Bonghwa County


Bonghwa County is a county in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. It lies inland, at the northern edge of the province, and borders Gangwon province to the north. To the east it is bounded by Yeongyang and Uljin counties, to the south by Andong, and to the west by Yeongju. The county is ringed by the Taebaek and Sobaek Mountains, the highest of which is Taebaek-san itself, at more than 1500 meters above sea level. Because of this mountainous inland location, Bonghwa has a colder climate than most of the province, with an average annual temperature of.
Bonghwa is connected to the national rail grid by the Yeongdong Line, which stops at Bonghwa Station on its way between Yeongju and Gangneung. The Yeongdong Line, which is not known for its speed, stops at a total of 13 stations as it winds through Bonghwa, before ambling north into the next province.
Korean National Treasure No. 201, a rock-carved seated Buddhist statue, is located in Bukji-ri, Murya-myeon.
Famous people from Bonghwa include director Kim Ki-duk. The county is also the setting of the 2008 documentary film Old Partner, which has won numerous awards for its portrayal of rural life.

Administrative divisions

Bonghwa is divided into ten primary divisions: one eup and nine rural districts.
The eup and myeon are further divided into numerous small villages.

Twin towns – sister cities

Bonghwa is twinned with: