Although the origin of the name is uncertain, the first two syllables are thought to be from "yeongdeung" (靈登) or "divine ascent", a shamanic rite.

The earliest historical references to Yeongdeungpo were in the 1870s when it was considered to be the main port used in the defence of the city of Seoul.

[citation needed] January 1, 1963, Some areas of Bucheon County were combined to Yeongdeungpo District as below.

[4] For several decades, Yeouido in Yeongdeungpo district has been considered the financial center of Seoul.

This reputation was stimulated by the relocation of the Korean main bourse, the Korea Exchange (KRX), from Myeongdong to Yeouido in 1979.

Among the 291 head offices of financial institutions located in Seoul, 93 are based in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo.

Construction of Times Square started in 2006 on the site of a former Kyungbang plant in Yeongdeungpo, and lasted for three years.

It was opened in 1985 to coincide with the Seoul Olympics in 1988 and intended to demonstrate Korea's economic success.

The lower floors house an indoor shopping mall with approximately 90 stores, an IMAX theater, and a large aquarium.

The IFC mall hosts a large number of shops including major international brands.

The center of the mall includes a large atrium with glass pavilion which extends above ground level.

[citation needed] The Korean Broadcasting System(KBS) New Wing Open Hall is located in Yeouido-dong.

[9] However, the growth of industry in the area declined in the 1990s as the Asian Financial Crisis had a considerable effect on the South Korean economy.

[9] In the 2000s, the availability of empty commercial buildings attracted artists to the area and in 2013 the Korean government officially supported to the concept.

As currently planned (2021), GTX B will connect Songdo in Incheon with Maseok in Namyangju, with trains calling at eleven stations in between including Yeouido.

[citation needed] Yeongdeungpo District is served by all types of buses operated in Seoul and its environs: green (local), blue (city), red (express) and white/green (Gyeonnggi).

Gyeongin-ro links with Yeouiseo-ro/Yeoui-daero at Yeouido on which there is a large bus transfer center located in front of the IFC mall.

[citation needed] Olympic-daero (also known as Olympic Boulevard) runs alongside the south bank of the Han River and through Yeongdeungpo District.

The eight-lane highway is 40.67 km (25.27 mi) long and connects Yeongdeungpo with Incheon and Gimpo international airports as well as Gangnam and Songpa in the east.