Inside Local Korea Jiro Letter Vol.1 | Eumseong County

 Hello, this is Jiro 🙂

Starting this month, we’re excited to introduce Jiro Letter,
a monthly magazine that explores local places and the stories behind them.
Each issue is published in Korean, English, and Japanese,
so more readers can connect with local communities.

For our very first issue, we’re heading to
Eumseong County, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea.

Inside, you’ll find stories about Geobuknori (Turtle Play),
a traditional folk ritual performed during the Seolseong Cultural Festival,
along with insights into the factors behind Eumseong’s recent population growth,
and a curated list of local eateries loved by longtime residents.

Come take a closer look at Eumseong right now.

Local Traditions of Eumseong

In Eumseong County, a traditional folk ritual known as Geobuknori has long been performed during Chuseok, Korea’s most important harvest festival.

Geobuknori features a large turtle-shaped costume crafted from locally sourced natural materials such as sorghum stalks, rice straw, reeds, and corn husks. Villagers carry the turtle from house to house, invoking wishes for household prosperity and communal well-being.

In Korean culture, the turtle symbolizes longevity, abundance, and protection. Through Geobuknori, communities prayed for harmony, good health, and a prosperous year ahead.

Since 1982, Geobuknori has been performed annually at the Seolseong Cultural Festival. Over time, the turtle has become a defining symbol of Eumseong County—so closely associated with the region that the county’s official mascot is modeled after it. Today, Geobuknori stands as a living cultural emblem of Eumseong.

A Story Passed Down Through Generations

In Eumseong County, a centuries-old zelkova tree stands as a quiet guardian of the village,

carrying with it a legend that has been told for generations.

Planted around the year 1500—before the village itself took shape—the tree’s two roots merge into one, forming a natural silhouette often likened to a couple holding each other close.

Locals believe the tree symbolizes marital harmony.

It is said that when young couples pledge a new beginning beneath its branches,

they are blessed with abundance, happiness, and a lifelong bond.

Exploring Eumseong County

1. Mita Temple

Soimyeon, Eumseong County

Nestled along a tranquil mountain ridge,

Mita Temple invites visitors to experience the calm presence of a thousand-year-old Buddhist heritage.

It is a destination where rest and reflection gently coexist.

2. Interbus (Lavacro Café)

Daesomyeon, Eumseong County

A space designed to spark curiosity and excitement,

Interbus spans approximately 15,000 pyeong* and reimagines everyday spaces through bold, playful, and unconventional ideas.

3. Wonnam Reservoir

Wonnam-myeon, Eumseong County

Following the broad, open waterline,

wooden decks and circular walking trails offer a peaceful place to wander,

making Wonnam Reservoir a local retreat for slow walks and scenic views.

4. Baekya Natural Recreation Forest

Baekya-ro 461-97, Geumwang-eup, Eumseong County

Set within dense forestland, the retreat features fresh air, scenic walking trails, an arboretum, a wood culture experience center, and an auto-camping site.

Updates from Eumseong County

Population Growth Driven by Livability

Between December 2024 and October 2025,

Eumseong County added more than 1,600 residents, marking a clear rise in population inflow.

This increase was supported by the completion of large industrial complexes, the arrival of new businesses, and a coordinated expansion of housing supply.

Last year, nearly 4,000 housing units—comparable to a small new town—were delivered, including residential developments within the Seongbon Industrial Complex, directly supporting population inflow.

Population Growth Driven by Livability

Eumseong County’s strategy extends well beyond jobs and housing.

The county is advancing a broader vision for livability—enhancing education through its designation as a pilot Education Development Special Zone and the selection of Eumseong High School as an autonomous public high school.

At the same time, healthcare access is set to improve with the opening of the National Fire Hospital, which will begin pilot operations next January.

Together, these initiatives signal a concerted push to strengthen the foundations for long-term settlement and quality of life.

A County Designed to Age Well

In 2025, Eumseong County was recognized as one of Chungcheongbuk-do’s Outstanding Local Governments for Senior Employment Creation.

This marks a consecutive recognition, following awards received last September at a senior employment program evaluation hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, where the county earned both the Top Local Government Award and the Leading Model Partner Award.

Rather than simply expanding the number of senior jobs, the county focuses on enhancing job quality—creating environments in which older adults can work with dignity, discover purpose, and pursue self-fulfillment.

Through its Eumseong-style Senior Employment Program,

the county also reaches seniors who may have been left out

of national, government-led initiatives, offering locally tailored opportunities that respond to real community needs.

Eumseong County Dining Map 

-Restaurants Loved by Locals-

Songi Sikdang

1-18, Geumseok-ro 107beon-gil, Geumwang-eup, Eumseong County

Break Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Giho’s Gopchang

7-5, Gakgusil-gil, Geumwang-eup, Eumseong County

Hours: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Dandelion Naengmyeon & Handmade King Pork Cutlet

5-1, Sujeong-ro 56beon-gil, Eumseong-eup, Eumseong County

Closed: Mondays (Biweekly)

Daeso Gujip Jjukkumi

58, Osan-ro, Daeso-myeon, Eumseong County

Closed: Sundays

Break Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Saetbyeol Restaurant

2F, 114, Jungang-ro, Eumseong-eup, Eumseong County,

Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea

Closed: Sundays

Break Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Our sincere thanks go to Minjae,

who generously supported the creation of the very first issue of Jiro Letter.

This brings us to the end of Jiro Letter Vol.1: Eumseong County, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea.

After reading this,

don’t you find yourself wanting to visit Eumseong during the Seolseong Cultural Festival

and experience Geobuknori (Turtle Play) in person?

As Jiro’s very first project, there are certainly areas for improvement,

but we truly appreciate you staying with us until the end.

We hope you’ll continue to follow Jiro Letter

as it grows, evolves, and tells even richer local stories.

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