The Pavilion of Han Myeong-hoe

Apgujeong-ro takes its name from **Apgujeong Pavilion**, built by **Han Myeong-hoe**, a powerful politician in the early Joseon Dynasty.

The name 'Apgu' means "to befriend seagulls," symbolizing a desire to live a humble life in nature. Ironically, Han was the most powerful man of his time, and his pavilion was always crowded with favor-seekers rather than seagulls.

Today, the pavilion is gone, leaving only a marker, but the name survives as the district of Apgujeong—now the center of luxury and fashion in modern Seoul, echoing the ambition of its past owner.