Gyeongsan-si
Overview
Gyeongsan-si (慶山市) is a city located in the southern part of Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. It borders the southeastern part of Daegu Metropolitan City and serves as a satellite city of Daegu. Covering an area of 411.70 km² and with a population of approximately 260,000 (as of 2025), it is one of the most populous cities in Gyeongsangbuk-do. The city harmonizes education, industry, and culture, and is particularly known as an educational city due to the presence of several universities, including Yeungnam University and Catholic University of Daegu. In recent years, it has been transitioning into a self-sufficient city through the expansion of metropolitan transportation networks with Daegu and the development of industrial complexes.
Main Content
History
Gyeongsan was the center of the Samhan-era state of Apdokguk (押督國) and was called Apryangju (押梁州) during the Silla period. It was renamed Gyeongsan-hyeon (慶山縣) during the Goryeo period and maintained as Gyeongsan-gun (慶山郡) during the Joseon period. In 1914, it became Gyeongsan-gun through an administrative reorganization, and in 1989, Gyeongsan-eup was elevated to city status, forming Gyeongsan-si. In 1995, it merged with Gyeongsan-gun through a urban-rural integration, resulting in the current Gyeongsan-si.
Geography and Climate
Gyeongsan-si borders Cheongdo-gun to the east, Suseong-gu and Dalseo-gu of Daegu Metropolitan City to the west, Changnyeong-gun to the south, and Yeongcheon-si to the north. The Geumho River flows through the northern part of the city, and the Nakdong River forms its western boundary. The terrain is a mix of hilly mountains and plains. The climate is influenced by a continental climate, with hot summers and relatively cold winters. The average annual temperature is about 12.5°C, and the annual precipitation is about 1,050 mm.
Administrative Divisions
Gyeongsan-si consists of 3 eups (Hayang-eup, Jillyang-eup, Apryang-eup), 6 myeons (Wachon-myeon, Jain-myeon, Yongseong-myeon, Namsan-myeon, Namcheon-myeon, Seobu 1-dong, Seobu 2-dong, Jungbang-dong, Jungang-dong, Dongbu-dong, Bukbu-dong, Nambu-dong). The city hall is located in Jungbang-dong.
Education
Gyeongsan-si is densely populated with higher education institutions, earning it the nickname 'Education City'. It hosts Yeungnam University (Gyeongsan Campus), Catholic University of Daegu (Hyoseong Campus), and Daegu University (Gyeongsan Campus), which significantly influence the local economy and culture. Additionally, there are many excellent middle and high schools, such as Gyeongsan Science High School and Gyeongsan Girls' High School.
Economy
The economy of Gyeongsan-si is primarily based on manufacturing and services. Major industrial complexes include Gyeongsan 1st, 2nd, and 3rd General Industrial Complexes, Jillyang Industrial Complex, and Hayang Industrial Complex, hosting various industries such as automobile parts, electronics, machinery, and textiles. Recently, part of the Daegu National Industrial Complex (Technopolis) has been located in Gyeongsan, focusing on fostering high-tech industries. In agriculture, fruit cultivation such as peaches, grapes, and apples is active, with Gyeongsan peaches being particularly famous nationwide.
Transportation
Gyeongsan-si enjoys convenient transportation due to its proximity to Daegu Metropolitan City. The Gyeongbu Expressway passes through the city, with Gyeongsan IC and Bukgyeongsan IC. National Routes 4, 25, and 35 run through the area, and Daegu Metro Line 2 extends into downtown Gyeongsan, providing high accessibility to Daegu. Additionally, the Gyeongbu Line railway passes through Gyeongsan Station, and KTX and SRT services are available at Daegu Station or Dongdaegu Station.
Culture and Tourism
Gyeongsan-si boasts various cultural heritage sites and tourist attractions. Major historical sites include the Apryang-ri Ancient Tombs, relics of the Samhan-era Apdokguk; the Five-story Stone Pagoda in Samseong-ri, Gyeongsan (Treasure), a Silla-era stone pagoda; and Gyeongsan Hyanggyo, a Joseon-era Confucian school. Natural attractions include Daedeoksan Mountain, a popular recreational area near Daegu; part of Palgongsan Provincial Park; and the Geumho River bike path. Annual events such as the Gyeongsan Gatbawi Festival and the Gyeongsan Peach Festival are representative local cultural events.
Sports
Gyeongsan-si has well-developed sports infrastructure, including Gyeongsan Civic Stadium, Gyeongsan Indoor Gymnasium, and Gyeongsan National Sports Center. The DGB Daegu Bank Park, home stadium of the professional football club Daegu FC, is located in Daegu but adjacent to Gyeongsan. Additionally, the Gyeongsan International Marathon is held annually.
Recent Trends
In 2024–2025, discussions about integration with Daegu Metropolitan City continue, but public opinion remains divided. The extension of Daegu Metro Line 2 (from downtown Gyeongsan to Hayang-eup) broke ground in 2024 and is targeted for completion in 2028, which is expected to significantly improve transportation convenience in the northern part of Gyeongsan. Additionally, Gyeongsan-si is pursuing a 'Smart City' project, planning to introduce AI and big data-based transportation, environment, and safety systems. The population is showing a slight increase, with a notable influx of young people. As of 2025, Gyeongsan-si is actively implementing various childbirth promotion policies and expanding welfare facilities for the elderly to address low birth rates and aging population issues.
Related Topics
- [[Daegu Metropolitan City]]
- [[Yeungnam University]]
- [[Gyeongsangbuk-do]]
- [[Apdokguk]]
- [[Geumho River]]
---
AI-generated document · Improved together by the community