Iksan-si is one of 15 cities, counties and districts in Jeonbuk. It has 29 neighborhoods (14 dong · 1 eup · 14 myeon) and 266,458 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Mohyeon-dong with 35,024.
29neighborhoods
266,458residents
Landmark stamp: Mireuksaji Stone Pagoda
Standing as a monumental remnant of Baekje masonry in Iksan, this restored ancient stone pagoda exhibits sophisticated architectural balance and historical craftsmanship.
History
Built during King Mu of Baekje, this grand western stone pagoda underwent meticulous restoration over nearly two decades.
Legends & stories
Legend connects this temple grounds to the ancient romance between Prince Seodong and Princess Seonhwa of the Silla Kingdom.
What to see
The massive structure showcases exceptional stone masonry that ingeniously mimics traditional timber pagoda construction techniques.
Food, festivals and stories of Iksan-si
Local food
Hwangdeung bibimbap is a flavorful local dish made with broth-rinsed rice topped with seasoned raw beef tartare.
Local story
The ancient romance between Prince Seodong of Baekje and Princess Seonhwa of Silla is deeply tied to Mireuksa Temple in Iksan.
Festivals
Every autumn, the Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival showcases magnificent floral displays and sculptures at Central Sports Park.
Neighborhoods of Iksan-si (29)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Hamyeol-eup함열읍eup · 5,914 residents
Name: The name originated from Chinese characters meaning everyone rejoices together, reflecting the peaceful history of an ancient county.
Fun fact: Hamyeolhyanggyo, a traditional Confucian school from the Joseon Dynasty, preserves historical lecture halls within a tranquil village setting.
Food: Traditional five-day markets held in the town center treat visitors to fresh regional produce and steaming bowls of savory soup.
Name: The village was named after its undulating landscape, which was traditionally said to resemble a crow spreading its wings.
Fun fact: Fertile plains stretching along tributaries of the Mangyeonggang River yield high-quality rice and diverse agricultural produce throughout the year.
Food: This town is widely celebrated for warm beef tartare bibimbap, where steamed rice is repeatedly rinsed in hot savory bone broth.
Fun fact: High-grade granite quarried from local hills established the township as a distinguished center of traditional and modern stoneworking industries.
Story: Ancient tales recount how the historic Hwangdeungho reservoir irrigated expansive rice fields across the southwestern plains during the Baekje era.
Photo spot: Traditional stone and mud walls lining the peaceful lanes of Hamna Hanok Village offer a scenic backdrop for a leisurely stroll.
Story: Inspiring local folklore recounts how three wealthy families opened their rice storehouses to feed starving neighbors during times of severe drought.
Fun fact: Hiking trails traversing the ridges of Hamnasan Mountain reward walkers with refreshing panoramic views of the Geumgang River and surrounding farmlands.
Photo spot: Ungpo Gomgaenaru along the Geumgang River presents breathtaking golden sunsets, providing visitors with picturesque scenery for evening photography.
Story: Historical accounts record that the old river landing was named Gomgae because the shoreline resembled a crouching brown bear drinking water.
Fun fact: Natural wild tea groves flourish quietly on forested mountain slopes, allowing travelers to discover Korea's northern tea-drinking heritage.
Photo spot: Realistic prison sets frequently featured in famous films and television dramas attract visitors looking to capture quirky and memorable concept pictures.
Story: Seongdangpo Port historically housed a government grain tax warehouse, gathering agricultural revenue from nearby counties before shipping it toward the capital.
Fun fact: A massive ancient ginkgo tree standing proudly beside the river wharf serves as a spiritual protector for the peaceful fishing community.
Photo spot: Yongan Ecological Wetland Park delights nature lovers with sweeping silver reed trails and colorful seasonal blossoms spread across scenic riverbanks.
Name: The township was granted its royal name because early surveyors believed the surrounding mountain ridges resembled the regal countenance of a dragon.
Story: Traditional village customs tell of communal gatherings atop Yongmeori hill where elders offered sincere prayers for good harvests and peaceful waters.
Story: Deep in the foothills of Manghaebong Peak, historic Simgoksa Temple preserves sacred traditions linked to an exquisite Goryeo-era portable Buddhist shrine.
