Korea’s Ancient Culture, Buddhism & Industrial Power Province
Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도), or North Gyeongsang Province, is one of South Korea’s largest and most historically significant provinces.
It is the center of ancient Korean civilization, home to the Silla Kingdom’s 1,000-year-old capital Gyeongju, Buddhist temples, UNESCO heritage sites, fertile valleys, and major industrial cities like Pohang (POSCO) and Gumi (electronics & semiconductors).
This province uniquely blends history, religion, industry, and nature.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Gyeongsangbuk-do has the deepest historical roots among all Korean provinces.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 57 BCE – 935 CE | Capital of the Silla Kingdom (Gyeongju) |
| 676 CE | Unified Silla unifies most of the Korean Peninsula |
| 940 CE | “Gyeongsang” named during Goryeo Dynasty |
| 1896 | Gyeongsang Province split into North & South |
| 1968–1990s | Industrial rise of Pohang & Gumi |
| 2000s–2020s | UNESCO preservation + semiconductor & biotech growth |
The province is often called “The Museum Without Walls.”
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang Province) |
| Korean Name | 경상북도 |
| Capital | Andong |
| Major Cities | Pohang, Gyeongju, Gumi, Yeongju |
| Area | ~19,030 sq km (Korea’s largest province) |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~2.6 million |
| Climate | Temperate, warm summers & cold winters |
| Time Zone | UTC +9 |
| Dial Code | +82 54 |
| Top-Level Domain | .gb.go.kr |
| Provincial Motto | “Tradition, Industry, and Harmony” |
⚖️ Government & Leadership
| Position | Officeholder (2025) |
|---|---|
| Governor | Lee Cheol-woo |
| Provincial Assembly | Gyeongsangbuk-do Council |
| Administrative Divisions | 10 Cities (Si) + 13 Counties (Gun) |
Gyeongsangbuk-do has one of the largest administrative structures in the country.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
Gyeongsangbuk-do consists of:
10 Cities (Si)
13 Counties (Gun)
🏙️ List of Cities (10)
| City | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Pohang (포항시) | POSCO Steelworks; major industrial port |
| Gyeongju (경주시) | Ancient Silla capital; temples; UNESCO sites |
| Gumi (구미시) | Electronics & semiconductor hub |
| Andong (안동시) | Capital; Hahoe Folk Village (UNESCO) |
| Gyeongsan (경산시) | Universities & cultural sites |
| Yeongju (영주시) | Sobaeksan National Park; Buseoksa Temple |
| Sangju (상주시) | Agriculture & logistics |
| Mungyeong (문경시) | Ceramics & mountain trails |
| Gimcheon (김천시) | Innovation city & transportation hub |
| Ulleung (울릉군·city-level) | Volcanic island near Dokdo |
🏞️ List of Counties (13)
| County | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Cheongdo-gun | Bullfighting festival |
| Goryeong-gun | Daegaya cultural heritage |
| Seongju-gun | Melon capital of Korea |
| Chilgok-gun | War memorials |
| Uiseong-gun | Garlic & astronomy observatory |
| Yecheon-gun | Traditional crafts |
| Yeongyang-gun | Organic farming |
| Yeongdeok-gun | Snow crab & coastal scenery |
| Yeongcheon-gun | Motorsports complex |
| Uljin-gun | Coastal mountains & nuclear plant |
| Bonghwa-gun | Rural tourism |
| Cheongsong-gun | UNESCO Global Geopark |
| Gunwi-gun | Historical temples |
🌐 Geography & Environment
Mountains: Taebaek Range, Sobaeksan
Rivers: Nakdong River basin
Coastline: East Sea along Pohang, Uljin, Yeongdeok
Islands: Ulleungdo & Dokdo region
Climate: Cold winters, warm summers
National Parks: Sobaeksan, Juwangsan
UNESCO Sites: Gyeongju Historic Areas, Hahoe Folk Village
The province is rich in nature, history, and marine landscapes.
🧩 Development Focus & Innovation
Gyeongsangbuk-do leads Korea in:
Steel industry (Pohang)
Electronics & semiconductors (Gumi)
Traditional culture & heritage tourism (Gyeongju & Andong)
Renewable energy & coastal development
Agriculture & specialty foods (melons, garlic, crab)
National transport logistics
It is a core powerhouse of Korea’s industrial economy.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Department | Role |
|---|---|
| Provincial Police Agency | Urban + coastal safety |
| Fire & Emergency HQ | Earthquake, wildfire, industrial accident response |
| Coast Guard (East Sea) | Maritime patrol & port security |
Pohang & Uljin areas have advanced disaster preparedness systems.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity |
| Dialect | Gyeongsang dialect (strong, energetic tone) |
| Cultural Identity | Heritage-rich, traditional arts, Confucian learning |
| Famous Icons | Hahoe Mask, Silla Gold Crowns |
Gyeongsangbuk-do is the heart of Korean traditional heritage.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| GDP (2025 est.) | ~$100 billion USD |
| Top Industries | Steel, semiconductors, tourism, agriculture |
| Ports | Pohang Port, Uljin coastal zones |
| Exports | Steel, electronics, crabs, machinery |
One of Korea’s most diverse and powerful economic regions.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Universities | Yeungnam University, Kyungpook National University (nearby Daegu) |
| Specialty Fields | History, engineering, culture studies |
| Healthcare | Andong Medical Center, Pohang hospitals |
| Life Expectancy | ~84 years |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airports | Pohang Airport, Uljin Airport (development phase) |
| Rail | Donghae Line, Jungang Line, Gumi Rail Hub |
| Expressways | Gyeongbu, Jungbu Naeryuk |
| Ports | Pohang Youngilman Port |
| Mega Projects | East Sea Energy Belt, Gyeongju Culture Restoration |
Infrastructure connects mountains, valleys, and the eastern coast.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO)
Seokguram Grotto
Hahoe Folk Village (Andong, UNESCO)
Pohang Homigot Sunrise Square
Bomun Lake Resort
Anapji Pond (Donggung Palace)
Ulleungdo Island & Dokdo region
Juwangsan National Park
Daegaya Historic Sites
Gyeongsangbuk-do is a global destination for history lovers.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UNESCO Presence | Multiple World Heritage Sites |
| Economic Role | Core steel production + electronics |
| Tourism | “Golden City” Gyeongju promotion |
| International Relations | Cultural exchange with Japan, China, Europe |
📝 Summary
Gyeongsangbuk-do is the historical soul and industrial backbone of South Korea.
From ancient Silla relics in Gyeongju to the steel giants of Pohang, from Confucian villages to volcanic islands — this province offers unmatched diversity, heritage, and economic strength.
📢 News & Articles
“Gyeongju: Exploring Korea’s Ancient Capital”
“Pohang POSCO: The Steel Giant of Asia”
“Ulleungdo: Korea’s Volcanic Island Paradise”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, delivering world-standard, structured regional intelligence.