Introduction to Dongducheon City

Dongducheon is one of the biggest foreigner-concentrated areas in South Korea. What attracts people? Let's figure out its beauty and 2021 policy goals

Soyosan in Spring
ⓒGyeonggi Province

About Dongducheon

Located in northern Gyeonggi-do, Dongducheon was promoted to city level on July 1, 1981. U.S. military units were stationed here after the Korean War, hence the concentration of facilities for U.S. military personnel and other foreigners in the area. For this reason, the U.S. Forces Korea once accounted for approximately 39% of the total area of Dongducheon City, but gradually withdrew from the area since 2004. As of December 31, 2012, Dongducheon City had a population of 97,175.

Soyosan in Summer
ⓒGyeonggi Tourism Organization

The economic effects of U.S. military units being stationed in Dongducheon made the city wealthier than other regions at the time, while concurrently enabling it to enjoy international affluence due to the associated influence of Western culture. Dongducheon is also one of the leading railway hubs for the Korean capital region.

Dongducheon’s Policy Goals in 2021

Dongducheon has commited itself to five policy goals in 2021.

First, the city plans to restore the local economy and revitalize the original city center. This includes the creation of the Happy Dream Center in Jungang-dong City Plaza for use as a space for student survival swimming training and public leisure activities, as well as the expansion of facilities for children and the creation of an urban regeneration community center.

Second, Dongducheon will expand facilities for under-privileged residents and pursue the realization of social values. With construction slated for completion in December 2022, the Bandabi Sports Center will improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities through the provision of programs that combine sports and rehabilitation.

Third policy goal the improvement of educational welfare via the allocation of congratulatory funding for children entering elementary school.

Fourth, Dongducheon plans to foster a safe and orderly urban environment with the establishment of a public parking lot for large vehicles in Sangpae-dong so as to minimize the inconvenience caused by the overnight parking of trucks.

Fifth, the city government will expand tourism facilities in line with recent travel trends through the creation of a forest complex. Other new facilities will include a seminar room for group visitors, as well as sky deck thoroughfares, an observatory and zip line course.

Graffiti Art in Busandong
ⓒGyeonggi Province

Culture and Festivals of Dongducheon

Dongducheon Rock Festival

The Dongducheon Rock Festival, which began in 1999, is one of the leading rock music festivals in Korea. It was even designated as Gyeonggi Province's flagship tourism festival in 2019. It takes place between August and October every year.

Dongducheon Rock Festival
ⓒGyeonggi Province

Dongducheon was the birthplace of Korean rock and pop music with early bands such as Shin Jung-hyun and Keyboys. Currently, the Dongducheon Rock Festival hosts amateur rock band competitions and serves as a springboard for new rock bands seeking to perform on stage with professional bands.

The festival was scheduled to be held on September 7 and 8, 2019, but was postponed to September 21 and 22 due to Typhoon Lingling. However, with the advent of African swine fever and COVID-19, the event has been postponed indefinitely.

Donggwang Theater

It has been about 20 years since multiplex theaters first appeared in Korea. Before that, theaters featured one movie at a time. Such theaters have since disappeared except for one, Donggwang Theater, which has emerged as a museum for that bygone era.

Built in 1959, Donggwang Theater offers movie tickets that are about KRW 2,000 to 3,000 cheaper than those of modern multiplex theaters. It can seat a total of 283 people, but rarely fills to maximum capacity so one can actually sit wherever one would like.

The owner, Ko Jae-sun, has been in the business for 30 years since taking over Donggwang Theater in 1986. This film frame, which Ko has kept, was also used as a prop for the popular movie "International Market." His pride is ingrained in the projection room. Although this theater now possesses expensive digital projectors, an old analog projector that played movies for over 20 years used to sit next to the new one until only a few years ago. Ko hopes to continue his work just like Alfredo, the projectionist featured in "Cinema Heaven," who gave small happiness to rural villagers.

From an aquarium with piranhas to a snack bar, Donggwang Theater showcases wonders that also include Ko’s collection of movie figures. The last projector of a bygone cinematic era in Korea is also on display in the theater.

Donggwang Theater is boasts a wide screen and comfortable seating! From sofa seats to auxiliary chairs, one can comfortably watch movies!