Mong Kok

Quick Facts: Who was Mong Kok?

Subject:

Mong Kok

Known for:

A dense, historic shopping district in Kowloon, Hong Kong, known for its vibrant markets.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Mong Kok (Chinese: 旺角), also spelled Mongkok, often abbreviated as MK, is an area in Kowloon, Hong Kong. The Prince Edward subarea occupies the northern part of Mong Kok. As one of the major shopping areas in Hong Kong, Mong Kok is characterised by a mixture of old and new multi-story buildings, with shops and restaurants at street level, and commercial or residential units above. Major industries in Mong Kok are retail, restaurants (including fast food) and entertainment. It has been described and portrayed in films as an area in which triads run bars, nightclubs, and massage parlours.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

With its extremely high population density of 130,000/km2 (340,000/sq mi), Mong Kok was described as the busiest district in the world by the Guinness World Records. Until 1930, the area was called Mong Kok Tsui (芒角嘴). The current English name is a transliteration of its older Chinese name 望角 (Jyutping: mong6 gok3; IPA: [mɔːŋ˨ kɔːk˧]), or 芒角 (Jyutping: mong4 gok3; IPA: [mɔːŋ˨˩ kɔːk˧]), which is named for its plentiful supply of ferns in the past when it was a coastal region. Its present Chinese name, "旺角" (Jyutping: wong6 gok3; IPA: [wɔːŋ˨ kɔːk˧]), means "prosperous corner" or "crowded corner"; however, the English name did not change. For a period, the area was also called Argyle (Argyle Street is a thoroughfare in the area), and this name was used for the MTR station when it opened in 1979.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The office building Mong Kok Centre, which was named after the area, is known in English as Argyle Centre. Mong Kok is part of Yau Tsim Mong District. It was part of the Mong Kok District before the district was merged in 1994. The area belongs to the Kowloon West geographical constituency of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. Displays at the Chinese University of Hong Kong include antique potteries indicating that there might have been settlements in the area as early as the western Han dynasty (206 BC to AD 8 ) to Jin Dynasty (266–420).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1930: 1930 Milestone — Until 1930, the area was called Mong Kok Tsui (芒角嘴).
2. 1979: 1979 Milestone — For a period, the area was also called Argyle (Argyle Street is a thoroughfare in the area), and this name was used for the MTR station when it opened in 1979.
3. 1994: 1994 Milestone — It was part of the Mong Kok District before the district was merged in 1994.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Mong Kok

True or False: “The area was historically named Mong Kok Tsui until 1930.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Before 1930, the neighborhood was known by its older name, Mong Kok Tsui (芒角嘴).

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mong Kok