Nakseongdae

Statue of Kang Kam-ch'an, Nakseongdae Park, May 2009

Nakseongdae (Korean pronunciation: [naks͈ʌŋdɛ]; Korean: 낙성대; Hanja: 落星垈) is a park located in Gwanak, Seoul. It is the birthplace of Goryeo general, Kang Kam-ch'an.

Etymology

Nakseongdae means "the place where a star was fallen" in Hanja. The star means general Kang Kam-ch'an, who became the hero to defeat the large force of Khitan (Liao dynasty). It is originated from the legend that General Kang's mother bore him after she had dreamed that a star was fallen to her breast.

History

In 1972, this place was designated as Seoul City Historical Legacy No.4. In 1973-1974, Anguksa Shrine (Korean: 안국사; Hanja: 安國祠) was constructed. This shrine is dedicated to General Kang. Stone wall of 409 meter circumference was built to surround it. And in front of the shrine, a bronze statue of General Kang was built. There stands a pagoda of 4.48m height which was made in 13C. It is said that Japanese soldiers during Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598) destroyed this pagoda and robbed the treasures hidden inside. And they damaged this site to humiliate General Kang and Korean patriotism.

Surroundings

Seoul National University, the most prominent university of South Korea moved from downtown of Seoul near to Nakseongdae in the year 1977. So the rear gate of Seoul National University is very close to Nakseongdae. The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) and the SNU dormitory are very closely located to Nakseongdae.

Near the park is Nakseongdae Station of Seoul Subway Line 2.

Since Nakseongdae sounds like acronym of Nakseong University in Korean language, Nakseongdae becomes a nickname of SNU for those who do not want to sound like bragging by telling others about their university.