Gimcheon, or Kimcheon (김천시), is a city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. The official brand slogan of Gimcheon is “The Center of Korea, Gimcheon—Connected in All Directions.” The phrase Satongpaldal (四通八達), literally meaning “open and connected in all directions,” is used to highlight the city’s role as a major transportation hub. Located on the boundary between Gyeongsang and Chungcheong provinces, Gimcheon is where the Gyeongbu and Gyeongbuk railway lines, as well as the Gyeongbu and Jungbu Inland Expressways, intersect. Its well-developed transport network has long defined the city as a key crossroads in Korea.
Understand
[edit]
History
[edit]Gimcheon (김천, 金泉), meaning "golden stream," has long been a transportation hub linking Seoul and Busan. During the Silla Kingdom, the area served as a strategic outpost between the eastern capital of Gyeongju and the western provinces. Throughout the Goryeo and Joseon periods, Gimcheon prospered as a market town and postal relay point. Nearby **Jikjisa Temple**, founded in 418 CE, became one of Korea’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples. In modern times, the city grew rapidly with the opening of the Gyeongbu Railway and later the **Gimcheon–Gumi KTX Station**, which connected it to major cities. The development of **Innovation City** in the 2010s transformed Gimcheon into a modern administrative and residential center that still preserves its historical charm.
Climate
[edit]Gimcheon has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dwa) with four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid, with average highs around 30 °C and frequent monsoon rains in July. Autumn (September–November) is generally mild and dry, offering clear skies and comfortable temperatures — the best time to visit. Winters (December–February) are cold and dry, with occasional snowfall and average lows around −5 °C. Spring (March–May) brings pleasant weather and blooming cherry blossoms throughout the city. Annual average temperature: 12.5 °C Annual precipitation: ≈1,200 mm, mostly concentrated in summer.
Talk
[edit]The main language spoken in Gimcheon is Korean. Locals use a version of the Gyeongsang dialect, characterized by a fast rhythm and a distinctive intonation that differs from the Seoul standard. Older residents often speak with a stronger regional accent, while younger people and those working in shops, hotels, or public offices mostly use standard Korean. English is not widely spoken, but basic communication is possible at major tourist sites and hotels. Most public signs, transport information, and menus include English translations.
Get in
[edit]
By train
[edit]- 1 Gimcheon–Gumi Station (김천구미역), 33, Hyeoksin 3-ro (Located in Gimcheon’s Innovation City, about 7 km east of downtown Gimcheon. Accessible by local bus (routes 80, 81) or taxi (about 10–15 minutes from city center).). Station open 05:00–23:30; KTX ticket office 06:00–22:00. Gimcheon–Gumi Station is a KTX (high-speed rail) stop on the Gyeongbu Line, serving both Gimcheon and nearby Gumi. It connects directly to Seoul (≈1 hr 30 min) and Busan (≈1 hr 20 min) with frequent daily departures. The station complex includes convenience stores, cafés, and local bus stops for downtown Gimcheon and Gumi. Taxis are available outside the terminal, and a small tourist information center provides English assistance.
- Gimcheon–Gumi Station, located outside the city center, is on the Gyeongbu high-speed line.
- Seoul – about 1 hr 20–40 min
- Busan – about 1 hr 10–30 min
- Daegu – about 20–30 min
- Daejeon – about 25 min
Local buses and taxis connect the station to downtown Gimcheon in 20–30 minutes.
- Conventional trains (Gimcheon Station)
- Gimcheon Station, in the old downtown, is served by Mugunghwa and ITX-Saemaeul trains.
- Slower than KTX but cheaper, with direct connections to Daejeon, Dongdaegu, and Busan.
- Convenient if your destination is central Gimcheon, including the old town, markets, or nearby parks.
- Tips
- For long-distance travel, KTX is by far the fastest.
- For easier access to the city center, conventional trains to Gimcheon Station may be preferable.
- Note that Gimcheon–Gumi Station and Gimcheon Station are about 20 minutes apart by car.
By bus
[edit]Express and intercity buses (Gimcheon Bus Terminal). Gimcheon Bus Terminal has frequent services to major cities across Korea.
