Yecheon is a county in the North Gyeongsang region of South Korea.

Understand

This county has the second-largest population in Gyeongsangbuk-do, following Chilgok County.

History

Yecheon County holds a deep historical and cultural significance in the northern region of Gyeongsangbuk-do. The county's name, Yecheon (醴泉), originates from two Chinese characters: 醴 (lǐ, meaning "sweet wine") and 泉 (quán, meaning "spring").

However, another theory suggests the name evolved from the ancient Korean word Dansleor, referring to a "vast and wide land," which was later transcribed into Chinese characters.

In historical records, Yecheon County's origins are also linked to Shaanxi Province in China.

According to the Yecheon Hyeonji (local records compiled during the Ming Emperor Chongzhen's reign), the Han Emperor Xuan (漢 宣帝) named this area Yecheon upon discovering a spring whose water tasted sweet. This is how the county came to be known as the "sweet spring."

The region has also been heavily shaped by traditional Confucian culture, influencing societal values, such as the preference for male children.

During the 1980s, Yecheon held the highest male birth ratio in Korea. However, as cultural preferences shifted in recent decades, the birth ratio has become more balanced.

Tourist Information

• Yecheon County Tourist Information Center, Yecheon City Hall, 45 Bonghwang-ro, Yecheon-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 54-650-1234, yecheon_tour@gb.go.kr. 09:00-18:00. Provides maps, brochures, and detailed guides in Korean, English, and Chinese. The staff is known for their hospitality, and English-speaking personnel are usually available. (updated Oct 2024)
• Tourist information site

Climate

Yecheon
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       17     4 −8       3.3     9 −4       25     18 2       2.9     19 6       2.4     25 12       27     29 18       47     30 22       92     32 23       8.1     27 19       2.7     21 8       1     13 1       35     7 −4 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm 2023 Korea Meteorological Administration
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       0.7     40 18       0.1     47 25       1     64 35       0.1     67 43       0.1     76 53       1.1     84 64       1.9     86 72       3.6     90 73       0.3     81 66       0.1     69 47       0     55 33       1.4     44 24 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Yecheon experiences a humid continental climate, with distinct seasonal variations:

• Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 30°C or higher. Frequent rain during the monsoon season.
• Autumn (September to November): Mild temperatures with clear skies, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities such as hiking.
• Winter (December to February): Cold with occasional snowfall, though heavy snow is rare. The average temperature often drops below freezing.
• Spring (March to May): Pleasant temperatures with blooming cherry blossoms and other seasonal flowers, making it one of the most scenic times to visit. The county’s mountainous terrain helps buffer extreme weather, keeping the summers cooler and winters slightly milder compared to other inland areas in Korea. Yecheon’s unique combination of cultural heritage, nature, and modern sporting facilities makes it a hidden gem in Gyeongsangbuk-do, attracting visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Get in

By plane

• 1 Incheon International Airport (ICN). (updated Oct 2024)
  • For international travelers, Incheon Airport is the main gateway. From Incheon, buses run to Yecheon or nearby Andong multiple times a day (approximately 4-5 hours travel time). Alternatively, you can take the KTX high-speed train from Incheon Airport to Dongdaegu Station and transfer to a local train or bus to Yecheon.
• 2 Yecheon Airport (Air Force Base). (updated Oct 2024)
  • Although primarily a military base, Yecheon Airport allows limited public access and special tours.
  • The nearest commercial airport for domestic flights is Daegu International Airport (about 1 hour by car or bus from Yecheon). Daegu Airport offers flights to major Korean cities and international destinations, including Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.
  • Gimhae International Airport (Busan) is another option, offering a wider range of flights. It takes around 2.5 hours by car or intercity bus from Yecheon.

