The True Birthplace of the Name "Siheung"

The name "Siheung" is rooted in Siheung-dong, in Seoul's Geumcheon-gu — but today, most people hear "Siheung" and think first of the city of Siheung in Gyeonggi Province, which has almost no historical connection to the original name.

Key takeaways

First-time visitors to Siheung-dong picture the legend of Hoapsa Temple and a pleasant hiking trail. But this neighborhood is the true root of the name "Siheung." After Geumcheon County was renamed Siheung County in 1795, under King Jeongjo, this area served for a long stretch as the county seat of Siheung County, and even housed the Siheung County government office. Fact By contrast, today's city of Siheung in Gyeonggi Province occupies what was once Incheon-dohobu and Ansan County territory, and has almost no historical connection to the traditional meaning of "Siheung." Fact

Even so, most people today hear "Siheung" and picture the city of Siheung in Gyeonggi Province first. In fact, this neighborhood's old train station, Siheung Station (now Geumcheon-gu Office Station), had to change its name in 2008 to reduce confusion among visitors who mistook it for a stop near the Gyeonggi Province city. Fact FIT TRIP reads this neighborhood as a place where the name's true origin was forgotten, and where the place that inherited the name is mistaken for the original.

What the postcard image misses

"A mountain of tiger legend" tells only half this neighborhood's story. FIT TRIP asks the sharper question: who is the true owner of the name "Siheung"?

✅ Before you go

The Mount Hoamsan loop trail includes stairs and sloped sections, so comfortable shoes matter
The Hoamsanseong fortress site and Hanuumul well sit near the top of the trail, so budget plenty of time
Ongoing redevelopment construction zones mean some alleys require caution
If timing your visit for sunset, plan your descent time carefully

FAQ

Q: Is the city of Siheung in Gyeonggi Province the true origin of the name "Siheung"?

A: No. The name's root is Siheung-dong in Seoul's Geumcheon-gu; the Gyeonggi Province city has almost no historical connection to the traditional "Siheung." Fact

Q: Has Geumcheon-gu Office Station always had this name?

A: No. It was called Siheung Station for 100 years, from 1908 to 2008, before being renamed to reduce confusion with the Gyeonggi Province city. Fact