Yecheon County

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, [email protected]. 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 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

Getting there

By plane Incheon International Airport (ICN) — 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. 1 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. 2 Yecheon satation (예천역), Yechon-eup Yejeon-gil 4,. a subway station in Yecheon (updated Dec 2024) 3 Gaepo Station (개포역), Pungjeong-ri, Gaepo-myeon. a subway station in Yecheon (updated Dec 2024)

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

Getting 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 m

See

1 Yecheon Astronomical Space Center (예천천문우주센터), Deokyulli 91, ☏ +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), Porrie 688, ☏ +82 54-650-8317. a museum that displays Yecheon's culture and history Free. (updated Oct 2024) 3 Yongmusa (용문사), 285-30 Yongmunsa-gil, Yongmun-myeon, Yongmun-sa-gil, ☏ +82 54-655-1010. Yongmunsa Temple is a temple in Yecheon. There are cultural properties such as Hoengdongmun, Sacheonwangsang, Gwaebulttanghwa, and Gyogyoji, which was given by King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty. Free. (updated Nov 2024) 4 Yecheon Jinho International Archery Field (예천진호국제양궁장), Archery Field 38, ☏ +82 54-653-2434. 10:00-17:00. It is the largest bow experience complex in Korea, where you can enjoy all bow-related experiences regardless of age. ₩7,000. (updated Nov 2024) 5 Insect Research Institute Ecological Experience Center (예천곤충연구소생태체험관), 1045 Eunpung-ro, Hyoja-myeon