Cheongdo-gun is one of 23 cities, counties and districts in Gyeongsangbuk-do. It has 9 neighborhoods (2 eup · 7 myeon) and 39,954 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Cheongdo-eup with 10,903.
9neighborhoods
39,954residents
Landmark stamp: Unmunsa Temple
Tucked beneath Mount Unmun in Cheongdo, this peaceful Buddhist monastery features spacious grounds, historic wooden architecture, and an ancient weeping pine tree.
What to see
A massive weeping pine tree spreading its graceful branches across the courtyard captivates visitors with its tranquil presence.
History
Founded in ancient times, this historic Buddhist sanctuary served as the place where monk Iryeon completed the Samguk Yusa.
Visitor tip
Because the temple hosts a Buddhist monastic academy for nuns, visitors should maintain respectful quiet while walking through grounds.
Food, festivals and stories of Cheongdo-gun
Local food
Cheongdo is famous for seedless flat persimmons and fragrant Hanjae water dropwort.
Festivals
Cheongdo hosts the annual Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival featuring dynamic matches between traditional Korean bulls.
Did you know?
The Cheongdo Wine Tunnel repurposes a former railway tunnel to age persimmon wine and welcome tourists.
Local story
Unmunsa Temple in Cheongdo is a historic Buddhist temple where monk Iryeon wrote the Samguk Yusa.
Neighborhoods of Cheongdo-gun (9)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Hwayang-eup화양읍eup · 7,844 residents
Photo spot: You can stroll along the stone fortress walls of Cheongdo Eupseong to capture scenic photos against the historic ramparts and tranquil pond.
Story: Legend says a large drum once hung from Mangmiru Pavilion in Dojugwan to strike the hours and wish for peace throughout the town.
Food: Inside the converted railway tunnel, visitors can sample chilled glasses of fragrant fruit wine crafted from locally harvested seedless persimmons.
Food: The bustling food street in front of Cheongdo Station serves steaming bowls of savory fish soup boiled with fresh pond loaches.
Story: Whenever severe droughts struck the region, local villagers climbed the peak of Yonggaksan resembling dragon horns to hold sincere rain rituals.
Fun fact: Sindo Village preserves the historic roots where modern rural reform initiatives began by repairing straw roofs and paving neighborhood lanes.
Food: The bustling traditional market serves hearty beef head soup simmered for hours in grand iron cauldrons during five-day market gatherings.
Photo spot: Walking along the wooden boardwalk around Seonggok Reservoir offers picturesque views where tranquil waters mirror the surrounding gentle mountain slopes.
Story: Local legends tell that the three-story stone pagoda in Bonggi-ri has silently protected the peace of the village since ancient Silla times.
Name: The township name literally describes its northern geographical location relative to the historical district center of old Punggak-hyeon.
Photo spot: Driving along the winding Heoltijae mountain pass rewards travelers with panoramic scenery of dense forests stretching across gentle mountain ridges.
Food: Crisp apples grown along the cool foothills of Biseulsan are renowned for their crunchy texture and exceptionally rich sweet juice.
Story: Legend says when the ancient kingdom of Iseo attacked Silla, mysterious spirit warriors with bamboo leaves in their ears defeated them.
Food: The locally grown seedless flat persimmons boast a tender texture and melting sweetness that can be enjoyed with a spoon.
Fun fact: Ancient earthen fortress remains and burial mounds recorded in historic chronicles showcase the deep heritage of the early regional confederacy.
Story: Buddhist master Ilyeon resided at Unmunsa Temple to compile the monumental Samguk Yusa, recording the founding myth and ancient Korean history.
Photo spot: The sprawling weeping pine tree at Unmunsa spreads its low branches gracefully, making it a captivating subject for memorable photographs.
Fun fact: Scenic roads winding around the pristine reservoir of Unmun Lake reveal breathtaking morning vistas as ethereal mist drifts over tranquil waters.
Story: The historic traditional residence in Imdang-ri preserves unique heritage as an ancestral home inhabited across generations by royal court eunuchs.
Photo spot: Strolling past historic academies and tile-roofed residences along Dongchangcheon Stream provides atmospheric photo backdrops framed by traditional stone walls.
Food: A historic century-old brewery in Donggok crafts smooth traditional rice wine using pristine underground well water filtered through granite bedrock.
Name: The township name originated from scenic natural landscapes where wild plum trees once blossomed abundantly across expansive riverside fields.
Story: Joseon authorities established royal grain storehouses called Dongchang here, which eventually gave its name to the meandering Dongchangcheon Stream.
Food: Savory bowls of freshwater snail soup boiled with soybean paste and mallow greens offer deeply comforting and refreshing flavors.
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.