Picture the bustling Gwangmyeong Market. It’s a vibrant tapestry of sights sounds and smells. This is Gwangmyeong a city bordering Seoul. Its history stretches back far beyond its 1981 designation as a city.
Gwangmyeong was once part of Siheung County. It shared its history with Yeongdeungpo Guro and Geumcheon. In 1914 the area was reorganized. West and South townships merged into one. Then in 1963 a portion of Gwangmyeong joined Seoul. This was part of Seoul’s urban planning expansion. Gwacheon and parts of Goyang also became part of Seoul. Gwangmyeong-dong and Cheolsan-dong developed as residential areas. The plan was to fully incorporate Gwangmyeong into Seoul. However in 1981 this plan failed. Seoul’s rapid growth caused concern. Instead Gwangmyeong became its own city. The county branch of Gwangmyeong and Soha town merged.
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s apartment complexes rose in Cheolsan-dong and Haan-dong. The population boomed reaching nearly 300000. In 1995 a small piece of Cheolsan-dong became part of Seoul’s Geumcheon District. Gwangmyeong Station opened in 2004. More apartment buildings appeared in Soha-dong in 2010.
Gwangmyeong’s location near Seoul makes it a major commuter town. The northwestern part has low-rise houses. The eastern part boasts high-rise apartments. Older apartment complexes in Cheolsan-dong have been replaced with newer private ones. Public housing was also developed in Soha-dong.
Gwangmyeong is more than just housing. It boasts one of the world’s largest IKEA stores. A Costco and a Lotte Premium Outlet add to the shopping options. The traditional Gwangmyeong Market offers a distinctly Korean experience. Modern malls are found in various locations. Gwangmyeong residents also utilize shops in nearby Seoul districts.
Beyond shopping Gwangmyeong has medical facilities. Gwangmyeong Sungae Hospital is affiliated with Kwandong University’s Medical School. Korea University Medical Center and Chung-ang University Hospital are nearby in Seoul. A public medical center is in Haan-dong.
Gwangmyeong also has recreational offerings. The Gwangmyeong Velodrome is South Korea’s largest domed structure. Gwangmyeong Cave a former mine is now a tourist attraction. It provides a unique glimpse into the area’s industrial past. The tombs of Yi Sun-sin and Lee Won-ik are also located in Gwangmyeong.
This is Gwangmyeong. A city with a rich blend of history modern development and convenient access to Seoul. A unique and vibrant place to explore.