Gimje-si is one of 15 cities, counties and districts in Jeonbuk. It has 19 neighborhoods (4 dong · 1 eup · 14 myeon) and 81,522 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Sinpung-dong with 12,240.
19neighborhoods
81,522residents
Landmark stamp: Geumsansa Temple
Nestled at the foothills of Moaksan Mountain in Gimje, this historic temple preserves remarkable Buddhist heritage, highlighted by a magnificent multi-story wooden hall.
History
Founded in the Baekje period, this ancient sanctuary famously served as the place where King Gyeon Hwon was once imprisoned.
What to see
Mireukjeon Hall features a multi-tiered wooden exterior that opens into a magnificent, single cavernous room housing giant Buddhist statues.
Visitor tip
Nestled along the lush slopes of Moaksan Mountain, the tranquil grounds provide a serene atmosphere for refreshing temple stay programs.
Food, festivals and stories of Gimje-si
Local food
High quality Horizon rice harvested from the vast Honam Plain and savory local beef are culinary pride points of Gimje.
Local story
An ancient legend at Byeokgolje Reservoir recounts the sacrifice of Maiden Danya, who appeased a dragon to save the reservoir.
Festivals
The Gimje Horizon Festival celebrates traditional farming culture each autumn against the scenic backdrop of endless golden rice fields.
Neighborhoods of Gimje-si (19)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Mangyeong-eup만경읍eup · 2,515 residents
Name: The name Mangyeong conveys the scenic image of gazing over ten thousand rolling furrows across fertile plains and the western sea.
Photo spot: Walking along the tranquil waterfront trail of Neungje Reservoir offers wonderful spots to capture sunset reflections glowing over the water.
Story: Historical traces of the Joseon government office remain preserved along quiet village pathways that tell stories of the past.
Story: The former Hashimoto Farm office stands today, silently recounting historical stories of Japanese colonial exploitation and local resilience.
Photo spot: Taking photos in front of preserved red brick agricultural warehouses captures a distinctive vintage atmosphere that reflects early modern times.
Fun fact: This farming township served as a prominent real background for Jo Jung-rae's novel Arirang depicting modern Korean history.
Name: The name Baeksan originated from historical accounts of hills appearing white when large crowds dressed in traditional white clothes assembled here.
Story: Donghak peasant armies gathered on Baeksan hill during the Donghak Peasant Revolution to proclaim their righteous manifesto for equality.
Photo spot: Reaching the summit of Baeksanseong fortress rewards photographers with magnificent panoramic views overlooking the wide Gimje plains meeting the distant horizon.
Name: The township derived its name from traditional observations that the terrain encircling the large pond resembled a coiled dragon.
Food: Grapes cultivated in nutrient-rich red clay soil here are famous for their delightful sweetness, juicy flesh, and fragrant aroma.
Fun fact: Rolling countryside fields combine modern livestock operations with advanced greenhouse farming facilities, driving a dynamic rural agricultural sector.
Name: The name Baekgu originated from poetic imagery depicting white seagulls gracefully flying over the historic riverbank port.
Food: Nurtured by fresh breezes and fertile soil, sweet and crisp pears grown here have earned widespread acclaim as regional delicacies.
Photo spot: Climbing up to the Baekgujeong pavilion offers wonderful vantage points overlooking the meandering Mangyeonggang River and shimmering silver reed fields.
Story: A legendary folk tale recounts maiden Danya, who sacrificed herself to ensure the successful construction of the historic Byeokgolje reservoir.
Photo spot: Visitors love capturing dramatic photographs framed between the grand twin dragon sculptures rising toward the sky at Byeokgolje plaza.
Fun fact: The historic grounds of the ancient Byeokgolje reservoir host the vibrant Gimje Horizon Festival celebrating traditional Korean rice farming heritage.
Name: The name Gongdeok conveys deep respect for virtuous scholars who gathered here to share benevolence and moral deeds with neighbors.
Food: Carefully cultivated in mineral-rich red soil, sweet potatoes from this town are celebrated for their exceptionally fluffy texture and natural sweetness.
Fun fact: Positioned with accessible regional thoroughfares, this countryside community serves as a vital transportation crossroads connecting Gimje and neighboring Iksan.