Name: The locality acquired its unique name because old geographers observed that the prominent ridgeline resembled the sharp silhouette of a resting wolf.
Fun fact: Skilled stone carvers gathered in local masonry workshops continue crafting high-grade regional granite into delicate lanterns, statues, and building materials.
Photo spot: Nabawi Shrine blends traditional Korean tiled roofs with Western Gothic architecture, creating an exquisite atmosphere for contemplation and artistic photographs.
Story: Priest Andrew Kim Taegon arrived here on a small wooden boat from Shanghai, taking courageous steps to spread Christian teachings inland.
Food: Greenhouses prospering in fertile alluvial soils yield exceptionally sweet cherry tomatoes and crisp watermelons enjoyed throughout the country.
Food: Yeosan onions are celebrated for their dense layers, remarkable sweetness, and crisp texture that make them a staple across regional dinner tables.
Story: The preserved thatched house of poet Garam Lee Byeong-gi commemorates his profound literary contributions to reviving classical Korean sijo poetry.
Fun fact: The preserved Joseon-period magistrate office of Yeosandongheon stands alongside towering centuries-old zelkova trees that still shade the central plaza.
Photo spot: Framing the ancient stone pagodas of Mireuksaji Temple reflected in calm lotus ponds produces timeless and serene landscape photographs.
Story: Romantic legends of Prince Seodong and Princess Seonhwa linger across the countryside, recalling their courtship celebrated in the historic Seodongyo song.
Fun fact: The expansive temple site of Mireuksa and the modern National Iksan Museum showcase magnificent archaeological discoveries from the flourishing Baekje kingdom.
Photo spot: Travelers gather on the manicured lawns surrounding the Wanggungri Five-story Stone Pagoda to capture captivating sunset photos against open skies.
Name: The district was historically named Wanggung because King Mu of Baekje built a royal palace here to govern the realm.
Fun fact: The Jewel Museum displays thousands of precious gems and intricately carved crowns, highlighting the city's prestigious industrial reputation for jewelry making.
Photo spot: The rustic wooden facade of Chunpo Station provides a charming retro backdrop for photographers capturing the nostalgic romance of historic railways.
Story: Originally a peaceful river pier named Bomgae, the township became an active railway grain depot transporting rice across the southwestern plains.
Fun fact: Smooth cycling trails following the Mangyeonggang River embankments allow riders to enjoy wide reed fields waving gently in the open breeze.
Story: Seokbulsa Temple in Yeondongri enshrines an ancient seated stone Buddha whose serene smile and square headpiece date back to the Baekje kingdom.
Food: Sweet potatoes harvested from the fertile red clay fields flanking Mireuksan Mountain are renowned for their exceptional sweetness and soft texture.
Name: The name Samgi originated from the meeting of three mountain ridges that form sheltered, sunny valleys ideal for peaceful rural settlement.
Name: Combining syllables from neighboring historic districts, the township's name also carries traditional wishes for the auspicious blessings of a soaring dragon.
Fun fact: Abundant clean groundwater and nutrient-rich soil enable local farming families to cultivate sweet greenhouse watermelons and premium cherry tomatoes.
Food: Visiting traditional market alleys near the railway station treats hungry travelers to comforting pork blood sausage soup and crispy fried chicken.
Photo spot: Colorful wall murals and cozy art studios along the Culture and Arts Street offer delightful retro backgrounds for leisurely street snapshots.
Story: Following the opening of the railway, bustling merchant crowds and travelers transformed this station district into an energetic center of southern commerce.
Name: The neighborhood was named Pyeonghwa to express a sincere and lasting wish for all local residents to live in peaceful harmony.
Fun fact: Situated quietly beside the Honam Line railway, this community preserves charming residential backstreets where neighbors share a relaxed, unhurried lifestyle.
Food: Southern Market draws visitors from across the city to savor its signature cauldron-cooked sesame fried chicken and hearty blood sausage stew.
Story: Historic Somni Market echoes with proud memories of the April 4th Independence Movement, where courageous patriots rallied for national sovereignty.
