Hongcheon-gun is one of 18 cities, counties and districts in Gangwon. It has 10 neighborhoods (1 eup · 9 myeon) and 65,764 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Hongcheon-eup with 33,345.
10neighborhoods
65,764residents
Landmark stamp: Sutasa Temple
Nestled in a quiet forest valley in Hongcheon, this ancient Buddhist temple welcomes travelers seeking tranquility with its cultural treasures and soothing forest path.
History
Rebuilt during the late Joseon period, this peaceful temple preserves treasured historical assets including a bronze bell and Daejeokgwangjeon Hall.
What to see
Walking along the forested ecological trail next to the temple allows you to enjoy lotus ponds and clear valley streams.
Visitor tip
Visiting during autumn is especially pleasant as vibrant red maple foliage forms a colorful canopy along the valley path.
Food, festivals and stories of Hongcheon-gun
Local food
Spicy pork belly grilled over charcoal braziers and naturally sweet, chewy waxy corn are iconic culinary trademarks of Hongcheon.
Festivals
The annual Hongcheon River Ggongggong Festival offers exciting winter trout ice fishing, snowy sleigh rides, and festive traditional folk games.
Local story
Surrounding the eight rocky peaks of Palbongsan Mountain overlooking the river are long-standing folk legends praying for village peace and prosperity.
Did you know?
The ancient Sutasa Temple and its surrounding forest Oxygen Trail offer a tranquil, healing retreat along clear mountain streams and lush woods.
Neighborhoods of Hongcheon-gun (10)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Hongcheon-eup홍천읍eup · 33,345 residents
Name: The region was named after its wide, flowing streams that have nourished fertile riverside communities since ancient times.
Photo spot: Mugunghwa Park and the riverside walkway along Hongcheongang River offer wonderful backgrounds for memorable photographs during the blooming season.
Food: You can savor buckwheat pancakes and tadpole noodles while experiencing the warm country market atmosphere at Hongcheon Central Market.
Name: The geographic name Naechon signifies a peaceful, sheltered valley village safely nestled deep inside the surrounding protective mountain ridges.
Photo spot: Hiking along the pristine Yongso Valley near Baekusan Mountain allows travelers to photograph impressive granite boulders and sparkling cascade streams.
Food: Sweet pumpkins grown in high-altitude mountain fields with large daily temperature swings are prized for their rich, sweet flavor.
Story: Jajakgogae Pass preserves the moving historical memory of Donghak peasant fighters who courageously resisted foreign influence and royal injustice.
Photo spot: The cozy Seoseok Traditional Market provides vibrant visual scenes of bustling merchants and colorful country produce on regular market days.
Food: Crisp highland cucumbers and naturally brined cabbages cultivated under bright mountain sunshine are beloved regional culinary staples.
Name: Originating from Joseon Dynasty provincial boundaries, the name simply designated the community situated directly south of the local county office.
Story: Historical accounts tell of Yangdeokwon functioning as a bustling travel post where official couriers and weary wayfarers rested overnight.
Photo spot: Strolling along the quiet Yangdeokwoncheon Stream embankments allows travelers to take charming rural photographs surrounded by blooming wildflowers.
Photo spot: The eight craggy peaks of Palbongsan Mountain surrounded by the meandering Hongcheongang River present stunning scenic backdrops for dramatic landscape photos.
Story: Patriot Namgung Eok quietly distributed thousands of Sharon rose saplings from Mogok-ri to inspire national hope during colonial hardship.
Fun fact: Popular year-round leisure resorts and aquatic waterparks attract travelers looking for invigorating recreation and scenic mountain getaways.
Name: The administrative title originated in historical cartography, defining the villages positioned directly northward from the Hongcheon local government office.
Photo spot: Walking along observation boardwalks at the Gangwon Natural Environment Research Park allows nature lovers to photograph rare native botanical species.
Fun fact: Mineral-rich hot springs bubbling from deep granite aquifers provide relaxing retreat spaces where tired travelers recharge during chilly seasons.
Story: Folklore tells that the fizzy, iron-rich water bubbling from Sambong Mineral Spring cured illnesses and restored vigor to weary wanderers.
Photo spot: The observation deck at Unduryeong Pass offers sweeping panoramic viewpoints for photographing rolling waves of mountain ridges under drifting clouds.
Food: Crisp alpine cabbages and wild mountain garlic cultivated in chilly, high-altitude plateaus offer uniquely refreshing flavors.
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.