Name: The name Cheongha originates from poetic descriptions of a pristine settlement resting beside the clean and sparkling waters of the Mangyeonggang River.
Story: Cheonghapogu river port was once a thriving ferry crossing where sailing vessels delivered salt and fresh seafood from the West Sea.
Photo spot: Walking along the Mangyeonggang River levee during spring reveals breathtaking spots for photos surrounded by blossoming cherry tree canopies.
Photo spot: Manghaesa Temple perched overlooking coastal mudflats offers magnificent panoramic vantage points to photograph glorious orange sunsets across the West Sea.
Fun fact: Bordering where the Mangyeonggang River meets coastal tides, this western township connects directly to the vast Saemangeum reclamation seawall project.
Food: Savory glutinous barley grown in coastal breezes and freshly dug shellfish from Simpo tidal mudflats delight food lovers visiting this shore.
Name: Geumgu derived its auspicious name from the gentle mountain contours said to resemble a benevolent golden turtle peacefully brooding over eggs.
Story: Courageous righteous army fighters rose up resolutely in this mountainous area during the late Joseon period to defend their homeland.
Photo spot: The serene courtyard of Geumgu Hyanggyo lined with venerable trees and classical tile-roofed pavilions provides a tranquil setting for memorable photography.
Name: The name Bongnam conveys peaceful hope, depicting an auspicious southern haven where mythical phoenixes alight to rest among lush hills.
Photo spot: Morning sunlight filtering through the pine forest around Gaebong Seowon academy creates enchanting natural lighting for graceful heritage travel photos.
Food: Nutritious rice harvested from fertile plains along the Wonpyeongcheon stream paired with locally aged soybean paste offers a hearty traditional meal.
Name: The name Hwangsan was inspired by the picturesque landscape of local hills characterized by gentle yellowish slopes and warm rocky ridges.
Story: Uplifting stories of devoted children caring selflessly for elderly parents are kept alive through historical commemorative pavilions standing across quiet villages.
Fun fact: Gently rolling foothills blend seamlessly with agricultural pastures, offering travelers a restful atmosphere soaked in warm countryside tranquility.
Story: Gripping historical chronicles tell of King Gyeon Hwon of Later Baekje, who was confined inside Geumsansa Temple before staging a dramatic escape.
Photo spot: Geumsansa Temple offers extraordinary photo moments framing the grand three-story wooden Mireukjeon Hall against the verdant slopes of Mount Moaksan.
Fun fact: Preserved within the village is historic Geumsan Church, featuring an intriguing L-shaped Hanok wooden layout that segregated male and female worshipers.
Name: Gwanghwal earned its evocative name describing the immense, seemingly boundless stretches of reclaimed agricultural land opening toward the distant horizon.
Food: Early spring potatoes grown in mineral-laden reclaimed soils are celebrated for their powdery soft texture and pleasantly savory natural flavor.
Photo spot: Photographing the straight farm roads running through vast rectangular fields against the unbroken horizon creates an impressively dramatic perspective.
Story: The preserved former Baeksan Financial Cooperative structure recalls stories of bustling merchants and vibrant financial trade during early modern eras.
Food: The alleys of Gimje Traditional Market welcome visitors with hearty bowls of hot broth soup and delicious freshly fried savory snacks.
Photo spot: Strolling along lively market walkways and cheerful neighborhood mural alleys offers delightful chances to capture warm snapshots of daily life.
Name: The name Geomsan originated from village settlements located below rolling ridges noted for dense vegetation appearing dark from a distance.
Photo spot: Walking along the wooden lakeside boardwalk at the Civic Culture and Sports Park yields refreshing views of mirror-like reservoir waters.
Fun fact: A concentration of municipal athletics grounds and community performance halls fills this modern residential district with constant energy and leisure activity.
Name: Gyowol combined characters from the local Hyanggyo academy and Wolchon village, reflecting respect for Confucian education and harmonious neighborly bonds.
Photo spot: Framing the elegant sloping tiled roofs of the historic Dongheon magistrate office and Confucian hall creates remarkably dignified architectural portraits.
Story: Memories of scholarly virtue and civic governance linger gracefully around the surviving Joseon administrative pavilion and venerable Confucian sanctuary.
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.