Namgu

Namgu, also romanized as Nam-gu, is a common toponym in South Korea. It literally means "South District," from nam meaning south and gu meaning district. The name is used for several city districts that lie in the southern part of their respective municipalities. In most cases, Namgu is one of several gu that divide a metropolitan city; each Namgu operates as an autonomous district with its own local government, responsible for services such as urban planning, housing, education administration, and public safety. The district is typically subdivided into dong neighborhoods for administrative purposes.

Notable examples include Nam-gu in Busan, Nam-gu in Daegu, Nam-gu in Gwangju, Nam-gu in Incheon, and Nam-gu in Ulsan. These districts vary in size, population, and urban character, reflecting the diversity of the cities they serve. The suffix gu is a standard administrative unit in South Korea, and Namgu is not a single place but a recurring toponym used wherever a southern district exists.

The name has become a standard part of Korean municipal organization since the rapid urbanization of the late 20th century, and districts named Namgu appear in official maps, addresses, and local regulations. There is no single governing body of "Namgu" across the country; each Namgu complies with the policies of its city and province.