It has a population of 313,814 (2010) and has a geographic area of 17.61 km2 (6.8 sq mi), and is divided into 14 dong (administrative neighborhoods).

Seodaemun is located in northwestern Seoul, bordering the city districts of Eunpyeong to the northwest, Mapo to the southwest, Jung to the southeast, and Jongno to the east.

At one time the Korean Maritime Safety Tribunal (KMST) had its headquarters in the district.

[3] There are also numerous private institutions in Seodaemun District offering education for primary and secondary levels.

[citation needed] Seodaemun District incorporates residential areas and historical areas including Bongwon Temple, Sinchon Railway Station (the oldest train station in Seoul) and Seodaemun Prison History Hall.

Ansan path, the Seodaemun Museum of Natural History, built by the local governing body, exhibits various geological and biological relics and records.

Named after Hongjewon, which was where Chinese envoys were greet and entertained, Hongjecheon Stream was where the women who were forcefully taken to the Qing Dynasty cleansed their bodies upon returning home.

The once dried stream was restored and today there is a musical fountain, a water mill, a man-made waterfall and hiking trails.