Hoengseong-gun is one of 18 cities, counties and districts in Gangwon. It has 9 neighborhoods (1 eup · 8 myeon) and 45,417 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Hoengseong-eup with 20,162.
9neighborhoods
45,417residents
Landmark stamp: Taegisan Mountain
Soaring along the border of Hoengseong, this windy highland destination features rolling mountain ridges dotted with modern wind turbines and scenic trekking trails.
Legends & stories
Local legends tell of King Taegi of the Jinhan confederacy, who built mountain ramparts here to resist invading Silla forces.
What to see
Giant wind turbines lined along the mountain crest combine beautifully with glistening frost blossoms decorating tree branches in winter.
Visitor tip
Many stargazers travel toward the high Yanggudumijae mountain pass at night to observe sparkling constellations and the Milky Way.
Food, festivals and stories of Hoengseong-gun
Local food
Hoengseong is renowned across Korea for its tender Hanwoo beef and traditional sweet red bean steamed buns.
Festivals
Held every autumn, the Hoengseong Hanwoo Festival welcomes visitors to taste grilled beef and experience lively local agricultural traditions.
Local story
Mount Taegisan carries an ancient legend about King Taegi of the Jinhan confederacy, who built a mountain fortress here.
Neighborhoods of Hoengseong-gun (9)
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Hoengseong-eup횡성읍eup · 20,162 residents
Food: Visitors can savor savory buckwheat crepes and traditional corn noodles at Hoengseong Traditional Market held along the scenic Seomgang stream.
Photo spot: The scenic riverside bicycle path along the banks of Seomgang stream offers a lovely backdrop with blooming seasonal wildflowers.
Story: Hoengseong Hyanggyo served as a local Confucian school during the Joseon Dynasty, preserving traditional scholarly teachings throughout centuries.
Food: Travelers constantly visit this quiet town to taste warm and chewy steamed buns generously filled with sweet red bean paste.
Photo spot: Whimsical sculptures of goblins and steamed buns along the charming street corners create fun opportunities for memorable photographs.
Story: A charming legend says that wine once miraculously flowed from a rock along Jucheon-gang, pouring refined liquor for nobles and brew for commoners.
Name: The area received its name because soldiers accompanying King Taejong washed their battle armor in the local stream.
Photo spot: Section 5 of Hoengseong Lake Path features peaceful lakeside trails overlooking glistening waters, offering picture-perfect spots in every season.
Story: Loyal scholar Won Cheon-seok famously declined government posts and hid among rocks to evade the persistent calls of his former pupil, King Taejong.
Food: As the primary harvesting center for fragrant mountain deodeok roots, this quiet village hosts a vibrant culinary festival every autumn.
Story: Nestled deep in the forest of Bongboksan, Bongboksa is a time-honored temple believed to have been established by Monk Jajang during the Silla Kingdom.
Photo spot: The scenic valley around Bongboksa, framed by clear stream waters and picturesque boulders, provides a stunning natural setting for photography.
Photo spot: The heron sanctuary in Maegok-ri attracts hundreds of migratory egrets and herons each spring, creating a splendid destination for wildlife photography.
Story: The stone seated Buddha at Balsan-ri temple site has been revered for generations as a guardian statue protecting the local community from misfortune.
Story: Catholic believers fleeing persecutions during late Joseon settled in these secluded mountains, creating a secret farming community to practice their faith.
Photo spot: The brick facade and graceful Gothic bell tower of Pungsuwon Catholic Church provide an exquisite background for capturing timeless, peaceful pictures.
Name: The area was named Gangnim, meaning the royal descent, because King Taejong personally traveled here in search of his revered mentor.
Story: The tragic legend of Nogoso pool tells of an elderly woman who drowned herself out of guilt after deliberately misdirecting King Taejong.
Photo spot: Perched above cliffs overlooking Jucheon-gang, the historic Taejongdae pavilion provides an exceptional vantage point to photograph sweeping views of the river canyon.
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.