Hapcheon-gun is one of 22 cities, counties and districts in Gyeongsangnam-do. It has 17 neighborhoods (1 eup · 16 myeon) and 38,693 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Hapcheon-eup with 10,266.
17neighborhoods
38,693residents
Landmark stamp: Haeinsa Temple
Settled deep within Mount Gayasan in Hapcheon, this venerable temple houses Buddhist scriptures carved onto wooden printing blocks preserved in classical wooden storage halls.
History
Founded during the Silla Dynasty by monks Suneung and Ijeong, this venerable temple has long served as an important center of Buddhist culture.
What to see
The wooden Janggyeong Panjeon halls attract attention with an ingenious traditional design that naturally regulates ventilation to preserve ancient printing woodblocks.
Food nearby
Local dining spots around the temple grounds serve traditional temple-style wild herb set meals with seasoned acorn jelly.
Food, festivals and stories of Hapcheon-gun
Local food
Hapcheon is famous for hearty pork soup simmered with rich savory broth and tender local beef.
Local story
Haeinsa Temple preserves the historic Tripitaka Koreana, carved during the Goryeo era to overcome national crises through Buddhism.
On screen
Hapcheon Image Theme Park realistically recreates vintage cityscapes, serving as a renowned backdrop for major Korean period films.
Did you know?
Mount Hwangmaesan attracts countless visitors with vibrant royal azaleas in spring and sweeping fields of silver grass each autumn.
Neighborhoods of Hapcheon-gun (17)
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Hapcheon-eup합천읍eup · 10,266 residents
Photo spot: Climbing up to Hambyeongnu Pavilion built on a cliff along Hwanggang River offers a picturesque panoramic view of the flowing water.
Food: Visitors can savor a warm bowl of rich beef soup along the vibrant alleys of Hapcheon Wanghu Market on market days.
Story: Historic calligraphy by renowned scholars Toegye Yi Hwang and Nammyeong Jo Sik remains carved on the rock face behind the pavilion.
Photo spot: The ancient pine tree standing gracefully at the entrance of Gwangi Village showcases picturesque twisted branches with enduring natural beauty.
Story: Local residents have long revered this grand pine tree as a sacred village protector and offered seasonal prayers beneath its branches.
Photo spot: Strolling along Hongryudong Valley reveals crystal clear streams and dramatic rocks that reflect vibrant seasonal colors throughout the scenic walking trail.
Story: Legend says that the renowned Silla scholar Choe Chi-won retired from worldly troubles and became a Taoist immortal in this valley.
Fun fact: The historic Haeinsa Temple safely preserves the sacred woodblocks of the Tripitaka Koreana inside its masterfully engineered Janggyeong Panjeon halls.
Story: Ancient records say this region flourished as an essential iron smelting center producing sturdy metal implements during the historic Gaya confederacy.
Food: Sweet bell peppers and eco-friendly rice grown under the crisp highland breeze near Gayasan Mountain are celebrated for their rich flavor.
Name: The name originated from the traditional Korean word meaning chestnut valley, which was eventually transcribed into the Chinese characters Yulgok.
Food: The fertile plains along Hwanggang River produce remarkably sweet watermelons and oriental melons nourished by abundant sunshine and mineral rich soil.
Fun fact: The town rests inside the unique circular Chogye Basin formed by a massive prehistoric meteorite impact millions of years ago.
Photo spot: Visitors can appreciate timeless serenity while walking through the peaceful courtyard of Chogye Hyanggyo, a preserved Joseon Confucian school.
Fun fact: The Okjeon Tumuli cemetery rests here, where precious royal relics from the ancient Gaya kingdom of Dara were remarkably unearthed.
Photo spot: Strolling the gentle walking trail behind Hapcheon Museum offers scenic viewpoints overlooking the softly rounded silhouettes of ancient earthen tombs.
Photo spot: The scenic riverside path running along Nakdonggang River provides an idyllic route for cycling while enjoying refreshing river breezes and wide waters.
Fun fact: The rich alluvial soil where Hoecheon Stream joins Nakdonggang River yields crisp and mildly sweet onions and garlic prized across markets.
Story: Local lore and modern geology confirm that the enclosing mountain rim was sculpted by a gigantic meteorite impact in prehistoric antiquity.
Fun fact: Sheltered within the calm basin mountains, mild weather supports flourishing agricultural harvests of crisp organic water dropwort and quality rice.
Photo spot: Walking along the wooden boardwalks of Jeongyang Wetland Ecological Park offers delightful opportunities to photograph blooming summer lotuses and resting waterbirds.
Fun fact: Formed naturally along a tributary of Hwanggang River, this vital wetland sanctuary shelters diverse endangered wild animals and thriving aquatic plants.
Photo spot: Strolling along Angye Reservoir allows travelers to photograph peaceful rural scenery where calm water mirrors the gentle silhouettes of surrounding hills.
Food: Plump and sweet chestnuts thrive on the sunny mountain slopes, harvested carefully by local farmers every autumn as a beloved specialty.
Food: The bustling Hanwoo beef district around Samga Traditional Market serves exceptionally tender local Korean beef roasted over hot grills.
Fun fact: Samga Market square was an inspiring patriotic venue where passionate crowds assembled to stage courageous Korean independence demonstrations against colonial rule.
Photo spot: Picturesque trails weave through vibrant pink royal azalea meadows that carpet the vast upland plains of Hwangmaesan County Park each spring.
Story: Folklore recounts that Buddhist Monk Muhak diligently attended to his mother with profound devotion while meditating on Hwangmaesan Mountain.
Photo spot: Hiking along the rugged granite ridges of Akgyeon Mountain rewards adventurers with sweeping vistas of Hapcheon Lake framed by steep cliffs.
Story: Local history tells that volunteer warriors during the Imjin War tricked invading forces by displaying straw soldiers along the mountain fortress.
Photo spot: Walking through the retro streets and vintage train stations of Hapcheon Image Theme Park creates an evocative backdrop for classic photographs.
Fun fact: This large open-air production studio features realistic historic streetscapes alongside an architectural replica of the Blue House used for major films.
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.