Yeongju-si is one of 23 cities, counties and districts in Gyeongsangbuk-do. It has 19 neighborhoods (9 dong · 1 eup · 9 myeon) and 96,133 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Gaheung 1-dong with 14,862.
19neighborhoods
96,133residents
Landmark stamp: Buseoksa Temple
Set on Mount Bonghwang in Yeongju, this venerable Buddhist complex is celebrated for its historic wooden hall and sweeping panoramic views across rolling mountains.
History
Monk Uisang established this temple under royal command during Unified Silla to spread Buddhist teachings throughout the mountain kingdom.
What to see
Standing before Anyangnu Pavilion rewards visitors with panoramic vistas of overlapping mountain ridges fading softly into the distant horizon.
Legends & stories
A touching tale recounts how Lady Seonmyo transformed into a protective dragon and lifted a giant stone to defend the temple.
Food, festivals and stories of Yeongju-si
Local food
Yeongju is famous for its crisp and sweet apples grown near Sobaeksan Mountain, along with renowned Punggi ginseng.
Local story
Ancient Buseoksa Temple holds the legend of Lady Seonmyo, who turned into a protective dragon to safeguard Monk Uisang.
Did you know?
Yeongju preserves outstanding Joseon-era heritage at Sosu Seowon academy and the historic wooden architecture of Buseoksa Temple.
Neighborhoods of Yeongju-si (19)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Punggi-eup풍기읍eup · 9,807 residents
Food: Local ginseng nurtured by cool mountain breezes along the slopes develops dense roots and an intensely rich earthy aroma.
Story: Historical accounts recall that magistrate Ju Sebung gathered wild ginseng seeds and introduced organized cultivation together with local village farmers.
Fun fact: Traditional weaving methods continue to produce cooling rayon textiles known as ingyeon, which remain widely sought after for lightweight summer clothing.
Name: The name originates from the surrounding topography where two protective mountain ridges extend gracefully along both sides of the quiet valley.
Photo spot: Camping grounds overlooking the open waters of Yeongjuho Lake provide calm viewpoints for capturing peaceful mountain reflections in morning light.
Story: Local residents erected a lakeside memorial monument to preserve memories of historic village communities inundated following the construction of Yeongju Dam.
Photo spot: Yongmaru Park suspension bridge hanging over Yeongjuho Lake offers dramatic vantage points against turquoise waters, forest slopes, and craggy riverside bluffs.
Story: Folklore tells that this village avoided turmoil throughout turbulent centuries because its auspicious landscape resembles a pure lotus flower floating on water.
Photo spot: The slender wooden log bridge connecting wide sandy banks in Museom Village presents timeless picturesque perspectives loved by visiting photographers.
Fun fact: Surrounded on three sides by curving streams and preserving centuries-old noble clan houses, this scenic settlement is designated as national folklore heritage.
Name: The area was named after the belief that crystal-clear hillside spring water and pure mountain air allowed villagers to enjoy healthy longevity.
Fun fact: Alluvial plains along Okgyecheon Stream create rich farming land where golden paddy fields and bountiful fruit orchards flourish side by side.
Food: Sweet apples grown under brilliant sunshine at higher elevations develop crunchy textures and an exquisite balance of rich, tangy juice.
Photo spot: Orchard country roads near Jungnyeong Old Path provide stunning photographic backgrounds when thousands of snowy apple blossoms blanket the hillsides in springtime.
Story: Geumseongdan Altar and Pikeut Village preserve poignant historical memories of loyalists who gave their lives attempting to restore King Danjong to power.
Fun fact: Sosu Seowon and Seonbichon maintain dignified Confucian lecture halls where traditional scholarly ideals flourished under venerable evergreen pine forests.
Food: Served with shredded kimchi in warm savory anchovy broth, local buckwheat jelly soup is celebrated as an enduring regional comfort food.
Story: Marak-ri mountain pass carries legendary memories of traveling scholars crossing rugged peaks on foot while journeying toward royal state examinations.
Food: Ripening under dramatic shifts between warm days and chilly nights, local sweet grapes produce remarkably rich sugar levels and succulent berries.
Story: Temple folklore recounts that Lady Seonmyo became a flying dragon and lifted a giant boulder into the sky to protect Monk Uisang.
Photo spot: Ascending Anyangru Pavilion at Buseoksa Temple lets visitors capture sweeping sunset panoramas across waves of distant mountain peaks.
Food: Indigenous soybeans known as buseoktae are harvested here, prized among traditional cooks for their unusually large grains and wholesome nutty flavor.
Name: The neighborhood was titled using the character for lower because homes originally settled along the gentle southern base of Mangwolbong Peak.
Photo spot: The forest observatory atop Cheoltansan Hill offers elevated panoramic perspectives over terracotta-tiled roofs and downtown streets tucked against mountain ridges.
Food: Alley stalls near the market serve thick rice cakes simmered in thick crimson sauce, delighting devoted regular customers across decades.
Fun fact: Registered as modern cultural heritage, Husaeng Market alley showcases rare timber arcade facades reflecting mid-twentieth-century mercantile architecture.
Story: Steep stairways and narrow paths in Gwansagol still preserve heartfelt memories of railway personnel and engineers who resided here.
Photo spot: Observation decks in Gwansagol Mural Village provide wonderful spots to photograph colorful wall art alongside broad panoramas of the urban basin.
Name: The neighborhood name stems from poetic descriptions of a stream that slowed its pace, appearing to take a peaceful rest.
Photo spot: Cherry blossom trees lining Wondangcheon promenade bloom profusely every April, shaping romantic pale pink archways perfect for spring photography.
Fun fact: Centered around the railway station square, this commercial neighborhood functions as an active meeting ground connecting transit passengers with local commerce.
Food: Long-standing restaurants near the train station serve steaming bowls of hearty beef radish soup flavored with aromatic scallions and garlic.
Story: Joseon scholars established Namgan Seowon along the creek to teach pupils classical virtues and preserve refined academic traditions.
Photo spot: The front courtyard of Namgan Seowon displays historic wooden lecture pavilions accented by deep crimson blossoms of ancient crape myrtle trees.
Story: Sampanseo Historic House, celebrated for producing three high royal ministers, preserves boyhood memories of Joseon chief architect Jeong Do-jeon.
Photo spot: The courtyard of Sampanseo Historic House perched on Gubongsan Hill commands magnificent panoramic outlooks over Seocheon Stream and lively city streets.
Fun fact: Housing the intercity bus terminal, this transport district serves as an essential hub dispatching coaches toward major metropolitan and rural destinations.
Photo spot: Windblown silver grass swaying along riverside trails beside Seocheon Stream forms scenic backgrounds for outdoor portrait photography during golden sunset hours.
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.