- Seoul (Gangnam, Dong Seoul) – about 2 hr 30 min
- Busan – about 2 hr 30 min
- Daegu – about 1 hr
- Daejeon – about 1 hr
- Gwangju – about 3 hr
From the terminal, local buses and taxis connect easily to the city center. Buses also run to nearby towns such as Gumi, Sangju, Mungyeong, and Seongju.
By car
[edit]Gimcheon is at the junction of the Gyeongbu Expressway and the Jungbu Naeryuk Expressway, making it a convenient stop on north–south and east–west routes.
- From Seoul – about 2 hr 30 min to 3 hr via Gyeongbu Expressway.
- From Daegu – about 1 hr.
- From Daejeon – just over 1 hr.
Driving is often the fastest way to reach rural attractions around Gimcheon, such as Jikjisa Temple or nearby hiking trails.
By plane
[edit]Gimcheon has no airport. The nearest one is Daegu International Airport, about 60 km away, or roughly 1 hour by car. It has domestic flights and some international connections to East Asia. Other options include Cheongju International Airport (about 90 minutes by car) and Gimhae International Airport in Busan (around 2 hours). Travelers coming from abroad will usually find it easiest to fly into Daegu or Busan, or arrive in Seoul and transfer by KTX.
Get around
[edit]Gimcheon is small enough to get around by bus or taxi. City buses connect major areas but run infrequently, while taxis are easy to find at the train station and bus terminal and are reasonably priced.
For sights outside the city such as Jikjisa Temple or Buhang Dam, driving is the most convenient option. Some cycling paths are available, and the area around Buhang Dam is popular for bike rides.
See
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- 1 Jikjisa Temple (직지사), 95, Jikjisa-gil, Daehang-myeon. Constructed in the year 418 at the foot of Mount Hwangaksan, Jikjisa temple claims to be the oldest in Korea. Temple stays are offered. Within the temple grounds are cultural properties such as the Gilt-bronze Reliquary from the Stupa of the Three Honored Ones at Dorisa Temple (National Treasure No. 208), the Painting of the Assembly of Sakyamuni Buddha and Two Bodhisattvas at Jikjisa Temple, Gimcheon (National Treasure), the Seated Stone Medicine Buddha of Jikjisa Temple, Gimcheon (Treasure No. 319), the East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas at Docheonsa Temple Site, Mungyeong (Treasure Nos. 606 and 607), the Three-story Stone Pagoda from the Site of Gangnaksa Temple, formerly in Gumi (Treasure No. 1186), the Main Buddha Hall (Daeungjeon) of Jikjisa Temple, Gimcheon (Treasure No. 1576), the Sumidan Altar in the Main Hall of Jikjisa Temple (Treasure No. 1859), and the Large Buddhist Hanging Scroll (Gwaebul) of Jikjisa Temple (Treasure No. 2026). Among the cultural properties housed at Jikjisa Temple, there are several artifacts that were relocated from other sites such as former temple ruins. These include the Gilt-bronze Reliquary from the Stupa of the Three Honored Ones at Dorisa Temple, the East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas at Docheonsa Temple Site, Mungyeong, and the Three-story Stone Pagoda from the Site of Gangnaksa Temple, formerly in Gumi. Adult ₩2,500, youth ₩1,500, child ₩1,000.
- 2 Gimcheon Culture & Art Center (Gimcheon Arts Center(김천예술회관)), 3, Undongjang-gil (10 minutes by taxi from Gimcheon Intercity Bus Terminal, or 20 minutes by bus No. 15, 15-2, or 15-8), ☏ 054-420-7820. 09:00 ~ 22:00. The Gimcheon Culture & Art Center was established in 2000 in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, with the aim of contributing to the development of local culture and the arts. It depends on the type of performance or exhibition.(add range)).
