Official / Local Name위천면
Region / ProvinceGyeongsangnam-do (Geochang-gun)
PopulationOfficial Municipality
Coordinates35.7458°N, 127.8298°E · 302 m
Overview
Set at 302 m elevation amid the highland valleys of Geochang-gun (Gyeongsangnam-do), Wicheon-myeon (위천면, pop. Official Municipality) is a gateway for Korean ridge hikes, valley temples, and autumn foliage drives.
| Official / Local Name | 위천면 (Wicheon-myeon) |
|---|---|
| Region / Province | Gyeongsangnam-do · Geochang-gun |
| Population | Official Municipality |
| Elevation | 302 m above sea level |
| Nearest Rail / Subway Station | Jikjisa Station (직지사역) (46.2 km) |
| Nearby Landmarks & Sights | Wŏn’gak-sa (원각사) (1.7 km) · Moam-jŏng (모암정) (3.9 km) · Songnim-sa (송림사) (5.0 km) · Ponwŏn-sa (본원사) (5.2 km) |
| Local Neighborhoods & Sub-Areas | Kang-dong (0.6 km), Ch’ang-ch’on (창촌) (0.6 km), Sŏwŏn (서원) (0.7 km), Sangch’ŏn (상천) (0.7 km), Kŏch’a (거차) (0.8 km) |
| Neighboring Municipalities | Mari-myŏn (마리면) (5.3 km) · Geochang-gun (거창) (6.9 km) · Jusang-myeon (주상면) (7.8 km) · Puksang-myŏn (북상면) (7.9 km) · Geochang-eup (거창읍) (8.9 km) |
Getting There & Local Transit
Nearest rail/transit hub: Jikjisa Station (직지사역) (46.2 km). KTX Gyeongjeon Line to Changwon, Masan & Jinju; intercity express buses from Busan Sasang to Tongyeong & Geoje. Tap a nationwide T-money card on local buses and subways, and search "위천면" in Naver Map or KakaoMap for real-time directions.
What to See & Do
- Wŏn’gak-sa (원각사) (1.7 km) — Wicheon-myeon (위천면)
- Moam-jŏng (모암정) (3.9 km) — Wicheon-myeon (위천면)
- Songnim-sa (송림사) (5.0 km) — Wicheon-myeon (위천면)
- Ponwŏn-sa (본원사) (5.2 km) — Wicheon-myeon (위천면)
Local Food & Regional Specialties
- Hearty regional 국밥 (Gukbap rice soup) and handmade 칼국수 (Kalguksu knife-cut noodles) simmered with anchovy, radish, and seasonal greens from Gyeongsangnam-do.
- Charcoal-grilled local pork belly (Samgyeopsal), marinated short ribs (Galbi), and savory 해물파전 (scallion and seafood pancakes) served at family-run 식당 (Sikdang, ₩9,000–₩16,000).
- Earthenware-aged 된장 (Doenjang soybean paste) and 고추장 (Gochujang), sun-dried regional produce, traditional 한과 (Hangwa rice sweets), and local brewery 생막걸리 (unpasteurized draft Makgeolli).
- Locals gather for weekday 백반 (Baekban home-style lunch sets, ₩9,000–₩12,000) where every table receives 6–10 complimentary refillable banchan side dishes, and browse the traditional 5-day market (오일장) for seasonal harvest specialties. Across Wicheon-myeon (pop. 12,000) in Geochang-gun, neighborhood alleys combine family-run soup and BBQ spots with modern Korean bakery-cafes.
Best Time to Visit
Mar–May (Jinhae Cherry Blossoms), Sep–Nov. Gyeongsangnam-do → · 3,651 All Cities →