Originally a part of Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, it was transferred to Seoul with the rapid expansion of the National Capital Area and its population growth in 1960s.

Large slum quarters were formed by migrant populations from all over Korea who sought jobs in industrialized Seoul.

A series of redevelopment projects starting in the 1970s, and the relocation of Seoul National University to the district, led to a reduction of slum quarters and indigent textile industries and transformed the town into a residential uptown neighborhood of Seoul.

These areas also form a large zone of private dormitories and small houses, which primarily target university students and national examination takers (gosi-saeng) looking for an environment that is favorable for studying.

The main shopping district, the Bongcheon Central Market (Bongcheon-jungang-sijang), is positioned in Jungang neighborhood, north from Seoul National University Station.