A= Sanbon in relation to Seoul |
It is located 45 minutes south of down town Seoul by subway. It is free of the pollution of the other industrial areas being nestled at the base of a mountain range with ready and nearby popular hiking trails, many other foreign native language teachers for friendship and outings, and several English language Churches are nearby. A popular health club is next door, as well as live theater across the street. There is plenty of good shopping where familiar items for Westerners can be purchased easily at a reasonable price. Sanbon (Gunpo City) is a residential district with parks, forests, and a general pleasant atmosphere of leisure.
It has 8 Famous Scenic Spots (which I will go to all of them):
First Site: Taeeulbong Peak
Like a hen embracing her chick, Mt. Surisan provides a nest for Gunpo city and its 280,000 inhabitants. With Taeeulbong Peak (489m) at its centre, the mountain consists of Seulgibong Peak (451.5m) to the southwest, Gwamobong Peak (426.2m) to the north, and Suambong Peak (395m) to the northwest.
The mountain is the only green space in the city, and is accessible by walking from most parts of the city. The forest is well preserved and has various hiking routes, as well as public facilities for exercise and relaxation.
The mountain is the only green space in the city, and is accessible by walking from most parts of the city. The forest is well preserved and has various hiking routes, as well as public facilities for exercise and relaxation.
Second Site: Surisa Temple
Surisa Temple was founded in the southwest region of Mr. Surisan under King Jinheun (A.D. 539-575) of the Silla Dynasty. The temple is a part of Yongjusa Temple, which is a regional headquarters for the Jogyejong branch of Buddhism. The founder of the temple is unknown although the Buddhist monk Unsadaesa, who was of imperial birth, named the temple, which means ‘one would see Buddha in person and become Buddha himself in the future’. The temple was burnt during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592 and during the Korean War, and was rebuilt by Chungwoon in 1955. On 25th October 1988, the temple was designated as the 86th Traditional Temple.
Third Site: Banwol Lake and the Sunset
Banwol Reservoir is located in the innermost part of Daeya-dong. It was constructed in 1957, and the waters from Jibyegol, Semgol and Jibangbawigol to the northwest flow south-eastwards into the reservoir. The lake is popular throughout the year; in spring, people pick young herbs; from summer to late autumn anglers and families having picnics can be seen; and in winter, children go sledding. The outstanding beauty of the scenery has attracted a number of cafes and artists’ studios.
Fourth Site: Dang Forest of Doekgogae
Located on Deokgogae in Daeyami, Gunpo , has been recognized for the value of its beauty and was chosen as the grand prize winner at the ‘3 rd National Beautiful Forest Contest’. It continues to hold the Dangje (Dang ritual) wishing for peace and well-being of the village over a period of many years. Adding to its spirit-like and mystical aurora there are 100~200-year old trees, including oriental oak trees, white oak trees and beech trees which stand on both sides. The beauty of Dang Forest can be greatly enjoyed for its beauty when visiting the area during the autumn foliage.
Fifth Site: Cherry Blossom Path of Gunpo
The Cherry Blossom Path of Gunpo established nearby Geumjeong Station is a great pride of Gunpo. The path has been lighting the heart of its citizens and visitors every spring while bathing the surrounding scenery with bright blossoms every year.The cherry blossom wad decorates the raolway area sorrounds the station, and welcomes the visitor to Gunpo's beauty.Visitors experience the atmosphere of spring to its fullest extent with their entire body as they softly step on cherry blossom leaves scattered by the breeze.
Sixth Site: Royal Azalea Hill. (A deliberately cultivated Royal Hill is located in suri-dong, Gunpo)
The Royal Azalea Hill, established by planting 90,000 royal azaleas and 27,000 wild flowers, declare its beauty as it is covered with full blooming royal azalea blossoms at the end of April and the beginning of May every year. The Royal Azalea Festival, held in time for blooming of a royal azalea blossom, is composed of various events. Those events include a concert, exhibition, experience events, writing letters of love and a sketch contest which all serve to provide many opportunities the enjoyment of the beauty of the Royal Azalea Hill
Seventh Site: Bambawi (Chestnut Rock)
Bambawi, located at Bambawi Mountain and surrounding the citizens’ sports square, is a good place to view not only the entire city of Gunpo but also Sanbon New Town. Mountain climbing can be done at any time since its trails are not steep and are located near the level ground. People can enjoy themselves while observing the changing scenery along each course during their hike around Sanbon New Town and continuing to walk along the low ridge of Bambawi Mountain.
Eighth Site: Night Scene of Sanbon Central Business Section
The central business section of Sanbon, which people will come across as soon they exit Sanbon Station, can be referred to as the No. 1 Central Commercial District as well as the culture-propagating place of Gunpo both in name and reality since it is concentrated with various categories of business and is always crowded with citizens. The central business section of Sanbon allows people the opportunity to realize the sense of a nightless city and is clearly playing its role as a strolling place for families as well as a comprehensive cultural space to experience diverse cultures, including various types of food and free performances.
I will post pictures of these beautiful places as I go to them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanbon
http://english.gunpo21.net/index.jsp