Goseong-gun is one of 18 cities, counties and districts in Gangwon. It has 5 neighborhoods (2 eup · 3 myeon) and 27,203 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Toseong-myeon with 9,341.
5neighborhoods
27,203residents
Landmark stamp: Goseong Unification Tower
Situated near the northern border in Goseong, this coastal observatory allows visitors to look out across the Demilitarized Zone toward Geumgangsan Mountain.
What to see
On clear days, visitors can view magnificent northern peaks of Geumgangsan Mountain and scenic coastal rocks resting gracefully along the blue Sea.
History
Looking past barbed-wire military fences reminds visitors of national division while offering deep reflections on peace and eventual peninsula reconciliation.
Visitor tip
Before driving up toward the observatory tower, travelers need to register at the security park and watch a brief informational safety orientation.
Food, festivals and stories of Goseong-gun
Local food
Geojin Port in Goseong is famous for fresh seafood dishes, especially refreshing soups made with pollack and lumpsucker.
Festivals
Every early summer, the Goseong Lavender Festival is held at Hani Lavender Farm, covering the fields in vibrant purple blooms.
On screen
The picturesque Hwajinpo Beach and its surrounding lake served as memorable filming locations for the hit drama Autumn in My Heart.
Did you know?
From the Goseong Unification Tower, visitors can clearly view the majestic peaks of Geumgangsan Mountain on sunny days.
Neighborhoods of Goseong-gun (5)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Ganseong-eup간성읍eup · 7,328 residents
Name: Originating from the ancient Goguryeo name Dalhol, its current title signifies a sturdy defensive shield and fortress protecting borders.
Photo spot: Visitors can take wonderful photos while surrounded by fragrant purple blossoms blooming at Hani Lavender Farm in early summer.
Food: Ganseong Traditional Market offers generous servings of freshly caught seasonal seafood alongside tender buckwheat crepes prepared by local vendors.
Story: Geonbongsa Temple holds a remarkable history of Master Samyeong retrieving sacred Buddha tooth relics from Japan to safely enshrine them.
Photo spot: Climbing up to the Geojin Lighthouse observatory allows you to capture splendid photos overlooking the vast ocean and fishing harbor.
Food: Long renowned for pollock fisheries, the eateries around Geojin Port serve deeply comforting bowls of spicy pollock stew simmered with vegetables.
Story: A famous folktale describes how the mansion of a stingy man named Lee Hwajin sank into water to form Lake Hwajinpo.
Photo spot: Walking the marine deck walkway by Daejin Lighthouse offers an incredible vantage point for photos surrounded entirely by rolling ocean waves.
Fun fact: Housing the Unification Observatory alongside Jejin Station, this peaceful northern destination prompts quiet reflections on national division and future reconciliation.
Story: Wanggok Village carries the historical legacy of loyal Goryeo dynasty scholars who settled here in peaceful seclusion centuries ago.
Photo spot: Encircled by coastal pine woods, the lakeside paths around Songjiho provide serene backgrounds where wild birds rest on calm mirror waters.
Food: Quaint restaurants near Baekdo Port serve flavorful bowls of rice topped with fresh sea urchin harvested directly by local female divers.
Story: Legend says rice miraculously poured from Subawi Rock until an overly greedy monk ruined the magic by poking inside too aggressively.
Photo spot: The vibrant rainbow barriers lining Ayajin Beach create a cheerful foreground for memorable vacation photos against the azure sea.
Fun fact: Perched on a coastal cliff, Cheongganjeong Pavilion is counted among the eight scenic spots of Gwandong where historical poets appreciated nature.
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.