Jeongseon-gun is one of 18 cities, counties and districts in Gangwon. It has 9 neighborhoods (4 eup · 5 myeon) and 35,137 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Jeongseon-eup with 10,314.
9neighborhoods
35,137residents
Landmark stamp: Jeongseon Arirang Market
Serving as a lively traditional marketplace in Jeongseon, this bustling venue delights shoppers with fresh local herbs, hearty mountain delicacies, and cultural performances.
What to see
A vibrant five-day traditional market opens on days ending in two and seven, featuring cheerful performances of local folk songs for visitors.
Food nearby
You can enjoy rustic regional specialties such as savory buckwheat crepes, seasoned gondre rice, and chewy noodles called kotdeungchigi guksu.
Visitor tip
Taking the Jeongseon Arirang scenic train on market days lets you enjoy picturesque countryside views throughout your travel to the bustling town.
Food, festivals and stories of Jeongseon-gun
Local food
Visitors exploring the Jeongseon Five-Day Market can relish aromatic gondre herb rice alongside lively buckwheat noodles known as kottdeungchigi.
Local story
Auraji riverbank preserves a wistful folk legend of separated young lovers, which inspired the poignant melodies of Jeongseon Arirang.
On screen
The popular television variety show Three Meals a Day captured simple rustic living against the picturesque mountain landscapes of Jeongseon.
Neighborhoods of Jeongseon-gun (9)
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Jeongseon-eup정선읍eup · 10,314 residents
Name: Reflecting the Chinese characters meaning to praise virtue, peaceful village scenery unfolds along the gentle waters of the Joyanggang River.
Food: Visitors can savor chewy buckwheat noodles and seasoned gondre rice while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the traditional five-day market in Bongyang-ri.
Photo spot: The glass observation deck at Byeongbangchi Skywalk offers an expansive view of the Donggang River curving gracefully around a peninsula-shaped hill.
Story: Jeongamsa Temple preserves a sacred tradition where Buddha's relics are enshrined in the Sumano Pagoda, leaving the main worship hall without any statues.
Photo spot: Walking through the lush larch trees of Manhangjae Pass allows travelers to photograph dreamy morning mist floating over vibrant wildflower blooms.
Fun fact: Once a quiet coal town alley, Gohan 18-beonga has been transformed by local residents into a vibrant street filled with charming flower gardens.
Story: Heartfelt memories remain of miners who prayed earnestly for safe return to their families before descending into dark, dangerous coal shafts.
Photo spot: Along Sabuk 650 Street, travelers can take photos beside evocative statues depicting the everyday lives and bustling paydays of local coal miners.
Fun fact: The coal heritage exhibition hall preserved at the former Dongwon Coal Mine site displays authentic vertical shaft towers once used by working miners.
Story: Legend says that a villager safely crossed the steep mountain by following the lacquer-stained footprints left by his wandering pet dog.
Photo spot: Surrounded by vast high-altitude vegetable fields, the solitary pine tree at Time Capsule Park creates a picturesque scene for cinematic vacation photos.
Fun fact: Beneath the dramatic limestone cliffs of Baekunsan Mountain, the pristine Donggang River meanders through the tranquil valleys of Sindong-eup.
Story: Chilhyonsa Shrine in Mungok-ri honors seven Goryeo loyalists who chose quiet exile in the rugged mountains rather than serving a new dynasty.
Photo spot: When autumn breezes blow, the sweeping ridges of Mindungsan Mountain ripple with silver grass, creating magnificent backdrops for summit photos.
Fun fact: The vast silver grass colony on Mindungsan developed because villagers historically set controlled fires on the slopes to encourage edible wild green growth.
Story: Legend recounts that King Gal of the ancient Maek kingdom sought refuge and built a sanctuary here, giving Mount Gariwangsan its historical name.
Photo spot: The well-preserved vintage waiting room and wooden railway benches at Najeon Station provide an evocative setting for taking nostalgic retro photographs.
Fun fact: Riding the Gariwangsan Cable Car carries visitors smoothly up to the high mountain peak, revealing breathtaking panoramas across the vast mountain ranges.
Name: True to its Hanja name meaning overlooking a mountain stream, the township sits nestled in a tranquil basin gently embraced by the Goljicheon Stream.
Food: Thanks to cool alpine breezes and sharp day-night temperature swings, firm and pleasantly sweet apples thrive as a celebrated local specialty.
Fun fact: Drivers pausing at the scenic Baegbongnyeong Pass rest area can enjoy freshly rolled buckwheat crepes and traditional potato dumplings in the mountain breeze.
Story: A mythical steed was born here but plunged into the deep pool of Yongmaso after finding no hero worthy of riding it.
Photo spot: Perched atop towering red cliffs, the solitary ancient pine at Molundae creates a striking silhouette against the river valley for memorable photos.
Fun fact: Hwaam Cave presents an intriguing subterranean journey connecting historic gold mining tunnels directly to a vast natural cavern adorned with hanging stalactites.
Story: The sorrowful tale of two young lovers kept apart by swollen riverwaters at Auraji inspired the enduring lyrics of the folk ballad Jeongseon Arirang.
Photo spot: Travelers capture poetic riverside memories by posing beside the traditional stone stepping pathway and the bronze maiden statue at picturesque Auraji.
Name: Derived from Chinese characters meaning abundant grain and plenty of food, the township has long been known as a fertile and peaceful settlement.
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.