Sunchang-gun is one of 15 cities, counties and districts in Jeonbuk. It has 11 neighborhoods (1 eup · 10 myeon) and 27,666 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Sunchang-eup with 11,051.
11neighborhoods
27,666residents
Landmark stamp: Gangcheonsan Mountain
Known for clean valley waters and lush maple forests in Sunchang, this scenic mountain park offers gentle barefoot walking paths and dramatic suspended footbridges.
What to see
Walk along shaded valley trails to encounter the cascading Byeongpung Waterfall and an iconic red suspension bridge hanging overhead.
Visitor tip
Take off your shoes to walk comfortably on the finely sanded riverside paths stretching gently throughout the mountain valley.
Food nearby
After your scenic hike, treat yourself to spicy stir-fried pork seasoned with traditional gochujang produced in neighboring Sunchang villages.
Food, festivals and stories of Sunchang-gun
Local food
Sunchang is celebrated for rich gochujang and savory pickled delicacies traditionally fermented to achieve profound natural depth of flavor.
Festivals
The Sunchang Fermented Sauce Festival welcomes visitors to the Traditional Gochujang Village to explore Korea's artisanal fermentation culture.
Did you know?
Sunchang is home to Gangcheonsan Mountain, famous for its red suspension bridge, clear mountain streams, and lovely walking trails.
Local story
Legend recounts that King Taejo of Joseon could never forget the distinctive flavor of red chili paste tasted at Manilsa Temple.
Neighborhoods of Sunchang-gun (11)
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Sunchang-eup순창읍eup · 11,051 residents
Photo spot: Strolling through the traditional sauce village, rows of large earthenware jars standing in hanok courtyards create scenic photo moments.
Food: In the lively five-day traditional market, visitors can savor a comforting bowl of blood sausage soup prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Story: A cherished village legend says that a sacred boulder resembling a turtle wards off misfortune and brings prosperity to Gumi Village.
Photo spot: Hiking the cliffside walkway of Yonggwolsan Skywalk reveals a breathtaking panorama of the peaceful Seomjin River winding through the valley below.
Story: Hyangga Tunnel retains a sorrowful history of a colonial railway construction project halted abruptly upon national liberation in 1945.
Photo spot: Hyangga wooden bridge built on abandoned piers and the illuminated tunnel trail offer popular backdrops for cyclists capturing memorable snapshots.
Name: The regional name was created during the Joseon era by taking initial characters from two merged districts, Geummul-hyeon and Gwacheon-hyeon.
Fun fact: Geumgwa Deulseori, a communal field song sung by farmers to ease their laborious fieldwork, is lovingly preserved as intangible cultural heritage.
Food: Blessed with abundant sunshine and pure air, sweet pears grown in this region are prized for their thin skin and refreshing juice.
Story: Joseon scholar Kim In-hu established the Hunmongjae academy here, cultivating numerous prominent disciples including the master poet Jeong Cheol.
Photo spot: Lush woodland trails and charming paths around the forestry museum provide wonderful natural backgrounds for photography in every season.
Story: Local folklore recounts that Chaegyesan Mountain depicts the elegant figure of a fairy wearing a decorative hairpin while admiring the moon.
Photo spot: Stepping onto the crimson Chaegyesan Suspension Bridge provides fantastic photo views of golden plains and rugged rocks along the Seomjin River.
Story: Legend says that King Taejo fell in love with the deep flavor of local pepper paste sampled while traveling to Manilsa Temple.
Photo spot: Standing on the suspension bridge of Hoemunsan Natural Recreation Forest offers magnificent photo angles of the deep forested valley below.
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.