North Gyeongsang Province (Korean: 경상북도, Korean pronunciation: [kjʌŋ.saŋ.buk̚.t͈o]) is a province in eastern South Korea, and with an area of 18,420 km2 (7,110 sq mi), it is the largest province in the Korean peninsula. The province was formed in 1896 from the northern half of the former Gyeongsang province, and remained a province of Korea (as Keishōhoku-dō during Japanese rule) until the country's division in 1945, then became part of South Korea.
Daegu was the capital of North Gyeongsang Province between 1896 to 2016, but has not been a part of the province since 1981. In 2016, the provincial capital moved from Daegu to Andong.
History
The 1,000-year-old Silla Kingdom flourished and unified the previous three kingdoms. The area was named Gyeongsang-do in 1314 during the Goryeo Dynasty. In 1896, during the Joseon Dynasty, the area was renamed Gyeongsangbuk-do as 13 provinces were reorganized. The current administrative district was reorganized with the reorganization of Bu, Gun, and Myeon in 1914.
Geography and climate
The province is part of the Yeongnam region, bordered to the south by South Gyeongsang Province, to the west by North Jeolla and North Chungcheong Provinces, and to the north by Gangwon Province. It is largely surrounded by mountains: the Taebaek Mountains in the east and the Sobaek Mountains in the west. The province also contains the island of Ulleungdo, the seventh largest island in South Korea, located in the Sea of Japan.
Culture
Cuisine
Andong Sikhye, a local food from Andong and northern North Gyeongsang Province, is essential for entertaining guests on Seollal or feast days. Unlike ordinary Sikhye, it is red with Chili powder, has more grains of rice, and less soup.
Tourism
North Gyeongsang Province is the homeland of the former kingdom of Silla and has retained much of its cultural tradition. A number of artists, political leaders and scholars have come from the province.
Demographics
Cities, towns, and villages
Religion
According to the census of 2015, 25.3% followed Buddhism and 18.5% followed Christianity (13.3% Protestantism and 5.2% Catholicism). 55.4% of the population is irreligious.
Administrative divisions
Gyeongsangbuk-do is divided into 10 cities (si) and 12 counties (gun). The names below are given in English, hangul, and hanja. Gyeongsang do is originated from Gyeongju & Sangju old city of Gyeong+Sang from Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). Do means road to 8 directional road from Seoul. Pohang is Korean steel production hub, Gumi is electronics capital of South Korea.
Economy
In October 2022, the province announced its plan to make the province a leading area centered on the domestic metaverse. It is also a specialized complex for semiconductor and secondary battery national high-tech strategic industries.
Industry
The service industry accounts for 58.3%, mining manufacturing industry account for 30.6%, construction account for 10.5%, and agriculture and fishing account for 0.6%. Mobile convergence, digital device parts, and energy material parts are major specialized industries.
Transportation
Airports
The province is served by these airports:
Daegu International Airport
Pohang Gyeongju Airport
Railway
Gyeongbuk Line
Yeongdong Line
The railway stations in North Gyeongsang Province are as follows:
Recent discoveries
In September 2021, archaeologists announced the discovery of 1500 years-old woman skeleton with a necklace and a bracelet in North Gyeongsang Province. The remains of a 135-centimeter-tall woman, who is estimated to have died in her 20s, were discovered along with the bones of animals such as horses and cows, as well as earthenware.
Notable people from North Gyeongsang Province
Lee Myung-bak, Former President of South Korea
Han Duck-soo, Former Prime minister of South Korea
Cho Tae-yul, 41st Foreign Minister of South Korea
Taeyeon (born Kim Tae-yeon 1989), singer and member of Girls' Generation
Kwon Yong-jin, South Korean politician
Kim Boo-kyum, South Korean politician
Park Chung Hee, Former South Korean President
Ahn Ji-young, a member of Korean band Bolbbalgan4
Yoo Jae-ha, South Korean singer and songwriter