North Gyeongsang Province
Overview
North Gyeongsang Province (경상북도, 慶尙北道) is a metropolitan autonomous entity located in the southeastern part of the Republic of Korea. It borders the East Sea to the east, North Chungcheong Province and North Jeolla Province to the west, South Gyeongsang Province, Daegu Metropolitan City, and Ulsan Metropolitan City to the south, and Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province to the north. With an area of approximately 19,030 km², it is the largest among the nation's metropolitan autonomous entities, with a population of about 2.6 million (as of 2024). The provincial government is located in Andong City, and major cities include Gyeongju, Pohang, Gumi, Gimcheon, and Yeongju. It is a region where history and modernity coexist, featuring Gyeongju, the thousand-year-old capital of Silla; Andong, the center of Confucian culture; and Pohang and Gumi, hubs of the steel and IT industries.
Main Content
History
North Gyeongsang Province belonged to the Jinhan (辰韓) region during the Samhan period. In 57 BCE, Park Hyeokgeose founded Silla in Gyeongju, making it the central stage of Korean history. After unifying the Three Kingdoms in the mid-7th century, Silla made Gyeongju its capital, fostering a brilliant Buddhist culture. During the Goryeo period, it was called Donggyeong (東京, Eastern Capital) and maintained its importance. In the Joseon period, it was organized as the northern part of Gyeongsang Province (慶尙道). With the implementation of the 13-province system in 1896, North Gyeongsang Province was officially established. Administrative boundaries were adjusted over time, including the separation of Daegu as a directly governed city in 1981 and the incorporation of Gyeongsan City in 1997.
Geography and Climate
The Taebaek Mountains and Sobaek Mountains run through the province, and the Nakdong River flows southward into South Gyeongsang Province. Coastal cities such as Pohang, Yeongdeok, and Uljin are located along the East Sea coast, while the inland area features basins and mountainous terrain. The climate is influenced by a continental climate, with severe cold in winter and hot summers, while the east coast has a relatively mild maritime climate. The average annual temperature is 11–13°C, and annual precipitation is 1,000–1,300 mm.
Administrative Divisions
It consists of 10 cities (Pohang, Gyeongju, Gimcheon, Andong, Gumi, Yeongju, Yeongcheon, Sangju, Mungyeong, Gyeongsan) and 12 counties (Gunwi, Uiseong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, Yeongdeok, Cheongdo, Goryeong, Seongju, Chilgok, Yecheon, Bonghwa, Uljin). The provincial government is located in Andong City, and North Gyeongsang Province is the metropolitan province with the largest number of basic local governments in the country.
Economy
Traditionally, North Gyeongsang Province had developed agriculture (apples, grapes, peaches, ginseng) and fisheries (Pohang and Yeongdeok snow crab). However, after the 1970s, with the establishment of Pohang Steel (now POSCO) and the Gumi National Industrial Complex, it emerged as a center for heavy chemical and electronics industries. Pohang is a key hub for steel, and Gumi is a core base for IT manufacturing such as semiconductors, displays, and mobile phones. Tourism is active in cities like Gyeongju, Andong, and Mungyeong. Recently, the relocation of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Government (to Andong and Yecheon) and the development of innovation cities have attracted public institutions and research facilities.
Culture and Tourism
North Gyeongsang Province is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Gyeongju features Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and the Gyeongju Historic Areas (Daereungwon, Cheomseongdae, Anapji). Andong has Hahoe Folk Village and Dosan Seowon, Yeongju has Buseoksa Temple, and Bonghwa has Gaksansa Temple. Various cultural events are held, including the Andong International Mask Dance Festival, the Gyeongju World Culture Expo, and the Pohang International Fireworks Festival. Famous traditional foods include Andong jjimdak (braised chicken), Andong soju, Gyeongju gyodong beopju (traditional liquor), Yeongdeok snow crab, and Pohang gwamegi (half-dried Pacific saury).
Education and Infrastructure
North Gyeongsang Province hosts higher education institutions such as Kyungpook National University (Sangju Campus), Andong National University, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), and Daegu Catholic University (Gyeongsan). Transportation is connected via expressways such as the Gyeongbu Expressway, Jungang Expressway, and Donghae Expressway, as well as railways including the Gyeongbu Line, Jungang Line, and Donghae Line. Pohang Gyeongju Airport operates domestic flights. KTX trains stop at Gyeongju, Gimcheon, Yeongcheon, and Singyeongju Station, improving accessibility to the Seoul metropolitan area.
Recent Trends
In 2024–2025, North Gyeongsang Province is implementing various policies to address low birth rates, aging, and population decline. In particular, the provincial government aims to 'restore the population to 3 million' by focusing on supporting return to farming and rural areas, creating youth jobs, and improving local living conditions. Additionally, Pohang City is promoting the creation of a secondary battery and hydrogen industry cluster, Gumi City is fostering system semiconductor and robot industries, and Gyeongju City is pursuing the attraction of an SMR (Small Modular Reactor) national industrial complex to secure new growth engines. In July 2024, the North Gyeongsang Provincial Government completed its relocation by opening a new government building in Andong City, and the Gyeongju World Culture Expo is scheduled to be held in 2025. Discussions are also ongoing regarding the designation of the East Coast Economic Free Zone and the continued operation of nuclear power plants in Uljin and Yeongdeok.
Related Topics
- [[Silla]]
- [[Gyeongju City]]
- [[Pohang City]]
- [[Andong City]]
- [[Gumi City]]
- [[Nakdong River]]
- [[POSCO]]
- [[Provinces of South Korea]]
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