- 3 Yeonhwaji (연화지), 820-1 Gyodong (From Gimcheon Station, take a local bus or taxi toward Gyodong (Gyo-dong). Once you reach Gyodong, follow signs or local roads to address 820-1 to get to Yeonhwaji. The trip by taxi should take about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Walking is possible only after you’re near Gyodong.). Open all day, year-round.. Yeonhwaji Pond is an artificial pond located in Gyodong, Gimcheon. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the pond and along the walking trail, and in summer the water is covered with lotus flowers. The pond is open year-round with no admission fee, and a walking path with benches and rest areas makes it suitable for light exercise and family visits. At night, the area is illuminated, and seasonal events are sometimes held on the lakeside. One of the representative events is the Yeonhwaji Cherry Blossom Festa, held every spring. The festival features busking performances, traditional Korean music concerts, recreational programs, and interactive activities. During the event, night lights enhance the cherry blossom scenery. Traffic control is implemented during the festival period. On weekdays, vehicle access is restricted from 17:00 to midnight, and on weekends from 10:00 to midnight. Visitors are advised to use nearby parking areas such as the Gimcheon Sports Complex and the Kim Ho-joong Sound Road parking lot, from which the festival site can be accessed on foot. Free.
- 4 National Center for Forest Therapy, Gimcheon (국립 김천 치유의 숲), 1237-89 Sudo-gil, Jeungsan-myeon (From Gimcheon Station, take a local bus or taxi to Gimcheon Public Bus Terminal. Then board buses Sudo-92 or Sudo-93 toward Sudo Village via Jirye-Sangbu stop. After alighting at Sudo Village stop, walk approximately 1 km to the Healing Forest. Using a car (private vehicle) via Kimcheon IC or Dong-Gimcheon IC is more convenient.), ☏ +82-54-434-4670. 09:00 – 18:00. The National Center for Forest Therapy in Gimcheon is located in a dense birch forest on the slopes of Sudosan Mountain in North Gyeongsang Province. It offers a variety of forest therapy programs that make use of the rich natural environment along scenic forest trails. One of the main programs is the thermal therapy course designed to promote blood circulation. It consists of a half-bath and herbal tea tasting, can accommodate up to six participants of all ages, and takes about one hour. Free.
- 5 Gimcheon Green Future Science Museum (김천녹색미래과학관), 31 Hyeoksin 6-ro, Yulgok-dong (From Gimcheon Station, take a local bus or taxi toward Yulgok-dong or the Innovation-District; get off near Hyeoksin 6-ro. The museum is within walking distance from the drop-off point. Taking a taxi is faster and more convenient, especially for families with children.), ☏ +82-54-429-1600. 09:30 - 18:00. Closed on Mondays, January 1, and the day of Lunar New Year & Chuseok.. The Gimcheon Green Future Science Museum is a science exhibition and experience facility themed around climate change, renewable energy, and the green future. The exhibitions are organized into the Climate Change Hall, Green Energy Hall, and Green Future Hall, featuring interactive displays related to these topics. The 4D Full-Dome Theater offers stereoscopic video screenings, and outdoor experience facilities and the "Infinite Imagination Room" host science programs such as building solar-powered cars and wind generators. In addition to exhibitions, the museum regularly conducts various educational programs and events, serving as a space for science and environmental education. ₩3,000 for adults, free for children.
- 6 Bangchojeong Pavilion (방초정), 75-1 Jikjisa-gil, Seongju-myeon (From Gimcheon Station, take bus 11 or 111 toward Jikjisa. Get off at Jikjisa stop and walk about 10 minutes. By taxi, it takes around 15 minutes from the station.). 09:00–18:00. A historic pavilion built during the Joseon Dynasty, located near Jikjisa Temple. Surrounded by a landscaped garden with lotus ponds and stone walls, it offers a glimpse into traditional Korean architecture and a tranquil place to rest. Free.
- 7 Buhang Dam (부항댐), 620 Buhang-dong, Jicheon-myeon (From Gimcheon Station, take bus 27 bound for Buhang Dam and get off at the last stop (about 50 minutes). By taxi, it takes around 30 minutes from the station.). 00:00–24:00. A large multipurpose dam completed in 2011, surrounded by scenic mountains. The area features a suspension bridge, observatory, and eco-park, making it a popular spot for walking, cycling, and enjoying views of the reservoir and nature. Free.
- 8 Gimcheon World Ceramic Museum (김천세계도자기박물관), 234 Jikjisa-gil, Seongju-myeon (From Gimcheon Station, take bus 11 or 111 toward Jikjisa and get off at the World Ceramic Museum stop (about 20 minutes). By taxi, it takes around 15 minutes from the station.). 09:00–18:00 (closed Mondays). A museum dedicated to traditional and contemporary ceramics from Korea and around the world. The collection includes Korean celadon, porcelain, and folk pottery, as well as international works. The museum also hosts special exhibitions and hands-on programs for visitors. Adult ₩2,000, youth ₩1,000, child ₩500.
