Gunpo is a small city dominated by greenspace with numerous of small mountains and Surisan mountain which is south of South Korea's capital city Seoul. Gunpo is part of Gyeonggi province, and is surrounded by Uiwang city on the west, Anyang on the north, and Ansan on the south and west. Due to the huge amount of greenspace, Gunpo is famous for its natural scenery.
The origin of the name Gunpo (軍浦) is unclear, as no native Korean term related to the Sino-Korean word has been passed down. The earliest known record appears on an old map published in 1699 during King Sukjong’s reign, where Gunpocheon (軍浦川) is marked. The same name also appears in Kim Jeong-ho’s 1861 Daedongyeojido. During the Joseon era, the local market was called Gunpojang (軍浦場), indicating that the name “Gunpo” had already been in use before 1699. Although various theories exist, the most widely accepted view is that the name combines meanings related to military presence, waterways, and port activity.
Sanbon New Town, the first planned city built within Gunpo, derives its name from the idea of a “village beneath a mountain.” In King Jeongjo’s time, documents referred to the area as Sanjeori (山底里), which later became Sanbon-ri (山本里). The “mountain” here refers to Surisan, the prominent peak that overlooks the city.
Historically, the name “Gunpo” originally referred to an area that included what is now Hogye 3-dong in Dongan-gu, Anyang, which is still called “Old Gunpo” by some residents. The territory of today’s Gunpo City, however, was part of Nam-myeon, Gwacheon County during the Joseon period and was incorporated into Siheung County in 1914. During the Korean War, the Battle of Surisan took place here in January 1951, where U.S. and Turkish forces drove back North Korean and Chinese troops. The battle is even referenced in a North Korean military song.
Gunpo was upgraded to a town (eup) in 1979 and, with the dissolution of Siheung County, became a city in 1989. In 1994, several villages from Banwol-myeon (now Dae-ya-dong) were added, forming the city’s current administrative boundaries.
Following the development of Sanbon New Town, Gunpo’s population rose sharply. Today, however, growth has largely leveled off—aside from the area near Daeyami Station, most of the city has already been fully developed, keeping the population steady at around 270,000.
Gunpo is located on Subway Line 1 and Subway Line 4:
Seoul Station (서울역). It will take 1 hour to Gunpo via Seoul Station. (updated Nov 2022)
Oido Station (오이도역). It will take 44 minutes to Gunpo via Oido Station. (updated Nov 2022)
Sinchang Station (신창(순천향대)역). It will take 2 hours to Gunpo via Sinchang Station. (updated Nov 2022)
Gunpo is served by seven subway stations (One stations are the Subway Line 4 shared with the Subway Line 1, two are on Line 1, four station are on Line 4), listed from the closest to Seoul: Geumjeong, Sanbon, Gunpo, Surisan, Dangjeong, Daeyami, Banwol.
37.37228126.943421Geumjeong Station. (updated Dec 2022)
37.3581126.93312Sanbon Station. (updated Dec 2022)
Visitors also can travel around Gunpo city by using taxi, the fare starts from ₩3,800. You can book a taxi by making request through Kakao T application.
37.354394126.8968571Surisa Temple, 329 Sokdal-dong. Surisa Temple was founded in the southwest region of Mount Surisan during the reign of King Jinheun (539-575 AD) of the Silla Dynasty. The temple is part of the Yongjusa Temple, which is the regional headquarters for the Jogyejong branch of Buddhism. The founder of the temple is unknown. The Buddhist monk Unsadaesa named the temple, which means 'one will see the Buddha in person and become a Buddha himself in the future'. The temple burned down during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592 and during the Korean War, then was rebuilt by Chungwoon in 1955. On October 25, 1988, it was designated the 86th Traditional Temple. (updated Oct 2022)
37.37364126.913632Taeeulbong Peak (태을봉). Taeeulbong Peak is a place where the forest is still very well preserved. Here you can find public facilities for exercising and relaxing, as well as hiking trails. (updated Oct 2022)
37.3415126.90113Dang Forest of Deokgogae. Located in Deokgogae in Daeyami, Gunpo, this forest was selected as the grand prize winner in the '3rd National Beautiful Forest Contest'. In this forest there are 100- to 200-year-old trees, including oriental oaks, white oaks, and beech trees standing on both sides. The beauty of Dang Forest can be greatly enjoyed for its beauty when visiting the area during the autumn leaves. (updated Oct 2022)
37.3338126.90694Galchi Reservoir. Galchi Reservoir is located near 75 Sokdal-dong in Jeongjandeul in the northern part of Daeam. This reservoir was completed in 1984 and can accommodate 8.6 ha of water to a depth of 8 m. On weekends or holidays, many people spend time in this reservoir fishing. (updated Oct 2022)
37.37296126.94265Cherry Blossom Path of Gunpo. The Cherry Blossom Path of Gunpo, built near Geumjeong Station, is Gunpo's great pride. The path lights up the hearts of citizens and visitors each spring, and the surrounding countryside is adorned with vibrant flowers each year. Cherry blossom plugs decorate the area around the station, inviting visitors to the beauty of Gunpo. Feel the atmosphere of spring with your whole body while gently stepping on the cherry blossom petals blowing in the wind. (updated Oct 2022)
