Gokseong-gun is one of 27 cities, counties and districts in Gwangju · Jeollanam-do. It has 11 neighborhoods (1 eup · 10 myeon) and 27,725 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Gokseong-eup with 8,088.
11neighborhoods
27,725residents
Landmark stamp: Seomjingang River
Winding gracefully past rolling green hills, this pristine waterway provides tranquil riverside scenery, cycling routes, and seasonal blossoms along its banks.
What to see
Winding clear river waters framed by lush mountain ridges offer splendid natural scenery for travelers exploring the quiet riverside pathways.
Visitor tip
Riding a nostalgic steam train or pedal rail bike alongside the flowing water lets travelers fully enjoy the cool riverside breeze.
Food nearby
Dining on grilled sweetfish or hearty spicy freshwater crab soup caught from clear river waters provides rich traditional flavors.
Food, festivals and stories of Gokseong-gun
On screen
Gokseong served as the atmospheric backdrop and primary filming location for director Na Hong-jin’s acclaimed thriller film.
Festivals
The Seomjingang Train Village hosts the annual World Rose Festival, featuring millions of blossoming roses from worldwide varieties.
Local food
Gokseong is famous for exceptionally sweet muskmelons nurtured by rich sunlight and savory freshwater mitten crab soup.
Local story
The ancient Buddhist legend of Won Hong-jang at Gwanumsa Temple is traditionally told as the origin of Simcheong.
Neighborhoods of Gokseong-gun (11)
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Gokseong-eup곡성읍eup · 8,088 residents
Story: Legend says Mount Dongaksan earned its name because celestial music echoed through the valley when Master Wonhyo founded a hermitage here.
Photo spot: You can capture serene travel photos beside the clear stream flowing across expansive flat rock beds along Dorimsa Valley.
Food: Visitors can savor hearty bowls of sundae soup alongside fresh seasonal mountain greens at the lively Gichamaeul Traditional Market.
Photo spot: The vibrant Rose Park in Seomjingang Train Village offers delightful backdrops for colorful travel photos among thousands of blooming roses.
Fun fact: Riding the nostalgic steam train and rail bikes along the scenic riverside tracks provides refreshing views over the Seomjingang River.
Name: The name Ogok-myeon originated from the geographic feature of five distinct valleys harmoniously gathering together across the tranquil countryside.
Name: The name Samgi-myeon originated from the belief that this land embraces wondrous energy from three prominent surrounding mountain peaks.
Food: The region is widely celebrated for producing remarkably sweet and juicy muskmelons nurtured carefully in mineral-rich loess soils under abundant sunlight.
Photo spot: Hikers ascending the scenic trails of Tongmyeongsan Mountain can capture sweeping panoramic views overlooking fertile fields and undulating ridges.
Food: Grilled black pork cooked over fragrant oak charcoal delivers savory, smoky flavors that have attracted food lovers for generations.
Photo spot: During autumn, picturesque fields of colorful cosmos along the Daehwanggang River create stunning settings for memorable travel photography.
Name: The name Seokgok reflects its terrain, describing a riverside valley historically abundant with stones and pebbles along the waterways.
Story: Local lore proudly recounts that this historic township produced eighteen regional governors, known as moksa, across past dynasties.
Photo spot: A quiet stroll along the embankments of the winding Boseonggang River offers picturesque views of untouched rural tranquility.
Food: Sunlit orchards on the mountain foothills yield remarkably fragrant passion fruits praised for their delightful balance of sweetness and acidity.
Story: Historic Taeansa Temple, established during the Unified Silla period, preserves timeless spiritual legends within its deeply revered mountain sanctuary.
Photo spot: The historic wooden bridge pavilion Neungpagak, built gracefully across the valley stream at Taeansa Temple, provides an exquisite scenic photograph.
Food: Local eateries where rivers converge serve savory spicy mitten crab stew and delicate sweetfish sashimi fresh from pure waters.
Name: The name Okgwa originates from poetic Chinese characters symbolizing precious jade and fruitful, clear streams flowing through this land.
Photo spot: Visitors can photograph striking outdoor sculptures harmonized with nature around the Okgwa Museum of Art, founded by master painter Cho Bang-won.
Story: Mount Seolsan, crowned with dramatic pale rock formations, retains ancient legends of mountain spirits and historic Baekje fortress ruins.
Photo spot: Perched beneath ancient pine trees, Hamheojeong Pavilion commands breathtaking, postcard-perfect vistas over the sparkling currents of the Seomjingang River.
Fun fact: Jewol Island, nestled inside the river bend, offers tranquil woodland walking paths and eco-friendly outdoor adventure spaces for families.
Story: Local history tells that scholar Shim Gwang-hyeong built Hamheojeong Pavilion to teach students and cultivate noble scholarly virtue amidst nature.
Fun fact: Every autumn, this community celebrates its agricultural heritage with festivals showcasing fields filled with fluffy, white blooming cotton bolls.
Photo spot: Charming cotton fields and rustic installations in the local Cotton Park provide delightfully heartwarming photo opportunities for passing travelers.
Name: The name Gyeom reflects the cultural virtue of humility, signifying a community that values modesty, respect, and mutual consideration.
Story: Gwaneumsa Temple on Mount Seongdeoksan preserves the heartfelt tale of maiden Won Hong-jang, widely regarded as the folkloric origin of Simcheong.
Photo spot: The peaceful forest pathways and rustic stone walls leading to ancient Gwaneumsa Temple provide tranquil backdrops for contemplative travel photographs.
Name: The name Osan describes majestic mountain scenery traditionally likened to crow wings soaring gracefully over quiet woodlands and hills.
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.