- 9 Riverside Park (강변공원), 1030 Jungang-ro, Gamcheon-dong (From Gimcheon Station, take a short taxi ride (about 5 minutes). It is also within walking distance (around 15 minutes) from the station, heading south along Jungang-ro toward the Gamcheon River.). 24 hours. A riverside park along the Gamcheon River, popular with locals for walking, jogging, and family outings. The park features landscaped trails, seasonal flowerbeds, and open spaces for relaxation. Festivals and cultural events are occasionally held here. Free.
- 10 Gimcheon Stadium (김천종합운동장), 38, Jonggok-ro (From Gimcheon Station, take a taxi (about 10 minutes). Several local buses stop near the stadium as well.). Event hours vary; generally open on match or event days.. A multi-purpose stadium mainly used for football matches and home to Gimcheon Sangmu FC of the K League. The venue hosts domestic league games as well as athletic events and other public gatherings. Varies depending on event (football match tickets usually ₩10,000–20,000).
Do
[edit]- 1 Jeungsan Sudo Valley Camping Resort (증산수도계곡캠핑장), 25 Sudo-gil, Jeungsan-myeon (From Gimcheon Station, take a taxi (approx. 50 minutes) or drive via Nam-Gimcheon Daero → Guseong – Jirye – Jeungsan 1-ro to reach Sudo Valley Camping. Alternatively, take local bus toward Jeungsan-myeon and get off near Pyeongchon-ri, then walk or take local shuttle.). Check-in 14:00, Check-out 12:00. A scenic valley campground set along a clear mountain stream, offering 27 deck-style auto-camping sites. Surrounded by forested hills and near natural attractions like Muhul Gugo (Nine Bends), it’s ideal for campers seeking tranquility, water play, and nature walking. ₩25,000 (off-peak), ₩35,000 (peak season).
- 2 Gimcheon Sky Park (김천 스카이 파크), 694 Buhang-dam-gil, Buhang-myeon (From Gimcheon Station, take a taxi to Buhang Dam (about 25 minutes, ₩20,000). The Sky Park is located near the dam’s skywalk area. Alternatively, take a local bus toward Buhang-myeon and get off at Buhang Dam stop.). 09:00–18:00. An adventure and leisure complex near Buhang Dam featuring Korea’s longest glass skywalk, zipline, and paragliding experience. Offers panoramic views of surrounding mountains and the dam lake. Great spot for photography and outdoor activities. ₩5,000 for skywalk admission.
- 3 Gimcheon Plum Picking Experience (김천 자두체험), Mipyeong-ri, Guseong-myeon (From Gimcheon Station, take a taxi or local bus toward Guseong-myeon (or “Guseong / Guseong-myeon direction”); get off at “Mipyeong-ri” or nearest farm stop. Or drive via National Route toward 구성면 (Guseong-myeon) and follow signs to plum experience farms.). Generally during plum harvest season (June ~ July) – by reservation. Experience picking fresh plums in the orchards of Gimcheon during summer. Participating farms offer guided picking, tasting, and sometimes crafts or puzzles (e.g. plum-clay activities) as part of the program. The city also organizes a plum distribution / picking event around mid-July using agricultural and theme-park venues. Varies by farm – contact farm for details.
- 4 Gimcheon Gagok Festival (김천 가곡제), Gimcheon Culture & Art Center, Namsan-dong (From Gimcheon Station, take a local bus or taxi to Gimcheon Culture & Art Center. The performance hall is within walking distance from the main bus stops around the city center.). ypically evening performances (e.g. around 19:30) depending on year. An annual choral and art song concert mostly organized by the Gimcheon City Choir. The program often revolves around “Gimcheon” as a theme: local poets’ works set to music by Korean composers. The festival aims to promote community spirit and regional cultural identity.