Royal Azalea Hill37.3554126.924946Royal Azalea Hill. Planted with 90,000 azaleas and 27,000 wild grasses, the azalea hills are in full bloom from late April to early May every year. (updated Nov 2022)
37.3523126.91877Chomak-gol Eco-Park (초막골생태공원), Sanbon-dong. An eco friendly forest path in the middle of city which people and mature blend and communicate together. (updated Dec 2022)
Royal Azaleas Festival, 1152-10, Sanbon-dong. The Royal Azalea Festival, which is held at the time of the royal azalea blooms, consists of various events. The events include concerts, exhibitions, experience events, love letter writing and sketch contests which serve to provide many opportunities to enjoy the beauty of Royal Azalea Hills. (updated Nov 2022)
37.346991126.9526941Hansei University (한세대학교), 30 Hanse-ro, ☏ +82 31-450-5051. One of the Evangelical Christian Universities in Gunpo city. (updated Sep 2023)
37.358892126.9314781Johnson's GogiGuksu (존슨s 고기국수), 1140, Sanbon-dong. This restaurant specializes in meat noodles. less than ₩10,000. (updated Nov 2022)
37.359152126.9329562Binghwa Mandu (빙화만두집), 1128-1, Sanbon-dong. This restaurant specializes in dumplings. less than ₩10,000. (updated Nov 2022)
37.360099126.9321473Mandeulgi Jeonmunjeom (만들기 전문점), 1131-2 Sanbon-dong. This restaurant specializes in Italian cuisines. less than ₩10,000. (updated Nov 2022)
37.355461126.9472564Gunpo Sikdang (군포식당), 748-22, Dang-dong. This restaurant specializes in Korean meat. ₩10,000-20,000. (updated Nov 2022)
37.359721126.9324815Ogsang Sikdang (옥상식당), 1130-2, Sanbon-dong. This restaurant specializes in Japanese cuisines. ₩10,000-20,000. (updated Nov 2022)
37.359693126.9312816HongkongBanjeom (홍콩반점), 16-25 Sanbon-ro 323beon-gil, Sanbon-dong. This restaurant specializes in Chinese cuisines. ₩5,000-20,000. (updated Sep 2023)
37.359991126.933237Masitta Tongyeong (마시따통영), 1126 Sanbon-dong. This restaurant specializes in sashimi. less than ₩30,000 (updated Sep 2025)
37.3581126.93318Lahongbang Malatang (라홍방 마라탕), 1142-5 Sanbon-dong. This restaurant specializes in Malatang. less than ₩ 15,000 (updated Sep 2025)
37.348128126.9554169silver (은빛), 974-3 Dangjeong, ☏ +82 0507-1468-2098. 0507-1468-2098 A variety of menus such as hot pot rice set, cockle dishes, and whole duck soup with shingled hedgehog and medicinal herbs are provided, and satisfaction is high. (updated Dec 2025)
37.359226126.93175110Opus (오퍼스), 1135-1 Sanbon. 11:30AM - 10PM. (updated Dec 2025)
37.371241126.93417111the main branch of the Korean Beef Rice Cake (육미제당 산본점), Yukmi Jedang, ☏ +82 070-8211-3398. 11AM - 11PM. Meat infinitely refilled shabu shabu (updated Dec 2025)
37.359154126.93096312Sushi no yuki (스시 노유키), 1139-3 Sanbon, ☏ +82 070-5056-2990. 11:30AM - 22PM. Sushinoyuki is a rotational sushi restaurant located on the second floor near exit 3 of Sanbon Station. (updated Dec 2025)
37.359087126.93370913Koren (꼬렌), 1142-1 Sanbon. 11AM - 9PM. (updated Dec 2025)
37.36126.9351Cafe Untie (카페 언타이), 202 Misung Bldg, ☏ +82 31-396-8686. A stylish dessert café known for its wide-cookie selections, specialty coffee brews and relaxed interior at Sanbon Rodeo Street. (updated Oct 2025)
37.359126.93552Cafe Papio (카페 파피오), 497 Beonyeong-ro. A large and modern café near Sanbon Station offering “Cream Brûlée Schneider” and other dessert-rich menus, dog-friendly space, great for friends or a relaxed afternoon. (updated Oct 2025)
37.361126.9373Cafe The Forest, 26-6 Beonyeong-ro. A “hidden gem” café emphasizing nature-inspired décor with a spacious interior, good for solo visits or quiet coffee breaks. (updated Oct 2025)
37.3555126.9444Cafe The Tree (카페더숲), 9 Yongho2-ro. A calm neighbourhood café full of green plants and wood-tone interiors; ideal for cozy chats or reading time, with signature desserts and lattes. (updated Oct 2025)
37.3612126.93685Cafe PAAM, 26-6 Beonyeong-ro. A bright café with large windows and a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Sanbon. Known for its expansive dessert menu and warm, inviting space—great for a casual date or a peaceful afternoon coffee. (updated Oct 2025)
37.357636126.9473796How Tasty, 731-8 Dang, ☏ +82 010-2483-9823. Monday-Friday: 7:30AM - 10PM Saturday: 8AM - 10PM / Sunday: 10AM - 6PM. How Tasty is a cafe with a comfortable atmosphere and a variety of menus in Dang-dong, Gunpo. Its signature drinks, Howlatte and Howmocaratte, feature a soft taste, and for handmade desserts, Bachike and Chewy Whinnang Ball are popular. (updated Dec 2025)
37.361287126.9369327Cozy Mansion (코지맨션), 719 Geumjeong. Monday-Friday: 11AM - 7PM Saturday: 11AM - 6PM / Sunday: 12AM - 6PM. Cozy Mansion is a cozy Sanbon Station cafe that provides a comfortable space with a combination of wood-toned interiors and emotional props. (updated Dec 2025)
37.337992126.9342839Joseph Paris (조셉파리), 1217, Bugok, ☏ +82 031-394-0908. 11AM - 6PM (Monthly Closed). Joseph Paris is a bakery cafe that specializes in French bread, offering a wide variety of baguettes, ciabatas, croissants, and more. (updated Dec 2025)
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