Inje-gun is one of 18 cities, counties and districts in Gangwon. It has 6 neighborhoods (1 eup · 5 myeon) and 30,636 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Inje-eup with 10,145.
6neighborhoods
30,636residents
Landmark stamp: Baekdamsa Temple
Tucked inside a tranquil valley of Seoraksan Mountain in Inje, this secluded Buddhist temple features stone pagodas and streams lined with prayer stones.
History
Independence activist and poet Han Yong-un resided here, where he composed his renowned poetry collection The Silence of Love during Japanese colonial rule.
What to see
Thousands of small stacked stone pagodas built by wishing visitors blanket the wide pebble stream bank spreading outside the serene Buddhist complex.
Visitor tip
Visitors typically park at Yongdae-ri and take a designated shuttle bus or enjoy an extended nature hike along the winding mountain valley.
Food, festivals and stories of Inje-gun
Local food
Weathering icy winter winds from Mount Seoraksan, repeatedly frozen and thawed Yongdaeri hwangtae delivers rich umami flavor and tender texture.
Festivals
The winter Inje Ice Smelt Festival invites families onto the frozen surface of Lake Soyangho to fish for shimmering lake smelts.
Did you know?
The Whispering Birch Forest in Inje presents a breathtaking dreamlike scenery filled with hundreds of thousands of slender white birch trees.
Local story
Situated in the secluded valleys of Mount Seoraksan, Baekdamsa Temple provided sanctuary where patriotic monk Han Yong-un practiced meditation and poetry.
Neighborhoods of Inje-gun (6)
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Inje-eup인제읍eup · 10,145 residents
Photo spot: In Wondae-ri Birch Forest, dense white birch trees create an enchanting landscape that makes for wonderful photos throughout all four seasons.
Story: Since the Joseon Dynasty, people gathered at Hapgangjeong Pavilion where two rivers meet to conduct rituals praying for peace across the province.
Name: The regional name is believed to originate from Chinese characters depicting winding streams flowing gracefully through the surrounding mountains.
Story: Situated along the historic route toward Seoraksan, Sinnam-ri prospered as a lively tavern stop where weary long-distance travelers paused to rest.
Photo spot: Stretching along the waters of Soyangho Lake, the Susan-ri birch forest trail offers scenic photo spots blending tranquil waters and lush greenery.
Name: This township received its name during the late Joseon Dynasty simply because it was situated directly south of the Inje government office.
Story: Legend recounts that disastrous mountain wildfires ceased only after the local temple was renamed Baekdamsa, honoring a hundred deep mountain ponds.
Food: Repeatedly freezing and thawing in crisp mountain winds throughout the winter, Yongdae-ri hwangtae develops a distinctively tender texture and rich flavor.
Photo spot: Featuring broad flat boulders and cascading crystal currents, Sibiseonnyeotang Valley provides extraordinary backdrops for memorable photographs during the autumn foliage season.
Name: The township was named Girin because its surrounding ridgelines were thought to resemble the hoofprint of the mythical auspicious beast girin.
Story: A folklore tells of a wild ginseng seeker whose harvest spot miraculously welled up with sparkling carbonated spring water at Bangdong-yaksu.
Photo spot: Flourishing with waves of colorful wildflowers throughout the warm seasons, the scenic Gombaeryeong ridge trail provides charming backdrops for nature photography.
Story: High atop Daeamsan lies Yongneup, an enigmatic mountain bog where a dragon ascending to heaven was said to rest and drink water.
Name: The name Seohwa originated because of its northwestern location from the historic town center and its scenic mountains blooming like lovely flowers.
Fun fact: Bordering the Demilitarized Zone with minimal human interference, this borderland preserves an untouched natural sanctuary where rare plants and animals thrive peacefully.
Story: A renowned legend tells that a hunter tracking wounded game accidentally discovered Gaein-yaksu, a mineral spring spurting from between steep rocks.
Photo spot: Combining uniquely carved boulders and crystal-clear mountain streams, Misan Valley offers splendid photo opportunities amidst summer waters and brilliant autumn foliage.
Name: This mountainous district received the name Sangnam because it was partitioned from the upper territorial boundaries of the neighboring Nam-myeon region.
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.