By train

• Yecheon Station on the Jungang Line provides connections to Seoul, Andong, and Gyeongju.
• Travel time from Seoul via the Mugunghwa or ITX-Saemaeul trains takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, making Yecheon accessible for day trips or weekend getaways.
• For visitors coming from Busan or Pohang, the journey by train to Yecheon takes about 2-3 hours with transfers at Dongdaegu or Andong.
• The Jungang Line offers scenic views of the countryside, making it a pleasant alternative to bus travel.

By bus

Yecheon is well-connected to major cities in Korea via intercity buses:

• Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Yecheon — Buses run every 1-2 hours. Travel time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, with fares around ₩20,000.
• From Daegu — Frequent buses operate from Dongdaegu Bus Terminal to Yecheon (travel time: 1 hour). The fare is about ₩8,000.
• From Busan — Direct buses to Yecheon are limited, but transfers through Daegu or Andong are available (total travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours).
• Local Bus Services — Yecheon’s local bus network connects smaller towns and tourist attractions within the county. Buses to places like Jinho International Archery Field or Yecheon Hot Springs depart regularly from Yecheon Station and the central bus terminal.

By car

• Yecheon is accessible via National Road 34 and 28, which connect the region with Andong, Gumi, and Uiseong.
• From Seoul, it takes approximately 3 hours by car via the Gyeongbu Expressway and Jungang Expressway.
• Rental cars are available in nearby cities such as Andong or Gumi, providing flexibility to explore Yecheon’s countryside and natural attractions.

Tips for Travelers

• Taxi services are available but limited, so it is recommended to plan ahead or use local buses for remote areas.
• For international visitors unfamiliar with the language, the Yecheon Tourism Center offers travel advice and maps in multiple languages to help navigate transportation within the region.

Get around

By bus

• Local Buses connect Yecheon’s key attractions, such as the Jinho International Archery Field and Yecheon Hot Springs, with stops at Yecheon Station and the bus terminal.
• Bus fares can be paid in cash or by using a transport card (T-money or Cashbee). Cards are available for purchase at convenience stores.
• Boarding Process: Board the bus at the rear door and exit through the front door, where you tap your card or pay the fare to the driver. Note that drivers do not give change, so exact fare or a card is recommended.

By train

• Yecheon Station, located on the Jungang Line, offers convenient rail access to Andong, Dongdaegu, and Seoul.
• Train fares can be purchased at the station or via the Korail website/app. ITX-Saemaeul and Mugunghwa trains operate on this line, providing scenic views of Yecheon’s rural landscape.
• For local transportation, short train trips between Yecheon and nearby cities like Andong are popular and affordable.

By taxi

• Taxis are readily available near Yecheon Station and the bus terminal.
• Base fare starts at around ₩3,800, with additional charges based on distance and time. Taxis in Yecheon do not accept credit cards, so cash or T-money is recommended.
• English-speaking drivers may be limited, so showing your destination in Korean or on a map app will be helpful.

By bicycle

• Yecheon offers scenic routes along rural landscapes, making it a pleasant place for cycling enthusiasts.
• Bicycle rentals are available at select locations, including the Yecheon Tourism Center and local guesthouses.
• For longer trips, visitors can enjoy the cycling trail along the Nakdong River, which passes through Yecheon, offering beautiful views of mountains and farmlands.
• Helmets and safety gear are typically not provided with rentals, so bringing your own is recommended.

By car

• Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring Yecheon and nearby rural areas.
• Rental services are available in Andong or Gumi, about an hour’s drive away.
• Parking is free at most tourist attractions, such as the archery field and hot springs. The roads are well-maintained, but it’s important to note that some rural roads may be narrow or steep.

