Surisan

Surisan is a mountain located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, straddling the cities of Anyang and Gunpo. Designated as Gyeonggi Provincial Park by the Gyeonggi Provincial Government in 2009, the mountain is notable for its cultural and natural significance.
Several Korean Buddhist temples are located on Surisan mountain and the surrounding areas. Surisan was designated a Park of Gyeonggi by Gyeonggi-do province in 2009.

Geography

Surisan is situated in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, at coordinates and. It forms part of the Gwangju Mountain Range and straddles the cities of Anyang and Gunpo.
The mountain rises to above sea level at its highest peak, Tae-Eul, and spans a total area of. Administrative divisions within its vicinity include portions of Anyang, Gunpo, and Ansan.

Peaks

Surisan features multiple prominent peaks:

Gwanmobong : in the northwest.
Seulgibong : in the southwest.
Suambong :.
Taeeulbong :, the highest point, located centrally.

Tae-Eul Peak derives its name from the rare feng shui phenomenon observed at sunrise, where its shadow resembles a large eagle with outstretched wings.

Geology and hydrology

The mountain's peaks and cliffs are predominantly composed of quartz, while its valleys contain weathered biotite schist, hornblende gneiss, and other gneissic formations. Surisan is also noted for its natural mineral springs.

Flora and fauna

Surisan's slopes are blanketed by deciduous broadleaf forests, primarily oak and Mongolian mulberry. In spring, the mountain is renowned for its vibrant azalea blooms, attracting hikers. Mammal species inhabiting the area include wild boar, raccoon dogs, weasels, moles, and rabbits.

Cultural sites

Several historic Korean Buddhist temples are located on the mountain, including Sangyeonsa, Yongjinsa, and Surisa.

Etymology

The origin of the name Surisan is debated, with three primary theories proposed:

Eagle Resemblance: The name may derive from the mountain's silhouette, where its peaks are said to resemble the shape of an eagle.
Surisa Temple: During the reign of King Jinheung of Silla, Surisa Temple was established on the mountain. The temple's name—interpreted as a "holy place for purifying body and mind "—reportedly lent its name to the mountain.
Royal Training Ground: A folk tradition claims that a son of a Joseon dynasty king trained on the mountain. The name allegedly combines su and ri, though historical records validating this account are scarce.
History

Joseon dynasty

Surisan was a prominent geographical feature during the Joseon dynasty. It is referenced in historical texts such as:

Sejong Sillok Jiriji, which describes the mountain as "called Chi San" in its entry on Ansan.
SinJung DongGukYeoJiSeongRam, which notes in its Ansan section: "Surisan, also referred to as Gyeonbulsan." The text's Gwacheon entry further specifies that Surisan lies "south of Gwacheon."
Taedongjiji, compiled by 19th-century Joseon cartographer Gim Jeong-ho. The Ansan section states: "To the east , also called Tae-Eulsan and Gyeonbulsan, this mountain is notably rugged and lofty."
Battle of Surisan (1951)

During the Korean War, the Battle of Surisan occurred from February 1–2, 1951, in northwestern Suwon. As part of Operation Thunderbolt, the United States First Corps launched a counteroffensive on January 25, 1951, to retake the Han River's southern bank. Key engagements included:

The U.S. 25th Infantry Division and the Turkish Brigade assaulting the Chinese 149th Division, which had entrenched itself on Surisan.
Coordinated support from the U.S. 999th Armored Field Artillery Battalion and 89th Medium Tank Battalion, enabling a pincer movement that dislodged Chinese forces from the mountain.

The United Nations Forces repelled an immediate Chinese counterattack, forcing the 149th Division to retreat north to Anyang. This victory allowed UN troops to advance and secure the Han River line by mid-February.

Folktale

Yellow Rock Tale

Yellow Rock is a prominent boulder located on Gwanmo Peak, near Sansinje Temple. According to legend:
During the Joseon dynasty, a king grieved over his lack of an heir for over 40 years. After fervent prayers by the royal court, a prince was finally born. When war erupted in the prince's third year, he was sent to Ganghwa Island for safety. During the voyage, a storm capsized his boat. A giant turtle emerged, rescuing the prince and carrying him to the shores of Gwanmo Peak.
Stranded for days and starving, the prince grew desperate. The turtle ventured to a nearby village to find food, but the prince—mistaking its absence for abandonment—struck a boulder in anger. The impact caused the rock to split, crushing the prince and mortally wounding the returning turtle. The prince's blood allegedly stained the rock yellow, giving Yellow Rock its name.
A nearby village in Anyang commemorates the tale with Turtle Rock, a stone monument said to mark the turtle's final resting place.

Sport

Mountain biking

Surisan is a popular destination for mountain biking, with several trails accessible via Seoul Subway Line 4. Notable routes include:

Gunpo Central Library Trail: Begins near Gunpo Central Library, ascends 200 meters to a temple entrance, and spans approximately 11 km. This trail is considered one of the easiest in the Seoul Metropolitan Area due to its moderate slope, stable terrain, and scenic views. Most riders complete the course in two hours.
Ridge Trail: Extends southeast from the mountain's five-way intersection.
Descent Route: A narrow road descending from the same intersection.

Most trails are unsuitable for standard cross-country bikes due to steep inclines, uneven surfaces, and limited width. The Sukbong-Jangmobong Trail is designated for hikers only.

Hiking and climbing

Surisan's hiking trails largely overlap with mountain biking routes, though several paths cater specifically to pedestrians:

Walking Trails: Frequent benches are installed along routes popular with novice hikers and locals.
Water Access: Hikers must carry sufficient water, as natural springs are scarce outside the summer rainy season. A freshwater spring is located near the Gunpo Central Library entrance, and Banwol reservoir lies southwest of the mountain.

The terrain includes rugged slopes and forested paths, with limited amenities.

Recent initiatives

Forest exploration class

Established in 2017, the Surisan Forest Exploration Class is a community-driven program spearheaded by Anyang to promote environmental education and local engagement. In May 2018, it was designated a flagship initiative under the city's Urban Renewal New Deal Project for its innovative approach to connecting youth with nature.

Structure: Professional forest guides lead schoolchildren through Surisan's woodland ecosystems, combining hands-on activities with detailed explanations of local flora.
Focus: Participants learn about forest ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable practices while engaging in exploratory tasks.

The program has been recognized as a model for integrating environmental education into urban renewal efforts.

Atopy forest experience class

On November 6, 2017, Surisan Forest Park hosted an Atopy Forest Experience Class for 50 children and parents. The event followed a two-month theoretical training program on managing atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, organized by the Sanbon Health Center.

Activities: Guided forest walks, nature-based therapy sessions, and experiential learning about the health benefits of phytoncides.
Health Impact: Participants engaged in immunity-boosting activities, leveraging Surisan's natural environment to alleviate symptoms of atopic conditions.

The Sanbon Health Center, which oversees Surisan's public health initiatives, operates 43 regional facilities dedicated to asthma relief and preventive care, offering year-round education and support.