Yeongwol-gun is one of 18 cities, counties and districts in Gangwon. It has 9 neighborhoods (2 eup · 7 myeon) and 35,570 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Yeongwol-eup with 19,133.
9neighborhoods
35,570residents
Landmark stamp: Jangneung Royal Tomb
Set amid dense pine groves in Yeongwol, this UNESCO World Heritage royal tomb commemorates King Danjong and displays traditional Joseon Dynasty funerary architecture.
History
This historic royal tomb holds King Danjong of the Joseon Dynasty and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Legends & stories
The site carries the touching story of loyal official Eom Heung-do, who secretly buried the dethroned young monarch despite danger.
What to see
Unlike typical royal burial grounds on level ground, the burial mound sits high on a hill surrounded by curved pine trees.
Food, festivals and stories of Yeongwol-gun
Local food
At Seobu Market in Yeongwol, travelers enjoy savory buckwheat crepes alongside comforting soups made from freshwater marsh snails.
Local story
Yeongwol preserves Cheongnyeongpo and Jangneung, the poignant historical sites where the tragic young King Danjong lived in remote exile.
On screen
The nostalgic streets and old tea houses of downtown Yeongwol served as the primary filming locations for the hit film Radio Star.
Neighborhoods of Yeongwol-gun (9)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Yeongwol-eup영월읍eup · 19,133 residents
Story: Legend says the ancient Gwaneumsong pine tree at Cheongnyeongpo saw and listened to the sorrowful weeping of exiled young King Danjong.
Photo spot: Byeolmaro Observatory atop Bongnaesan offers a stunning vantage point to photograph glittering town lights alongside shimmering constellations across the night sky.
Food: In the alleys of Seobu Market, visitors can savor freshly rolled buckwheat crepes alongside sweet and spicy crispy fried chicken.
Name: The township is named after the wandering poet Kim Satgat whose historical grave and literary legacy are preserved in the valley.
Story: The name of Gossidonggul Cave originated when the Go family sought refuge deep inside its limestone chambers during the Japanese invasion.
Photo spot: Meandering along the Okdongcheon Stream, Gimsatgat Valley boasts crystal-clear waters and jagged rock formations that create picturesque photography scenes year-round.
Story: The former mining village of Macha-ri preserves touching stories of miners who toiled in pitch-black tunnels to support their families.
Photo spot: Restored alleys and vintage storefronts at the Gangwon Coal Mine Cultural Village provide charming retro backdrops for memorable photos.
Fun fact: Geological formations in Mungok-ri preserve ancient Paleozoic desiccation cracks and rare stromatolite fossils formed in shallow primordial seas.
Name: The township was renamed after Seonam Village where meandering river bends carve a rock promontory shaped like the Korean Peninsula.
Photo spot: Looking out from the Hanbando Observation Deck captures an iconic panorama of lush pine forests encircled by the looping Pyeongchanggang River.
Story: Traditional folk songs in Seonam Village recall hardy raftsmen who steered wooden timber rafts down treacherous river rapids bound for Hanyang.
Name: The township combined the names of Mureung-ri and Dowon-ri to evoke the image of an idyllic peach blossom paradise.
Story: Beopheungsa Temple nestled on Mount Sajasan was established by the eminent Silla monk Jajang to enshrine sacred Buddha relics.
Photo spot: The smooth sculpted potholes of Yoseonam Rock and the cliffside Yoseonjeong Pavilion compose an enchanting landscape reminiscent of traditional ink paintings.
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.