See

Yecheon Yongmunsa Temple Daejangjeon Hall and Yoon Jangdae

• 1 Yecheon Astronomical Space Center (예천천문우주센터), 1078 Chunghyo-ro, Gamcheon-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Cheonan Space Center, ☏ +82 54-654-1710. 10:00-17:00. a theme park on the theme of stars and space, including astronomical observations ₩8,000. (updated Oct 2024)
• 2 Yecheon Museum (예천 박물관), 150 Bokgol-gil, Gamcheon-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 54-650-8317. a museum that displays Yecheon's culture and history Free. (updated Oct 2024)

Key Attractions

Korea-Yecheon County-Rice field near Gopyeongri

• Jinho International Archery Field — This field is a world-renowned archery venue, where national and international tournaments are held. Visitors can participate in archery classes and learn about the sport’s history in Korea.
• Yecheon Air Force Base (Yecheon Airport) — Though primarily a military facility, the airport occasionally offers public access tours, giving visitors a glimpse into military aviation operations.
• Yecheon Hot Springs — The area is home to natural hot springs known for their mineral content, offering therapeutic benefits and relaxation.
• Baekseok Temple (Baekseoksa) — Nestled in the nearby mountains, this Buddhist temple provides a peaceful retreat for visitors. It offers temple stays, allowing participants to experience monastic life and meditation.

Do

Festivals

There are several regular festivals in Yecheon

• 1 Yecheon Bow Festival (예천 활 축제), 310-1 Nambon-ri, Yecheon-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 54-650-6037. The festival takes place every year, but the dates may vary.. The Yecheon Hwall Festival is a festival held at the Hancheon Sports Park. It is an experiential festival in which not only children but also adults can enjoy a variety of experiences related to archery, which can be interesting to participate in in Yecheon, the home of archery. ₩7,000. (updated Oct 2024)
• 2 Yecheon Insect Festival (예천곤충축제), 310-1 Nambon-ri, Yecheon-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 54-650-6037. The festival takes place every year, but the dates may vary.. With the theme of the Insect Ecology Center, the Yecheon Insect Festival provides children with time to return to their childhoods while arousing curiosity about living insects. Free. (updated Oct 2024)
• 3 Geumdangyahaeng (금당야행), 16-3 Sangwon-ri, Yongmun-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 54-650-6037. The festival takes place every year, but the dates may vary.. It is a night festival where you can enjoy the autumn night of the beautiful Geumdangsil Village with more dignity through various night programs. Free. (updated Oct 2024)
• 4 Yecheon Samgang Inn Ferry Festival (예천삼강주막나루터축제), 33 Samgang-ri-gil, Pungyang-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 54-650-6045. The festival takes place every year, but the dates may vary.. Representing the Chuseok holiday, this festival is a shelter for returning visitors to and from their hometowns. Various Yecheon's representative tourism resources, cultural and artistic performances, and Retro-Newtro coexist. Free. (updated Oct 2024)
• 5 Yecheon International Smartphone Film Festival (예천국제스마트폰영화제), 84-3 Sanhap-ri, Homyeong-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 546558082. The festival takes place every year, but the dates may vary.. It is the only representative smartphone film festival in Korea. It conveys a new perspective by making a movie in accordance with the footsteps of the times with the smartphone that everyone has. Free. (updated Oct 2024)

Movie theaters

There are several movie theaters in Yecheon.

• 6 Megabox Gyeongbuk Provincial Office (메가박스경북도청점), 70, Saeum 3-ro, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ 1544-0070NOCC. Megabox in Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province (updated Oct 2024)
• 7 Lotte Cinema Co., Ltd. Diwayi (롯데시네마 주식회사디와이), 417 Guseong-ro, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ 1544-8855NOCC. (updated Oct 2024)
• 8 Lotte Cinema Youngju (롯데시네마 영주), 417 Guseong-ro, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ 1544-8855NOCC. 06:00-16:00. Lotte Cinema in Yeongju. (updated Oct 2024)

Buy

• 1 Homeplus Yeongju Branch (홈플러스영주점), 29 Daehak-ro, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Homeplus, Yeongju, ☏ +82 54-630-8000. 10:00-22:00. (updated Oct 2024)
• 2 Hanaro Mart Yecheon Agricultural Cooperative Headquarters (하나로마트예천농협본점), 245-1 Nambon-ri, Yecheon-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 54-652-0977. 09:00-19:55. (updated Oct 2024)
• 3 Daiso (다이소 경북도청신도시), 1491 in Sanhap-ri, ☏ +82 1522-4400. 10:00-22:00. a complex store where you can buy a variety of daily necessities (updated Nov 2024)

