Chilgok-gun is one of 23 cities, counties and districts in Gyeongsangbuk-do. It has 8 neighborhoods (3 eup · 5 myeon) and 103,288 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Waegwan-eup with 29,545.
8neighborhoods
103,288residents
Landmark stamp: Hoguk Bridge
Stretching over the Nakdonggang River in Chilgok, this preserved iron railway bridge serves as a poignant memorial honoring historic wartime sacrifice and peace.
History
This iron bridge carries poignant wartime memories from the Korean War when forces destroyed sections to defend the Nakdong River line.
What to see
Walking along the preserved pedestrian bridge allows visitors to gaze upon the tranquil waters of the historic Nakdong River below.
Visitor tip
Soft decorative lights illuminate the steel truss structure at night, making it a peaceful destination for evening riverside strolls.
Food, festivals and stories of Chilgok-gun
Local food
Covered in expansive acacia woodlands, Chilgok is famous for harvesting sweet and fragrant pure honey every early summer.
Did you know?
A fierce battleground during the Korean War, Chilgok preserves the historic Waegwan Iron Bridge as a meaningful symbol of peace.
Festivals
Every autumn along the Nakdong River, Chilgok hosts a grand cultural festival dedicated to honoring veterans and sharing hopes for peace.
Neighborhoods of Chilgok-gun (8)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Waegwan-eup왜관읍eup · 29,545 residents
Name: The district's name traces back to the historic Waegwan trading post where Japanese envoys and merchants traded along the Nakdonggang River during the Joseon Dynasty.
Photo spot: Take a scenic stroll across Chilgok Hoguk Bridge spanning the Nakdonggang River to capture panoramic views of the water and open skies.
Story: Ancient houses like Gamhodang in Maewon Village preserve a noble Joseon legacy, offering travelers peaceful walks past timeless tiled-roof estates.
Story: Scholar Gil Jae retired to Yulli Village during the late Goryeo Dynasty, devoting the rest of his life to teaching Confucian values.
Photo spot: Walk along the refreshing Geumodongcheon Valley in Sungo-ri to photograph cascading clear streams framed by lush green trees and rugged stones.
Food: Crisp water parsley cultivated with clean groundwater in Sungo-ri makes a legendary local treat when paired with grilled savory pork belly.
Story: The shrine honoring General Shin Ryu, who led the Joseon musketeers to victory during the Naseon expedition, rests quietly in Jung-ri.
Photo spot: Capture memorable evening photos surrounded by shimmering silver grass and riverside trails at the scenic Chilgokbo Ecological Park along the Nakdonggang River.
Fun fact: Cyclists following the Nakdonggang River bike trail frequently rest near the Chilgokbo stamp booth while enjoying the refreshing river breezes.
Name: The name Jicheon originated from the appearance of local streams branching out like tree twigs across the fertile valley landscape.
Story: Devout believers gathered secretly in the secluded Sinnammugol valley during religious persecutions, preserving their resilient Christian faith across generations.
Photo spot: Capture refreshing woodland moments along forested paths and cozy log cabins nestled deep inside Songjeong Natural Recreation Forest.
Story: Ancient Songnimsa Temple preserves a magnificent Unified Silla brick pagoda, housing sacred relics and telling centuries of Buddhist history.
Photo spot: Stroll across the floating wooden bridge at Dongmyeongji Waterfront Eco Park to take picturesque photos against the Palgongsan mountain ridge.
Food: Along the roads leading toward Hantijae, traditional restaurants serve piping-hot herbal chicken soup stewed with wild mushrooms and restorative herbs.
Story: Joseon soldiers and civilians built Gasan Mountain Fortress across steep ridges to protect local villagers during devastating wartime invasions.
Photo spot: Climb up the massive flat Gasanbawi Rock atop the fortress ridge to photograph the breathtaking panorama of surrounding mountain peaks.
Fun fact: The Dabudong War Memorial pays solemn tribute to soldiers who defended the critical Nakdonggang defensive line during the Korean War.
Name: The name Yangmok is said to derive from a mythical sacred tree said to blossom where the morning sun rises.
Story: Gwanhosanseong Fortress guarded strategic waterways on the Nakdonggang River since the Three Kingdoms period and was temporarily seized during foreign invasions.
Photo spot: Walk along the Gwanhosanseong Fortress trail perched above the curving Nakdonggang River to snap splendid scenic vistas beside traditional pavilions.
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.