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Taebaek-si, Gangwon

Taebaek-si is one of 18 cities, counties and districts in Gangwon. It has 8 neighborhoods (8 dong) and 36,642 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Sangjang-dong with 11,240.

8neighborhoods

36,642residents

Landmark stamp: Taebaeksan Mountain

Revered across generations as a holy peak, this prominent mountain in Taebaek attracts hikers with its expansive alpine vistas and snowscapes during winter.

Legends & stories: Revered as a sacred mountain since ancient times, its summit altar has long hosted memorial rituals dedicated to the heavens.
What to see: Hiking through the winter snowscapes brings you face to face with majestic, centuries-old yew trees standing across the ridge.
Food nearby: After hiking the trails, savoring a spicy pot of soupy mul-dakgalbi in downtown Taebaek makes for an energizing meal.

Food, festivals and stories of Taebaek-si

Local food: Savory Taebaek water dakgalbi served with rich broth and premium mountain-pastured Hanwoo beef are local culinary delights.
Festivals: The annual Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival transforms the winter landscape into a wonderland filled with colossal snow sculptures and fun.
On screen: An abandoned coal mining site in Taebaek served as the iconic military filming location for the hit drama Descendants of the Sun.
Did you know?: Located right in downtown Taebaek, the historic Hwangji Pond continuously pumps pure groundwater that forms the source of the Nakdong River.

Neighborhoods of Taebaek-si (8)

Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.

Hwangji-dong황지동dong · 7,572 residents

Story: Legend says a greedy rich man's house sank into a pond and his daughter-in-law turned to stone.
Food: Alleys near Hwangji Free Market serve bubbling mul-dakgalbi, a savory chicken and vegetable stew cooked in spicy broth.
Photo spot: Walking paths surrounding Hwangji Pond offer lovely night photos as pure spring waters reflect twinkling decorative lights.

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Hwangyeon-dong황연동dong · 3,556 residents

Name: The village of Tong-ri earned its name because the surrounding mountain basin resembles a traditional wooden feeding trough.
Photo spot: Climbing the observation tower at Aurora Park reveals sweeping panoramic views across surrounding rugged mountain ridges and canyons.
Food: Held on days ending in five and ten, Tongni Market offers fresh mountain herbs and warm buckwheat rolls.

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Samsu-dong삼수동dong · 4,674 residents

Name: The area was named Samsu because rainfall divides here to flow toward three different seas across the Korean peninsula.
Story: Folklore tells that a giant serpent in Geomnyongso swam up the river and struggled to ascend to heaven as a dragon.
Photo spot: On Maebongsan Wind Hill, visitors capture striking photographs against giant white wind turbines and vast green cabbage fields.

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Sangjang-dong상장동dong · 11,240 residents

Story: Locals fondly remember Kkomaengi, a cheerful village dog humorously said to carry paper money during the mining boom years.
Photo spot: Colorful murals decorating the alleys of Namdong village depict the warm daily life and cherished memories of coal miners.
Fun fact: Hillside alleys where miners once lived in company housing have been thoughtfully revitalized as a picturesque open-air mural district.

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Mungoksodo-dong문곡소도동dong · 3,127 residents

Story: Ancient people gathered at Cheonjedan Altar on Taebaeksan to hold sacred rituals praying for national peace and prosperity.
Photo spot: Snow-covered Danggol Valley and ancient yew groves offer picturesque winter scenes ideal for capturing memorable seasonal photographs.
Name: The name Sodo is believed to stem from sacred sanctuaries where ancient rituals and ceremonies were performed in prehistoric times.

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Jangseong-dong장성동dong · 2,876 residents

Story: Stories remain of mining families lighting candles and praying deeply for the safe return of workers entering the deep underground pits.
Fun fact: Home to the historic Jangseong Mining Office, this area preserves the enduring legacy and collective memories of the nation's coal industry.
Photo spot: Visitors can take atmospheric photos among vintage mining cottages and weathered red-brick structures that evoke bygone decades.

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Gumunso-dong구문소동dong · 2,047 residents

Name: Gumunso literally means a deep pool where water passes through an opening carved into a massive rocky cliff.
Story: Legend says a white dragon hurled thunder to pierce through the cliff and defeat a blue dragon in their territorial duel.
Photo spot: Visitors can capture stunning landscape pictures featuring the dramatic natural stone archway towering over clear running waters.

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Cheoram-dong철암동dong · 1,550 residents

Name: The name Cheoram stems from a massive iron-colored rock standing firmly at the traditional entrance of the village.
Photo spot: Along Cheoramcheon Stream, distinctive stilt buildings extended over the water offer unique and nostalgic architectural scenes for photographers.
Story: Alleys near Cheoram Station retain vivid memories of bustling taverns where hardworking miners relaxed after long shifts underground.

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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.