Eat

• 1 HQ of Yonggung Dangol Restaurant (용궁단골식당본점), 30 Yonggung Market-gil, Yonggung-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 054-653-6126. 9:00-21:00. A restaurant where you can enjoy a pleasant atmosphere and traditional taste in a good facility ₩12000. (updated Oct 2024)
• 2 myeongga (명가), Nambon-ri 84-3, ☏ +82 010-5345-1494. 11:00-21:00. a traditional food restaurant that sells kalguksu and dumplings. ₩8000. (updated Oct 2024)
• 3 a five-bong restaurant (오봉집), Sanhap-ri 1497, ☏ +82 0507-1425-2581. 11:30-22:00. It is a restaurant that serves direct fire octopus and bossam dishes ₩56000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 4 Janggang (장강), Sanhap-ri 1354, ☏ +82 054-652-2241. It is a Chinese restaurant that sells jajangmyeon, jjamppong, and jangpie ₩9000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 5 Samil Mature Society (삼일숙성회), Sanhap-ri 1237, ☏ +82 054-652-3133. 17:30-21:30. It is a restaurant where you can enjoy aged sashimi and alcohol together ₩35000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 6 Bakdal Restaurant (박달식당), Eupburi 397-10, ☏ +82 0507-1426-0523. 10:00-21:00. The restaurant specializes in sundae gukbap. The restaurant has a history of appearing on 633 episodes of Find Delicious TV, 979 episodes of Live Broadcast Today, 629 episodes of VJ Commando, and 2 nights. ₩8000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 7 My neighborhood meat restaurant (우리동네고깃집), Sanhap-ri 1416, ☏ +82 0507-1383-1122. 17:00-24:00. This restaurant specializes in pork belly and is famous for its pork neck menu. ₩13000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 8 Yoon Hoon-sik Farm Ssambap (윤훈식농가쌈밥), Ocheon-ri 285-3, ☏ +82 0507-1315-2343. 11:00-20:00. It is a ssambap restaurant where you can eat with about a dozen ssam vegetables and delicious meat harvested from the farm every morning. ₩14000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 9 a salmon restaurant (연어), ☏ +82 0507-1391-8883. 11:00-23:00. It is a Japanese restaurant that serves sushi and salmon sashimi ₩63000. (updated Nov 2024)
• 10 Kamegol Poon Kimchi Stew (가메골양푼이김치찌개), Sanhap-ri 1417, ☏ +82 507-1325-8902. 9:00-21:00. The restaurant serves kimchi stew that is cooked using beef bone broth. ₩17000. (updated Nov 2024)

Drink

Café

• 1 Likeness (라이크니스), Room 48108, Saeum 3-ro, Homyeong-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 54-652-6365. 10:30-22:00. A sensual cafe with delicious scones (updated Oct 2024)

