Taebaek (; ) is a city in the province of Gangwon in South Korea. Its name is shared with that of the Taebaek Mountains. With a population of 36,823, it is the least populous city in the country.

Situated at an elevation of , Taebaek is the second highest city in South Korea, after Pyeongchang.

Etymology

Taebaek is derived from Taebaeksan, meaning "very bright."

Climate

Demographics

As of 2025, the population is 36,823, of which 50.7% are male and 49.3% are female. Minors make up 9.9% of the population, and seniors make up 32.7%. Foreigners make up 1.7% of the total population.

Religion

As of 2015, 20.6% of the population follow Buddhism, 18.1% follow Christianity (of which 13.7% Protestantism and 4.5% Catholicism), 0.6% follow other religions and 60.7% are irreligious.

Attractions

Manggyeongsa Temple in Hyeol-dong, at an elevation of 1,460 meters on the Taebaek Mountains, is a temple built to enshrine the statue of the Bodhisattva of wisdom. It was built by Jajang, a Silla Dynasty monk. The "Dragon Spring" at the entrance of the temple is known as the highest spring in Korea. Other attractions include Taebaek Coal Museum, Taebaek Paleozoic Museum, and 365 Safe Town. Gumunso is a famous natural landmark in Taebaek.

Transport

• Taebaek station

Notable people

• Jo Mingyu, often spelled Cho Minkyu (born 19 November 1990) South Korean opera singer, the leader and leggero tenor of crossover vocal group Forestella

International relations

Twin towns – sister cities

• Helong, Jilin, China since August 29, 1995

• Baguio, Philippines since April 25, 2006

• Suzhou, Jiangsu, China since March 8, 2005

• Gao'an, Jiangxi, China since June 23, 2004

• Changchun, Jilin, China since January 18, 2006

• Bauang, La Union, Philippines since January 26, 2024

See also

• List of cities in South Korea

• List of highest towns by country

References

External links

• Taebaek city government home page