Relocating government agencies sounds like a huge task. Gwacheon is a city with a fascinating story. It lies close to Seoul in Gyeonggi Province. Gwacheon is in the heart of the Seoul National Capital Area. It is also just east of Anyang.
Gwacheon’s history stretches back centuries. In 475 CE, it was part of Yulmok-gun under the Goguryeo dynasty. Later it became Yuljin-gun under Unified Silla in 757. The Goryeo dynasty renamed it Gwaju in 940. For a short time, from 990 to 994, Gwaju was also known as Bulim and Buan.
In 1018, Goryeo renamed the area Gwaju-hyeon. But the Joseon dynasty changed it to Gwacheon-hyeon in 1413. Back then, Gwacheon-hyeon was much larger than today’s Gwacheon-si. It even included areas like modern-day Gunpo.
In 1895, Gwacheon-hyeon became Gwacheon-gun. However, in 1914, it was annexed to Siheung-gun. The area we know as Gwacheon became Gwacheon-myeon. This was a farming village south of Seoul. By 1960, its population had grown to over 6000.
The 1970s brought big changes. South Korea considered moving its capital south. This was to protect it from North Korean artillery. A full relocation was too expensive. So, in 1975, a compromise was reached. Key government agencies would move south of Seoul. Gwacheon-myeon was chosen for this new administrative city in 1978.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s government ministries moved from Seoul to Gwacheon. Residential districts were built for the employees. Seoul Grand Park opened in Gwacheon in 1984. It became the new home of Seoul Zoo. Amusement parks and the National Museum of Contemporary Art followed. In 1986, Gwacheon officially became Gwacheon-si.
When Seoul hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics, Gwacheon played a role. The Korean Racing Association built an Olympic Equestrian Park here. After the games, it became Seoul Racecourse Park. Gwacheon replaced Seoul’s Ttukseom as the horse racing hub.
Five stations on Seoul Subway Line 4 opened in Gwacheon in 1994. These stations connect Gwacheon to Seoul and Anyang. Gwacheon Station is one of them. Despite its name, it isn’t the main station for the city.
In 2012, some government offices began moving to Sejong City. This new administrative capital is south of Seoul. This move impacted Gwacheon’s economy. Businesses lost customers and some shops closed.
Gwacheon has served as a governmental complex. It includes city hall and various administrative offices. Seoul Grand Park and Gwanaksan occupy much of the city. This makes Gwacheon popular with nature lovers. Seoul Race Park is also located here.
Gwacheon is known for its landscape and historical significance. Gwacheon Hyanggyo a Confucianism institution built in 1389 stands here.
Gwacheon’s symbol include the chestnut tree and the royal azalea. The dove and the horse are also symbols of Gwacheon. Gwacheon is twinned with Burlington in the United States. It is also twinned with Nanning in China and Shirahama in Japan. Airdrie in Canada is also one of Gwacheon’s twin towns.
Gwacheon is more than just a city near Seoul. It is a place with a rich history and a bright future.