Cheorwon-gun is one of 18 cities, counties and districts in Gangwon. It has 7 neighborhoods (4 eup · 3 myeon) and 39,593 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Dongsong-eup with 13,765.
7neighborhoods
39,593residents
Landmark stamp: Goseokjeong Pavilion
Overlooking basalt canyon walls along the Hantan River in Cheorwon, this riverside pavilion offers stunning views of distinctive rock formations and clear water.
What to see
A massive granite rock standing tall amid the Hantangang basalt canyon creates a breathtaking harmony with the emerald flowing river waters.
Legends & stories
Legend says that Im Kkeokjeong, a famous folk outlaw during the Joseon Dynasty, hid inside this rocky cave to help poor commoners.
Visitor tip
Riding a small boat along the river allows you to admire the grand basalt cliffs and sculpted rock formations from up close.
Food, festivals and stories of Cheorwon-gun
Local food
Grown in nutrient-rich volcanic soil with pristine waters, Cheorwon Odae rice is celebrated throughout Korea for its exceptional stickiness and flavor.
Festivals
Every winter, the Cheorwon Hantangang Ice Trekking Festival invites hikers to walk across frozen river ice beneath stunning volcanic cliffs.
Local story
The picturesque rock pavilion of Goseokjeong along the Hantan River carries legends of Im Kkeokjeong, a famous Joseon folk outlaw.
Did you know?
The ruined Cheorwon Labor Party Building stands preserved as a poignant cultural property bearing the solemn scars of the Korean War.
Neighborhoods of Cheorwon-gun (7)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Cheorwon-eup철원읍eup · 4,682 residents
Photo spot: Standing in front of the bullet-scarred Labor Party Building offers a solemn backdrop to reflect on modern Korean history through photography.
Story: Fierce battles reportedly stripped the ridge bare until it resembled a white horse lying down, giving Baekmagoji its lasting wartime name.
Fun fact: At the end of the severed railway, the rusty ruins of a train carriage remain preserved at Woljeong-ri Station.
Photo spot: Visitors can capture scenic waterside moments at Hwagang Swiri Park, where clear flowing streams meet sandy banks during sunny summer days.
Story: Tales of patriotic bravery surround General Hong Myeong-gu, who fought valiantly against Qing dynasty invaders during the Byeongja Horan conflict.
Food: Warm bowls of marsh snail soup, boiled with freshwater snails harvested from the clean Hwagang stream, offer a comforting local specialty.
Photo spot: The dramatic cascading waters of Sambuyeon Falls plummet across three distinct rocky basins, creating a magnificent backdrop for photography lovers.
Story: Legend holds that three dragons once ascended into the heavens from the three cauldron-shaped pools carving out the granite rock.
Fun fact: The Hantangang River Cliff Path allows adventurous hikers to observe stunning volcanic basalt formations along hanging walkways above the river gorge.
Photo spot: The towering solitary boulder of Goseokjeong flanked by scenic granite cliffs along the Hantangang River provides a truly picturesque photo spot.
Story: Local lore tells that the legendary folk outlaw Im Kkeok-jeong hid inside caves within the granite crags to evade imperial soldiers.
Fun fact: Dopiansa temple shelters a serene iron seated Vairocana Buddha statue, meticulously forged during the Unified Silla period inside its peaceful pavilion.
Photo spot: Wooden walkways weaving through lush oak forests at Bokjusan Recreational Forest provide ideal paths for snapping verdant woodland and stream landscape photos.
Story: Folktales recount that during a catastrophic ancient flood, only the mountain peak remained above water like a woven bamboo strainer.
Fun fact: Wasu Traditional Market bustles with energy as frontline soldiers and long-time residents gather together to trade goods and enjoy hearty meals.
Photo spot: The dramatic cascade of Maewoldae Falls tumbling down steep granite cliffs creates an awe-inspiring natural setting for capturing memorable photographs.
Story: Historical legends tell of scholar Kim Si-seup, who retreated here in seclusion after King Danjong's abdication, reciting mournful poetry upon the crags.
Fun fact: Blessed with cool mountain breezes and pristine water, this area yields exceptionally sweet paprika and juicy tomatoes celebrated across neighboring provinces.
Name: Yugok-ri village, nestled beneath the northern ridge, carries the old folksy name Bideukgeori due to terrain resembling a perched dove.
Fun fact: Located inside the Civilian Control Line, this secluded border zone preserves untouched natural habitats flourishing with diverse wildlife and migratory birds.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.