Gumi-dong (구미동, 九美洞) is one of the 19 administrative dongs of Bundang. It is located in the southern section of the city of Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, and was the last neighborhood to be developed in this district. This large mainly middle to upper income residential area encompasses many different blocks of apartments and villas, several large commercial zones, and an abundance of green areas.
The residential areas in Gumi-dong include Kkachi Maeul (Magpie Village, 까치마을), Hayan Mauel (White Village, 하얀마을), and Moujigae Maeul (Rainbow Village, 무지개마을). It has four public schools and thirteen parks and playgrounds of varying size dotted throughout the area. They include among them Maunae and Gumi Parks, two of the largest in Bundang outside of Central Park. Situated at the foot of Bulgoksan Mountain, with its many hiking trails, Gumi-dong is the entrance to Goransa Temple. There are several large shopping districts and one of Bundang's three multiplexes is also located at the very southern tip of the dong. Two subway stations on the Bundang line of the Seoul subway serve this area, Migeum Station and Ori Station.
[edit] History
Since the Joseon Dynasty, the northern part of the Tancheon has been known as Gumi-ri, forming part of the township of Suji-myeon (수지면, 水眞面) in the county of Yongin (용인군, 龍仁郡). During the Japanese colonial period, authorities conducted a national administrative reorganization, whereby portions from three of Suji-myeon's dongs, Jukjeon (죽전, 竹田), Woncheon (원천, 遠川), and Gumi (구미), in addition to part of the township of Nakseng-myeon's Jeongja-dong, were amalgamated to form Gumi-ri (구미리, 九美里) in 1914. It was then placed within the administrative control of Nakseng-myeon.
On the 13th of September, 1971, Gumi-ri was incorporated into the newly established city of Seongnam as it was divided and made independent from Gwangju county. At the time it was incorporated into Geumgok-dong. Gumi was then transfered to the authority of Jungwon-gu on May 1st, 1989, only to be assigned as a dong of Bundang on September 17th, 1991, which had just recently been elevated to the status of gu. Within the jurisdiction of Gumi-dong were also Ori-dong (오리동, 五里洞) and Migeum-dong (미금동, 美金洞), though neither had an administrative or legal status. With the development of Bundang a number of communities in area were demolished to make way for the construction of the new apartment buildings and commercial development. They included Golan (골안), which was also represented with the Chinese characters 石村 and was also known as Dolmal (돌말). In addition, there was also Naummal (넘말), Central Gumi (가운데구미,中九美), Cliff Village 낭떠러지말, Lower Gumi (뒷구미, 後九美), Baulal (벌말, 坪村), Maune (머내, 遠川), Upper Gumi,(앞구미, 前九美), Oriddeul (오리뜰), and Jatgol (잣골).
[edit] Geography
The total area of Gumi-dong is 4.77 km², with a population of 38,022 (2006) people. It sits at the edge of the 313-meter Mount Bulgoksan and is the joining point between the northernly flowing Tancheon and the westerly flowing Dongmak Stream. Along the eastern boundary of Gumi-dong is Neungpyeong-ri, in Gwangju county's Opo-eup. To the west is Dongcheon-dong, in the the city of Yongin's Suji-gu. Geumgok1-dong and Jeongja3-dong sit along this dong's northern end.
[edit] Administration
The Gumi-dong office provides local government services to residents living in this area. Like a community recreation center, it also offers a number of programs including: Korean traditional dance and music, balloon art, quilting, ribbon and bead work, traditional paper folding, sports dance, sports dance for couples, makeup, hair and scalp care, watercolor painting, natural soap making, paper doll making, yoga, and bonzai/small garden care. The courses are generally given at little or no cost. More detailed information about scheduling can be found at the dong office website. Inside the office there is also a gymnasium, Internet room, lounge, and other facilities. The office is a few blocks from Ori Station on Gumi-ro.
[edit] Economy
The state-owned Korea National Housing Corporation is responsible for the provision of public housing in South Korea and is one of the largest suppliers of apartment complexes in the country. Employing approximately 38,000, the corporation has its headquarters in Gumi-dong. The Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled is also located in the area.
[edit] Education
Gumi-dong has 4 schools:
[edit] Entertainment
The area around Migeum Station is one of the five major spots of nightlife in Bundang - there are a large number of cafes, restaurants, bars and shopping centers. One of Bundang's three multiplex cinemas, a CGV with ten screens, just off Ori Station.
[edit] Restaurants
[edit] Shopping
2001 Outlet, near Migeum Station, sells brand names clothing at large discounts compared to other department stores. It is open from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm, and is closed on Sundays.
Gumi Park (구미공원, 九美公園) is the largest park in Gumi-dong and overlooks a bend in the Tancheon, past Seoul National University Hospital. This 24 hectare park is next to Bulgok Elementary School, and sits in the shade of a small tree-covered mountain with hiking paths leading to the lake on top. Whether sitting under a shady tree or in one of the park's pavillions, everywhere throughout the park one can see the water of the Tancheon flowing by as well as joggers out for their daily run. There are facilities for badminton, inline skating, a large playground, and there is also a small outdoor theater for anyone to use. The park is a weekend meeting place for a variety of clubs and is also home to the Gumi Badminton Club. Public parking is available.
[edit] Medical Serivces
The Bundang Seoul University Hospital is in Gumi-dong, majestically overlooking the Tancheon.
[edit] External links