- 5 Buhang Dam Suspension Bridge (부항댐 출렁다리), 352 Buhang-dam-gil, Buhang-myeon (From Gimcheon Station, take a taxi or local bus toward Buhang‐myeon. Get off at “Buhang Dam” bus stop or drive along Buhang-dam-gil to reach the bridge area.). March–November: 09:00–22:00, December–February: 09:00–17:00. A suspension footbridge crossing above the surface of Buhang Dam reservoir, offering visitors a thrilling walk with scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills. At 256 m in length, it is one of the longest suspension bridges on water in Korea.
Festivals
[edit]Buy
[edit]Gimcheon has several lively traditional markets such as Pyeonghwa Market, Jungang Market, and Hwanggeum Market. These markets are great places to experience local life while browsing stalls filled with seasonal produce, clothing, and street food. Visitors can enjoy authentic Korean market snacks like tteokbokki and hotteok while mingling with friendly vendors.
- 1 Pyeonghwa Market (평화시장), 75 Jungang-ro (From Gimcheon Station, walk straight along Jungang-ro for about 10 minutes. The market is located in the downtown area near the main intersection.). 08:00–20:00 (Closed on the first and third Mondays of each month). Gimcheon’s main traditional market, Pyeonghwa Market, offers a glimpse of everyday local life. It features stalls selling fresh produce, handmade snacks, clothing, and kitchenware. Visitors can try local street foods such as hotteok and tteokbokki while browsing through the lively aisles.
- 2 Jungang Market (중앙시장), 39 Jungang-ro 1-gil (From Gimcheon Station, walk for about 10 minutes toward downtown along Jungang-ro. The market is located near Pyeonghwa Market, forming part of Gimcheon’s traditional market district.). 08:00–20:00 (Closed on the first and third Mondays). Jungang Market is one of Gimcheon’s oldest traditional markets, located right next to Pyeonghwa Market. It features various small shops selling fruits, vegetables, seafood, and household items. The narrow alleys and local vendors offer a lively and authentic glimpse into everyday life in a Korean provincial city.
- 3 Hwanggeum Market (황금시장), 68 Hwanggeum-ro, Hwanggeum-dong (From Gimcheon Station, take a taxi toward Hwanggeum-dong (about 10 minutes). The market is located near Hwanggeum Elementary School. Local buses heading to Hwanggeum-dong also stop nearby.). 08:00–20:00 (Closed on the first and third Mondays). A small neighborhood market located in Hwanggeum-dong, south of downtown Gimcheon. Hwanggeum Market mainly serves local residents, offering fresh produce, side dishes, and daily essentials. Its friendly vendors and relaxed atmosphere make it a good stop for travelers wanting a look at local life outside the city center.
For convenient one-stop shopping, Gimcheon has modern retail stores such as E-Mart and Lotte Mart. These large supermarkets offer groceries, snacks, cosmetics, and daily goods in a clean and spacious environment. Tax-refund services are available for foreign visitors, making them ideal for travelers looking to buy Korean products before leaving the city.
- 4 E-Mart Gimcheon Branch (이마트 김천점), 1255 Jungang-daero (From Gimcheon Station, take a taxi to the E-Mart Gimcheon Branch (about 15 minutes). The store is located along Jungang-daero, near Gimcheon Innovation City.). 10:00 – 22:00. A large supermarket operated by Shinsegae Group, E-Mart Gimcheon offers groceries, Korean snacks, cosmetics, electronics, and travel necessities all in one place. It is a convenient stop for travelers to pick up local products and daily goods before leaving the city. Tax-refund service is available for foreign visitors.
- 5 Lotte Mart Gimcheon Branch (롯데마트 김천점), 2585 Jungang-daero (From Gimcheon Station, take a taxi to Lotte Mart (about 10 minutes). The store is located along Jungang-daero, near the southern part of the downtown area.). 10:00–22:00. A large retail store operated by Lotte Group, offering groceries, fashion items, cosmetics, and household goods. The mart also has a food court and bakery. It is a convenient one-stop shopping destination for both locals and travelers. Tax-refund service is available for foreign visitors.
If you’re looking for fresh local produce, visit Hanaro Mart or the city-run agricultural specialty store near Jikjisa Temple. These shops sell Gimcheon’s farm products directly from local growers — including plums, walnuts, honey, and peppers. Prices are fair, and the quality is excellent, making them perfect for buying authentic regional specialties.
