Jongno-gu Launches Renaming Campaign

"Reflecting Joseon History Instead of Guan Yu"
Signature Campaign by Residents and Merchants Gains Momentum

On August 27, Jongno-gu in Seoul (District Mayor: Chung Moonheon) launched a renaming campaign to change the name of Dongmyoap Station on Subway Lines 1 and 6 to "Sungin Station."

On the same day, in front of Exit 10 of Dongmyoap Station, members of the Korea Freedom Federation Jongno-gu Branch and local residents distributed leaflets and conducted a signature campaign, expanding public support for the need to change the station's name.

Sungin Station Renaming Campaign Scene. Provided by Jongno-gu.

The current station name, "Dongmyo," originates from "Donggwanwangmyo," a shrine dedicated to Guan Yu, a general from the Chinese historical text Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The shrine was established in 1601, the 34th year of King Seonjo's reign, by Ming Dynasty generals stationed in Korea during the Imjin War, and was designated as Treasure No. 142 in 1963.

However, Jongno-gu officials argue that Dongmyo, as a shrine venerating a Chinese general, is not closely related to Korea's unique history and culture and does not reflect the identity of the Jongno area. Therefore, the district is pursuing a plan to rename the station "Sungin," derived from Sungsinbang and Inchangbang, which were administrative district names of Hanseongbu during the Joseon Dynasty.

Local residents and nearby merchants have long requested the use of "Sungin Station" instead of "Dongmyoap Station," and this campaign is seen as the first step toward institutionalizing that movement.

Jongno-gu District Mayor Chung Moonheon stated, "I will do my best to ensure that the long-standing wishes of local residents and merchants come to fruition."