• 2 Bongdeok Warehouse (봉덕창고), Bongdeok Warehouse, 49 Bongdeok-ro, Yecheon-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 507-1478-5633. 11:00-22:00. A cafe where latte and dessert bread are delicious (updated Oct 2024)
• 3 Connected Coffee (커넥티드 커피), 30-3 1st floor, Yangji 1-gil, Homyeong-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 70-7585-1707. 08:00-22:00. It is a cafe with a lot of group seats and a hip & nice atmosphere (updated Oct 2024)
• 4 Cafe BBMG (카페 BBMG), 331 floor, Daesim-ro, Yecheon-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 507-1402-7785. 10:00-22:00. A big cafe with delicious bread. (updated Oct 2024)
• 5 Kiki coffee (키키 커피), 1st floor of Hoban Plaza, 95 Waterside-ro, Homyeong-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 507-1362-7138. 10:00-21:00. A sentimental cafe with good atmosphere with Financier and latte (updated Oct 2024)
• 6 Café creme (카페크렘), 1771 Hyoja-ro, Yecheon-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongbuk, 1st floor, ☏ +82 507-1337-9215. 10:00-22:00. a cozy dessert cafe (updated Oct 2024)
• 7 Suda & Bread caffe (수다 브레드 & 카페), 71st floor, Yangji 6-gil, Homyeong-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 507-1312-6008. 09:00-22:00. A cafe famous for delicious sandwiches and various kinds of coffee (updated Oct 2024)
• 8 Wad coffee (와드커피), 24-11, Jungang-ro, Yecheon-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 507-1391-7334. 08:00-22:30. Delicious dessert and a cafe with a cute atmosphere (updated Oct 2024)
• 9 Coffee Jeonggyeong (커피정경), 61st floor, Yangji 2-gil, Homyeong-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 507-1356-1417. 11:00-18:00. A cafe famous for its delicious coffee beans and quiet atmosphere (updated Oct 2024)
• 10 Cream x Cloud (크림 X 클라우드), Room 120 Creamx Cloud, 1st floor, Sangha-dong, 229, Haengbok-ro, Homyeong-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 507-1473-2077. 08:00-22:00. a cafe famous for its rich cream and delicious coffee (updated Oct 2024)

Bar

• 11 Yeogiya second floor (여기야 2층), Room 205,206, 142, Saeum 3-ro, Homyeong-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 507-1410-9287. 18:00-01:00. A bar with a delicious ice beer and a good price for snacks (updated Oct 2024)
• 12 Dan Hong (단홍), 2228th floor, Daehak-ro, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 54-636-6676. 17:30-01:30. a bar famous for its fine interior and exotic atmosphere (updated Oct 2024)
• 13 Daedongjip Gyeongbuk Provincial Office (대동집경북도청점), Daedong House on the 291st floor, Saeum 1-ro, Homyeong-eup, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 507-1462-0332. 17:00-01:00. A bar famous for bossam and Korean traditional wine, makgeolli (updated Oct 2024)
• 14 Simsul (심술), Room 107, Woobang Central Plaza, 46, Saeum 3-ro, Homyeong-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 507-1364-9443. 17:00-02:00. Simsul, a bar with a nice atmosphere (updated Oct 2024)
• 15 Yecheon Samgang Jumak (예천삼강주막), 27-1 Samgang Cultural Complex, Samgang-ri-gil, Pungyang-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 54-655-3035. 09:00-18:00. a tourist attraction that restored the old tavern in a modern way (updated Oct 2024)
• 16 Hannam-dong House Gyeongbuk Provincial Office (한남동그집), Room 111, 1st floor, 60-3 Korea Building, Saeum 3-ro, Homyeong-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 507-1368-8024. 17:00-01:00. a delicious bar with a variety of menus (updated Oct 2024)
• 17 Sohsijiyo Gyeongbuk Provincial Office (쏘시지요경북도청), 301F, Saeum 3-ro, Homyeong-myeon, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ☏ +82 54-654-6767. 17:00-02:00. It's a cost-effective Osaka sensibility izakaya (updated Oct 2024)
• 18 Gangnam (강남), Room 30112, Saeum 3-ro, Homyeong-eup, ☏ +82 507-1363-8563. 17:00-03:00. a bar with Korean food as its main menu (updated Oct 2024)
• 19 Iljuil (일주일), Room 116, Sanga-dong, 27, Geommu-ro, Homyeong-eup, ☏ +82 507-1399-5430. 18:00-01:00. The bar is famous for its delicious skewers and soups and its variety of alcoholic beverages. (updated Oct 2024)
• 20 Geommu pocha (검무포차), Room 120, Sanga-dong, 27, Geommu-ro, ☏ +82 54-654-6066. A delicious bar where you can have seasonal snacks. (updated Oct 2024)