- 6 Nonghyup Hanaro Mart Gimcheon Branch (하나로마트 김천점), 68 Nonghyup-ro (From Gimcheon Station, take a taxi to Hanaro Mart (about 8 minutes). The mart is located near the Gimcheon Agricultural Cooperative complex.). 09:00–22:00. Operated by the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (Nonghyup), Hanaro Mart offers locally sourced produce, Korean food products, and household goods. It is a convenient stop to buy regional specialties such as Gimcheon plums, rice, and honey at fair prices.
- 7 Gimcheon Agricultural Specialty Store (김천 농특산물 직매장), 91-10 Jikji-daero, Seongju-myeon (From Gimcheon Station, take a taxi toward Jikjisa Temple (about 15 minutes). The specialty store is located near the entrance to Jikjisa and sells local agricultural products directly from farmers.). 09:00–19:00. Operated by the city’s agricultural cooperative, this store offers Gimcheon’s signature farm products including plums, walnuts, peppers, honey, and dried fruits. It is a convenient place to buy regional specialties at fair prices, especially for travelers visiting nearby Jikjisa Temple.
Eat
[edit]Gimcheon has long been known as an agriculture-oriented city, producing a wide range of local specialties from farming and livestock. To showcase these products, the city operates an online marketplace called Gimcheon Nodaji Jangteo. On this platform, local farmers run their own shops, offering high-quality produce and regional specialties. Travelers can also take advantage of the service, which allows direct purchases at reasonable prices, making it easy to enjoy Gimcheon’s fresh local flavors even beyond the city. The following is a list of local specialties available on the website.
- Shine Muscat. Gimcheon is famous as the birthplace of Shine Muscat grapes in Korea. Thanks to its rich soil and advanced cultivation methods, the city produces sweet, long-lasting grapes earlier than anywhere else in the country. Unlike most regions where Shine Muscat is available only from late September, Gimcheon offers a harvest season stretching from July to October, giving visitors a long window to enjoy these premium grapes.
- Plums. Gimcheon’s climate produces sweet and juicy plums that are harvested in early summer. They are enjoyed fresh, made into jams, or processed into beverages, offering a refreshing seasonal specialty.
- Walnuts. The clean highland environment around Gimcheon is suitable for walnut cultivation. Locally grown walnuts are used in traditional snacks and desserts, and are often sold at regional markets.
- Melons. Along with grapes, Gimcheon is also known for its sweet and fragrant melons. Harvested mainly in summer, these melons are a popular fruit enjoyed fresh or in chilled desserts.
- Pears. Thanks to fertile soil and large day–night temperature differences, Gimcheon produces crisp, juicy pears. They are widely distributed in Korea and are especially enjoyed during the autumn harvest season.
- Jirye Black Pork (Jirye Heukdwaeji). A regional specialty from the Jirye area of Gimcheon, this local breed of black pig is prized for its tender meat and rich flavor. Restaurants in the region serve it grilled, in stews, or as part of traditional Korean barbecue meals.
Drink
[edit]Gimcheon offers unique local beverages that reflect the city’s long tradition of winemaking and its clean natural environment.
- Gwahaju (과하주). A traditional fortified rice wine that originated in Gimcheon. The name literally means "wine to be drunk in the hottest season," as it was made to withstand the summer heat. Gwahaju is brewed by adding distilled spirits to rice wine, resulting in a strong yet smooth flavor. It is recognized as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Korea and is still produced by local breweries.
- Sudosan Winery. Located near Mount Sudosan, this local winery produces a variety of wines using Gimcheon’s famous Shine Muscat grapes and other fruits grown in the region. Visitors can tour the facilities, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy tastings in a scenic natural setting. Sudosan wines are known for their fresh, fruity character and are popular souvenirs for travelers.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hotel Logenir (호텔 로제니아), 16, Hyeoksin 3-ro (From Gimcheon–Gumi KTX Station, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the hotel.), ☏ +82 54 429 4700. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Hotel Logenir is a modern business hotel located in the Innovation City area of Gimcheon, very close to the KTX Gimcheon–Gumi Station. The hotel offers 93 rooms of various types, free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant(s), fitness center, and free parking. There is a Japanese restaurant “Miso” on the property for dining options.