Photo spot: Vintage red brick structures and nostalgic painted alleys in Somni Modern History Village offer ideal settings for evocative retro photography.
Photo spot: Elevated wooden boardwalks crossing through aquatic flowers and gentle wetlands in Yucheon Ecological Park provide scenic views for nature photographs.
Name: The name Dongsan originated because these gentle hills were situated east of the old provincial government center in neighboring Jeonju.
Fun fact: Riverside promenades connecting local irrigation canals toward the Mangyeonggang River offer refreshing outdoor routes for walking, running, and evening cycling.
Fun fact: Hosting Iksan City Hall and civic administration buildings, this lively neighborhood serves as the official operational center of the municipality.
Name: The name Namjung was formed to designate a balanced location embracing both the southern district and the central urban community.
Name: The name Mohyeon was inspired by ancestral scholars who gathered at the base of Baesan Mountain to honor wisdom and virtuous character.
Photo spot: Climbers heading up the pine-lined trails of Baesan Park find rustic rocky gazebos offering expansive vistas ideal for scenic outdoor photography.
Fun fact: Baesan Sports Park provides spacious waterfront plazas, illuminated running tracks, and athletic fields where local residents exercise and unwind daily.
Name: The picturesque name Songhak commemorates legendary sightings of majestic cranes landing gently upon tall pine branches across the breezy hills.
Story: Folklore recalls that disciplined scholars gathered under the shade of ancient pine groves to read classics and cultivate righteous minds.
Fun fact: Bordering the western plaza of Iksan Station, the neighborhood combines easy access to high-speed trains with calm, welcoming residential streets.
Name: Ancient geomancers named the area Yeongdeung, imagining that its rising hills resembled a mystical Taoist immortal ascending gracefully through high clouds.
Photo spot: Yeongdeung Citizens Park features dancing water fountains, open lawns, and flower beds that offer refreshing spaces for taking cheerful family pictures.
Fun fact: Filled with lively department stores and bustling commercial walkways, this central district attracts visitors seeking diverse leisure and evening entertainment.
Fun fact: Specialized jewelry design studios and manufacturing workshops cluster nearby, continuing the intricate tradition of delicately cutting and setting precious stones.
Photo spot: Charming flower beds and wooden park benches tucked inside quiet neighborhood pocket parks offer delightful settings for capturing warm afternoon snapshots.
Story: Stories passed down through generations recall how farming neighbors warmly supported one another to build a harmonious and bountiful communal life.
Photo spot: Jungang Sports Park transforms every autumn with vibrant chrysanthemum flower sculptures, offering stunning backdrops for festival photography and family memories.
Name: The name Eoyang combined old hamlet names that evoked bright sunny slopes beside clear streams where fish swam peacefully.
Fun fact: An annual chrysanthemum festival fills the surrounding neighborhood with sweet floral aromas and colorful exhibits that celebrate the arrival of autumn.
Photo spot: Sudeokho Lake at Wonkwang University bursts into splendid pink blossoms each spring, creating a prime location for romantic college campus snapshots.
Story: Founding Master Sotaesan established the central headquarters of Won Buddhism here, laying down compassionate teachings of modern enlightenment and service.
Food: The lively university district is packed with cozy bistros and trendy cafes serving hearty, affordable meals favored by vibrant student crowds.
Name: The township was named Palbong because eight gently curving mountain peaks encircle the valley like a grand protective painted folding screen.
Photo spot: Shaded pedestrian trails surrounding local green sports complexes provide lush natural backdrops for taking active and refreshing outdoor photographs.
Fun fact: Iksan Sports Complex anchors the area with comprehensive athletics stadiums that regularly host provincial tournaments and energetic civic festivals.
Name: The name Samseong expresses a communal hope for prosperity, comparing its uniting historic villages to three bright stars shining in harmony.
Story: Ancient Baekje ceramic kilns excavated here reveal how skilled craftsmen once fired fine traditional earthenware to supply surrounding regional settlements.
Photo spot: Shady pine trails and a quiet waterside pavilion in Busong Neighborhood Park create a soothing backdrop for memorable nature portraits.
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.