On the Feb 13th episode of MBC’s variety show “Where Is My Home”, DinDin, Yuk Joong-wan and Yang Se-chan will appear in the third installment of the “First-Generation Apartments” special.
Following previous features on Daechi-dong, Apgujeong-dong and Jamsil-dong, this episode will highlight Dongbu Ichon-dong apartments. DinDin, a native of Dongbu Ichon-dong, takes the lead, joined by Yuk Joong-wan and Yang Se-chan. Urban planning expert Professor Jung-seok also joins the studio to discuss the history of apartments that many may not be aware of.
Professor Jung-seok explains that Dongbu Ichon-dong boasts an ideal baesanimsu (mountain in the back and a river in the front), with the Han River to the south and Namsan to the north. He further elaborates on why Ichon-dong became an affluent area, “Yongsan is located just below the four main gates of central Seoul. In 1900, a railway was built connecting Yongsan across the Han River to Yeongdeungpo, which eventually linked to the Gyeongin and Gyeongbu railway lines.”
Professor Jung-seok explains that Dongbu Ichon-dong boasts an ideal baesanimsu (mountain in the back and a river in the front), with the Han River to the south and Namsan to the north. He further elaborates on why Ichon-dong became an affluent area, “Yongsan is located just below the four main gates of central Seoul. In 1900, a railway was built connecting Yongsan across the Han River to Yeongdeungpo, which eventually linked to the Gyeongin and Gyeongbu railway lines.”
DinDin, a Dongbu Ichon-dong native, adds, “This neighborhood transformed into a luxury residential district through large-scale development in the late 1960s. It was developed exclusively with apartments, without any standalone houses, making it a first-generation apartment neighborhood. Currently, the right side of Ichon-ro is undergoing remodeling, while the riverside area is being redeveloped.” His detailed knowledge solidifies his status as a true local.
DinDin also shares that many celebrities reside in Dongbu Ichon-dong, mentioning dozens by name, including Noh Sa-yeon, Tae Jin-ah, Lee Seung-chul and Crush. He recalls, “Lee Young-ja also lived in this neighborhood for a long time. When I was a kid, I saw her at a budaejjigae (Sausage Stew) restaurant. I got so excited, shouting ‘It’s Lee Young-ja! It’s Lee Young-ja!’ and she ended up paying for my meal.”
He then introduces the “Top 3 Celebrities of Dongbu Ichon-dong”, “The No.1 spot goes to Haha, No.2 is me, DinDin, and No.3 is Jang Wonyoung.” This revelation draws attention. Yuk Joong-wan and Yang Se-chan later ask the owner of a 40-year-old traditional rice cake shop in the area, “Which famous celebrities live around here?” The owner replies “Haha lived here for a long time. I don’t know who DinDin is. But I know Jang Wonyoung”, leaving DinDin flustered.
DinDin also discovers a first-generation single-building apartment completed in 1974, sharing, “Haha lived on the first floor of this apartment. When I was a kid playing at the playground, Haha’s mom would come over and say, ‘Do you know Haha? He used to play here just like you! Come over to our house for a meal.’”
