Salgoji Bridge, Seoul

“Salgoji” is the name of the flat land around the confluence of the Hangang River and Jungnangcheon Stream in present-day Seongsu-dong, Seoul. It is also called Ttukseom. Ttukseom is an island where the Dukgi (“Flag of Duk”)* which symbolized royal authority was erected and Dukje (“Ceremony of Duk”), which were rites praying for victory, were carried out when troops were heading for the battlefield. The pronunciation changed and the place is now called “Ttukseom.” According to an unofficial source of history, King Taejo (r. 1392-1398) of Joseon became dis-enchanted with the throne after witnessing the strifes between his sons over power and left the capital of his dynasty for Hamheung, his hometown in the north. The earnest appeal of the royal messenger (Hamheung Chasa) Bak Sun led the dynasty founder to change his mind and return to the capital. With his return, his fifth son then taking the throne as King Taejong (r. 1400-1418) greeted his father here, bowing behind the post of a tent. The sight of his son kindled the older king’s anger, making him shoot an arrow suddenly, but it hit the post of the tent. The historical incident later gave the place its nickname “Salgoji”, the shortened form of a phrase meaning “place hit by an arrow.”

*Dukgi(Flag of Duk): This large flag with an ox tail for decoration symbolized the royal authority of the monarch. The flag was typi-cally exhibited on the left side of the king’s chariot or his troops.

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08