- 2 Brown Dot Gimcheon Station Branch (브라운도트 김천역점), 10, Bugoksijang 1-gil, Bu-gok Market area (From Gimcheon Station, it's about a 5-minute drive. The hotel is located near Bu-gok Market and is convenient for access to local eateries and the downtown area.), ☏ 010-7970-7999. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Brown Dot Gimcheon Station Branch is a modern boutique-style lodging located close to Kimcheon Station and the Bu-gok Market district. It features 50 rooms with amenities including free WiFi, OTT streaming services (Netflix, etc.), in-room stylers for some room types, and simple complimentary breakfast (cereal, milk, bread) from 06:00 to 09:00.
- 3 Buhangdam Ecological Recreation Pension (부항댐 생태휴양펜션), 777 Buhang-dam-gil, Buhang-myeon (From Gimcheon Station, take a taxi or bus toward Buhang-myeon. Follow Buhang-dam-gil to the pension area near the dam.), ☏ 054-421-1653. Buhangdam Ecological Recreation Pension offers pension-style lodging (A/B/C type) and caravan accommodations near the scenic Buhang Dam. The lodging units include kitchens, bathrooms, and decks for barbecue. It is operated seasonally year-round (spring through winter) and linked with local nature and water activities around the dam area. Usage and reservation are managed by Gimcheon city. In 2025, a “Gimcheon Citizen Priority Reservation” policy was introduced, allocating about 30% of rooms preferentially to residents of Gimcheon.
- 4 Heidi Pension (하이디 펜션), 288 Unbong-gil, Nam-myeon (From Gimcheon–Gumi KTX Station, take a taxi (approx. 10 minutes). The pension is located in a quiet mountainous area, about 5 minutes from Nam-Gimcheon IC.). Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Heidi Pension is a single detached “독채” style lodging located in a peaceful mountain rural area at approximately 300 m elevation. It’s about 5 minutes from Nam-Gimcheon IC and about 10 minutes from KTX Gimcheon–Gumi Station. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, karaoke equipment in the living room, outdoor barbecue facilities, and private kitchen & living spaces.
Connect
[edit]Free public Wi-Fi is widely available throughout Gimcheon. Most cafés, hotels, and restaurants offer complimentary internet access, and the city also operates public Wi-Fi zones at major spots such as **Gimcheon Station**, **Innovation City (Hyeoksin-dong)**, and around **Jikjisa Temple**. Internet speeds are generally stable and fast.
Mobile coverage from **KT**, **SK Telecom**, and **LG U+** is excellent across the city, including rural areas such as **Buhang-myeon** and **Jeungsan-myeon**. Travelers can easily purchase prepaid SIM cards or eSIMs at convenience stores in downtown Gimcheon or at major airports before arrival. SIMs generally include nationwide LTE/5G data coverage.
For printing, photocopying, or PC access, local PC bangs (internet cafés) are available near **Gimcheon Station** and in the **Innovation City** commercial area. Some cafés also provide computer access for customers.
Postal and basic banking services are available at the **Gimcheon Post Office** (41 Jungang-ro, Gimcheon-si; ☎ +82-54-432-0001) and at major bank branches such as **Kookmin Bank**, **Shinhan Bank**, and **Nonghyup Bank** in the city center.
- Useful numbers:
- KT customer service: ☎ 100 (English +82-2-2190-1180)
- SK Telecom: ☎ 114 (English +82-2-6343-9000)
- LG U+: ☎ 101 (English +82-2-3416-7010)
- Gimcheon City Hall Information: ☎ +82-54-420-6114
Go next
[edit]- Gumi – Located about 15 km east of Gimcheon, Gumi is a major industrial and transportation hub on the Gyeongbu Line, known for its electronics industry and Geumosan Mountain hiking trails.
- Sangju – A historic city about 30 km west of Gimcheon, known for its agricultural heritage, bicycle museum, and Nakdong River cycling route.
- Mungyeong – To the north, Mungyeong offers scenic mountain hiking, the famous Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park, and traditional kiln villages.
- Muju – A mountain region about 40 km south, known for Deogyusan National Park, Muju Resort, and its popular winter ski facilities.
- Daegu – A large city about one hour east by KTX or express bus. Daegu is a regional center for shopping, culture, and traditional medicine.