Yeongcheon-si is one of 23 cities, counties and districts in Gyeongsangbuk-do. It has 16 neighborhoods (5 dong · 1 eup · 10 myeon) and 93,387 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Dongbu-dong with 25,148.
Perched atop Mount Bohyeon in Yeongcheon, this scientific research facility studies celestial bodies and provides visitors with educational exhibits and starry night skies.
What to see
Strolling along the elevated wooden boardwalk atop the ridge reveals uninterrupted panoramic views across rolling green mountain ranges.
Visitor tip
Visiting on a clear evening allows stargazers to gaze upward at countless twinkling stars scattered across the pristine night sky.
History
Established to advance modern optical astronomy, this mountain facility houses research telescopes examining distant galaxies and solar activity.
Food, festivals and stories of Yeongcheon-si
Local food
Yeongcheon is renowned across Korea for its sweet sun-ripened grapes and its bustling traditional Korean medicinal herb markets.
Festivals
Yeongcheon hosts the annual Yeongcheon Herbal Medicine Festival each autumn, showcasing premium traditional herbs and wellness remedies.
Did you know?
Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory stands atop Bohyunsan Mountain in Yeongcheon, featuring large optical telescopes beneath clear starry skies.
Local story
Yeongcheon honors Goryeo General Choi Mu-seon, who famously invented gunpowder weapons to defend the nation against invading pirates.
Neighborhoods of Yeongcheon-si (16)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Geumho-eup금호읍eup · 9,705 residents
Name: Its name originated from the poetic belief that the wind brushing against the river waters sounds just like playing a geomungo zither.
Food: Local wineries craft flavorful artisanal wines using sweet grapes cultivated across sun-drenched vineyards along the fertile river plains.
Photo spot: Walking along the Geumhogang riverside promenade offers scenic photo opportunities featuring blooming silver grass under the glowing sunset.
Story: Legend says Eunhaesa was named because the morning mist rising through the mountain valley resembled an enchanting silver sea.
Photo spot: The Gumpojeong pine forest path leading to Eunhaesa provides a refreshing backdrop filled with centuries-old trees and evergreen fragrance.
Fun fact: Nestled on the eastern slopes of Palgongsan, the area is home to historic Buddhist temples and tranquil mountain hermitages.
Story: History says local defenders attempted to build a stone fortress atop the mountain during the Imjin War, though famine halted its completion.
Photo spot: Climbing up to the Hwasansanseong windmill observatory rewards visitors with panoramic views overlooking Gunwiho lake and undulating ridges.
Name: The area was named Hwasan because the surrounding mountain terrain resembles the graceful shape of a blooming flower.
Name: Its name Hwanam reflects its geographic location lying directly south of neighboring Hwasan-myeon across the rolling countryside.
Fun fact: Benefiting from clean streams and crisp mountain air descending from Bohyeonsan, numerous scenic apple orchards flourish across the hills.
Story: Villagers historically gathered at mountain ponds during severe droughts to conduct earnest rain rituals that brought desperately needed rainfall.
Story: Imgo Seowon was established to honor the unyielding loyalty and scholarly virtues of Goryeo statesman Jeong Mong-ju.
Photo spot: A massive, centuries-old ginkgo tree standing outside Imgo Seowon displays brilliant golden foliage every autumn, attracting avid photographers.
Name: Dating back to an ancient Silla county designation, the name denotes a peaceful settlement of high hills and fertile fields.
Story: Manbulsa was founded at the foot of Manbulsan to pray for peace, enshrining countless sacred Buddha statues across the grounds.
Photo spot: The towering gilded Amitabha Buddha and distinctive pagodas across Manbulsa grounds create an exotic, majestic setting perfect for memorable photos.
Fun fact: National Cemetery Yeongcheon honors noble patriots who sacrificed for the country, drawing solemn visitors seeking remembrance and respect.
Story: Folklore promises that if the sacred wish stone feels impossibly heavy to lift after praying sincerely, your heartfelt wish will come true.
Photo spot: Dolhalmae Park, housing the legendary wishing stone, features peaceful pathways and welcoming resting pavilions ideal for quiet souvenir photography.
Name: The name was assigned during the Joseon Dynasty to signify a peaceful town situated toward the north of the magistrate office.
Food: Cultivated under plentiful sunshine, the plump local peaches are widely praised for their intoxicating fragrance and intensely sweet juice.
Photo spot: Pink peach blossoms paint hillside orchards in vibrant shades each spring, transforming the peaceful countryside into a breathtaking floral wonderland.
Name: The township was christened Daechang to express heartfelt aspirations for tremendous prosperity and abundant well-being for all villagers.
Photo spot: Uroji Nature Eco Park in the urban center features musical fountains and waterside boardwalks ideal for capturing picturesque nighttime photographs.
Story: Local tales describe how creating Uroji reservoir provided vital agricultural irrigation in this dry region, helping the neighborhood flourish over generations.
Fun fact: Situated in eastern Yeongcheon, this bustling district features modern residential complexes, schools, and vibrant community commercial centers.
Story: Joseon Dynasty diplomatic missions to Japan held grand farewell banquets and exchanged poetic verses at Joyanggak pavilion before continuing south.
Photo spot: Perched gracefully atop rocky cliffs over Geumhogang river, historic Joyanggak pavilion offers magnificent scenery for riverside travel photography.
Name: The district derived its name Seobu from its historical position situated just outside the west gate of ancient Yeongcheon Eupseong fortress.
Photo spot: Yeongcheon Hanui Village features graceful traditional tile-roofed buildings and scenic garden walkways, creating wonderful backgrounds for cultural photos.
Fun fact: The area features dedicated cultural exhibition halls and authentic hanok lodgings where visitors can experience traditional oriental medicine practices.
Name: The name Nambu refers directly to its southern geographical position across the flat plains south of the Geumhogang river.
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.