Why Yeoju
Yeoju is a city located in the easternmost portion of southeastern Gyeonggi Province in South Korea. It is bordered by Wonju to the east, Icheon to the southwest, Gwangju to the west, Yangpyeong-gun to the north, and both Chungju and Eumseong-gun to the south. Formerly a county, it was officially elevated to city status in September 2013. The area has supported human habitation since Paleolithic times, with early history represented by findings at the Heunam-ri archaeological site, where researchers uncovered fragments of herringbone-patterned earthenware pottery and stone axe heads.
The city's location along the Namhan River historically gave it geographic and strategic importance. During the reign of Silla's King Pasa, the mountain fortress of Pasaseong-ji was built along the river on Pasa Mountain. A large portion of its 1,800-meter wall remains standing and is reachable via hiking trails. The area also contains the ruins of Godal-Saji, a temple complex originally established in 764 AD. Although burned down during the Joseon dynasty, the site preserves detailed stone stupas and dragon-headed turtle bases created by Goryeo artisans.
Among the prominent cultural sights in Yeoju is Silleuksa, a Buddhist temple situated directly on the riverbank. Established in 580 by the monk Wonhyo, it contains seven relics and a rare brick-constructed pagoda. Yeoju is also notable for its connection to historic royalty. The tomb of Sejong the Great was moved here from Seoul in 1469 and remains a major attraction. Additionally, the city is the birthplace of Empress Myeongseong, Korea's last queen; her birthplace home of Gamgodang was restored after being largely destroyed during the Japanese occupation.
Together with neighboring Icheon, Yeoju serves as a prominent center for contemporary South Korean ceramics and hosts the annual World Ceramic Exposition. The city houses the Yeoju Institute of Technology and is served by the Jungbu Naeryuk Expressway.
Historically known for its rich agricultural output, Yeoju is famous for high-quality rice that was once presented to the king, as well as sweet potatoes, golden melons, and organic peanuts. Restaurants along the Namhan River also serve local spicy fish stew made with freshwater species like carp. Yeoju features a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate, characterized by hot, rainy summers and cold, dry winters.
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