Siheung-si is a city located on the central-west coast of Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It is bordered by Gunpo-si, Anyang-si, and Hwaseong-si to the east, Incheon Metropolitan City and the Yellow Sea to the west, Ansan-si to the south, and Bucheon-si to the north. With its geographical coordinates at 126°43′ to 126°53′ east longitude and 37°18′ to 37°28′ north latitude, Siheung-si covers an area of 135.05 square kilometers and has a population of 398,256 people as of 2015. The city is divided into 17 administrative districts (30 legal districts), with the city hall located in Janghyeon-dong, Siheung-si.
Siheung-si is characterized by highlands in the northeastern part, adjacent to Gwanaksan Mountain and Namhansan Mountain, and low hills scattered in the southwestern part, leading to a semi-flat plain. Particularly due to its proximity to Seoul, agriculture in the suburbs has thrived, with the cultivation of specialty crops such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers. However, it has declined with the residential function of Seoul.
Why visit Siheung-si:
- Experience the tranquil natural beauty of Gwanaksan Mountain and Namhansan Mountain.
- Explore archaeological sites and learn about the prehistoric settlements through the discovered pottery.
- Discover the historical significance of Gunjasan Fortress, which served as a connecting stronghold between the Han River Basin and the Namhangman area during the Three Kingdoms period.
- Visit the sacred grounds of Seonghwangdang, where the shrine of King Gyeongsun of Silla was once located.
- Appreciate the ancient Buddhist art at Siheung Soraesan Maae Bosal Statue, believed to be a Goryeo-era artwork, found on the eastern cliff of Soraesan Mountain.
Plan your Visit:
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
- Transportation: Siheung-si is easily accessible from Seoul via public transportation, such as buses and trains. The city also has a well-connected local transportation network.
- Language: Korean is the primary language spoken in Siheung-si. English may not be widely spoken, so its helpful to have a translation app or basic knowledge of Korean phrases.
- Currency: The official currency in South Korea is the Korean Won (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted, but its advisable to carry some cash for small purchases.
- Safety: Siheung-si is generally considered safe for travelers. However, like any other destination, its important to practice common safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and taking care of your belongings.
