Siheung, city in South Korea
Siheung is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, located in the southwestern part near Incheon and the Yellow Sea coast, about 30 kilometers from Seoul. The city combines older neighborhoods with narrow streets and small houses alongside modern apartment buildings and commercial centers, all set on mostly flat terrain with gentle hills and natural areas including reservoirs, farms, and coastal wetlands.
Siheung has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with shell mounds on Oido Island marking early human activity, and during the Joseon Dynasty in the 18th century, land was reclaimed for rice farming. Salt production began in the early 20th century during Japanese rule and shaped the area's industrial character until 1989, when it was officially established as a city, after which it grew rapidly as people moved from Seoul seeking affordable housing and job opportunities.
Local markets in Siheung sell fresh fish, vegetables, and regional snacks, creating lively gathering spots where people exchange goods and greetings in a friendly atmosphere. The city's festivals throughout the year celebrate traditional Korean music, dance, and food, bringing residents together to mark their heritage.
Several highways connect Siheung to Seoul and other parts of Korea, while the new Seohae Line train route offers access to Seoul and Incheon, supplemented by extensive bus services and bicycle paths. Visitors can easily navigate using well-developed public transportation and the growing network of walking trails, especially along the coast and through parks.
Siheung was once defined by salt production that continued until the late 1990s, and old salt fields have been converted into natural habitats like Gatgol Ecological Park. This transformation shows how the city balances industrial heritage with environmental conservation, allowing visitors to see firsthand this shift from extraction to preservation.
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