Right before us rises Gaeungsan. It stands as a modest peak at 125 meters. Gaeungsan is also known as Gaeung Mountain. This small mountain marks the boundary. It separates Guro-gu’s Oru 2-dong, Gaebong 3-dong, and Cheonwang-dong.
Do you notice how Gaeungsan, or Gaeung Mountain, borders these neighborhoods? It even has another name. Some call it Bonghwadae.
Let’s talk about location. Gaeungsan sits behind Cheonsin Village. This village lies on the border. It divides Guro-gu’s Oru-dong and Gaebong-dong. This perfectly formed mountain reaches 125 meters.
Back in 1997, plans began. They wanted to create Gaeungsan Neighborhood Park. The first phase finished in May 2006. This added many features. You could find pavilions and badminton courts there. There were exercise facilities and trails. About 100,000 people visit Gaeungsan every year. The number keeps growing.
Guro-gu saw how much locals loved Gaeungsan Neighborhood Park. It wasn’t just popular with those nearby. Residents from Gwangmyeong and Bucheon also enjoyed it. So, in March 2008, a second phase started. This created a nature learning area. It added circular trails and open spaces. They built exercise and recreation spots. An old iron structure was removed. It had been there since 1977. A military unit had used it. In its place, a 5,000 square meter nature learning area appeared.
Look around. The circular trails connect Oru 2-dong and Gaebong 2 and 3-dong. Along these trails, workers planted many trees. You will see sawtooth oaks and katsura trees.
Did you know Guro-gu offers a special program? On the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, you can explore Gaeungsan. Discover its culture, history, and ecology. It’s a forest tour program.
Centuries ago, during the Joseon Dynasty, people lit beacons on this mountain. That is why some called it Bonghwadae.
Local legend says that the mountain’s name comes from a nearby village. The village’s shape resembled a pit. During a flood, the village suffered damage. People started calling it Gaeung Village. The mountain took its name from here.
Bonghwa were signal fires. At night, fires communicated messages. During the March 1st Movement, villagers gathered here. They lit beacons. They resisted Japan.
Beacon fire systems served as key defense and communication tools. They sent information using fire and smoke. These systems existed since the Three Kingdoms period.
Gaeungsan points towards the northwest. It forms a triangular shape. The mountain range connects to Gwanaksan. It is east of Guro-gu. This range stretches from Gungdong to Cheonwangdong. It connects to Geonji Mountain.
To the southeast, you will see Mokgamcheon Stream. To the south-southeast, stands Dosutksan in Gwangmyeong. To the southwest is Gubongsan.
Gaeungsan features pavilions and wooden decks. You can relax there. The mountain boasts diverse plant life. Maple, oak, pine, and acacia trees thrive here. Over 160 species grow on Gaeungsan. This protects the mountain’s natural environment.