Anyang, Gyeonggi

Anyang
Anyang; 안양시
	— Municipal City —
Korean transcription(s)
- Hangul	안양시
- Hanja	安養市
- Revised Romanization	Anyang-si
- McCune-Reischauer	Anyang-si
	Downtown area near Anyang Station.
	; Emblem of Anyang
	; Emblem of Anyang
Country	South Korea
Region	Sudogwon
Administrative divisions	2 gu, 31 dong
	Area
- Total	58.5 km2 (22.6 sq mi)
	Population (2004)
- Total	618,732
- Density	10,576/km2 (27,391.7/sq mi)
- Dialect	Seoul

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Anyang is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It is located approximately 20 km south of Seoul and is connected to Seoul Subway Line 1 and Line 4. Other nearby cities include Ansan, Incheon and Gwangmyeong to the west, Suwon to the south-east, and Gwacheon due north-east. Anyang is generally divided into two sections: the older downtown section centered at Anyang Station in the north of Anyang, a shopping area with outdoor markets, and Pyeongchon, the wealthier, more upscale area further to the south. Strategically located, Anyang is a convenient transportation hub between Seoul and other major cities across the country.

Anyang city panorama, 2006.

[edit] History

As with most towns and cities in South Korea, Anyang has experienced tremendous urban growth during the past few decades. Ten years after the Korean War ended, the area's population was still largely rural and its landscape agricultural. Today, the conglomerated city of Anyang (amalgamated in 1973) is among the most populous in the country. It is also becoming a suburb of choice for some Seoulites because of its very close proximity to Seoul, and for the beautiful mountains and scenery that surround Anyang, shielding it from the larger urban centers nearby. The city also boasts perhaps the most beautiful, ultra-modern city hall in the entire country. The motto of Anyang is "Livable city, Proud citizens".

Anyang is also home to the Buddhist temple of Anyangsa, located on Mt. Samseong. The historical plaque at the site tells that it was built by King Hyogong of Unified Silla (AD 668 – 935 AD). The location was chosen by him for its mystical properties, which inspired the building of the temple upon travelling south to quell the rebellion in southern Silla. The plaque further elaborates that the name for the city of Anyang is believed to have originated from the temple. Anyang itself is a Buddhist term signifying a heavenly land where unimaginable joy and freedom overflow.

[edit] Education

Anyang has many institutions of higher learning which include Anyang Technical College, Anyang University, Daehan Graduate School of Theology, Daelim College, and Sungkyul University. Gyoengin National University of Education ([1]) is also nearby in the mountains.

[edit] Attractions

Anyang is home to the country's only Singing Road, which is made from grooves cut into the ground, which when driven over causes a tactile vibration and audible rumbling transmitted through the wheels into the car body. Drivers can hear the tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb", and the road is intended to help motorists stay alert and awake – 68% of traffic accidents in South Korea are due to inattentive, sleeping or speeding drivers.^[1]