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Iksan
Iksan
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Iksan (Korean: 익산; Korean pronunciation: [ik̚.s͈an]) is a city and major railway junction in North Jeolla Province, South Korea.

Key Information

The city center and railway junction was formerly called "Iri" (Korean이리시; Hanja裡里市; RRIri-si), but merged with Iksan County (Iksan-gun) in 1995.

The railway junction is located at the point where Jeolla and Janghangs meet the Honam Line and the Honam HSR and is served by frequent train service to/from Seoul, Daejeon, Gwangju, Mokpo, Jeonju, Suncheon, and Yeosu.

Jeonbuk National University Iksan campus (before, it was Iksan National College), the Won Buddhism Graduate School, Wonkwang Health Science College, and Wonkwang University are all located in Iksan.

This city is called "The City of Jewelry". The Iksan Jewelry Museum opened in May 2002 next to a Dinosaur museum.

In late November 2006, Korean authorities quarantined a farm in Iksan and began culling poultry and livestock within a 3-kilometer radius to contain an outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus.[2]

Local tradition includes the story of Seodong and Seonhwa, which was broadcast from 2005 to 2006 as "Sedongyo" and is also dramatized in the 'Paradise in Autumn Festival.'

Festivals with various themes are held in Iksan, all reflecting local history and culture. These include:

  • 10,000,000 Chrysanthemum Festival (held in October/November)
  • Iksan Jewelry Expo
  • Seodong Festival
  • Stone Culture Festival

Anthem: Song of Citizens of Iksan

Iksan's population is 269,429 as of January 2024.

History

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Iksan was once the capital of the ancient Baekje Kingdom. Temples built then are still standing. Iksan has always been an important transport center. After the Iri train station explosion in 1977, Iksan fell into a state of decline. However, the city's train station was later rebuilt, and it became the junction of three rail lines named above. It now services KTX and Saemaul trains as well as frequent bus lines. Today, Iksan is once again a thriving city.

Geography

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Mireuksaji Stone Pagoda

Iksan is situated on the Okgu and Keumman Plains, which lead to the West Sea [Yellow Sea]. As it is located very near the sea where ships can transport a wide variety of products, Iksan has served as a logistical and traffic center for a long time.[3]

The city is in the northwestern part of Jeollabuk-do. East are the rugged mountains of Mt. Cheonho and Mt. Mireuk (Mireuksan (Jeollabuk-do)) at the edge of the Noryeong Mountains, and northwest the range of Mt. Hamra lead to a series of hills and a great stream that has formed the fertile Okgu plain to the west. Iksan borders Nonsan-gun and Buyeo-gun, Chuncheongnam-do, and is divided by the Keum-gang[river] in the north. It faces the Kimje Plains, divided by Mankyeong-gang, to the south.

Transportation

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  • Iksan Bus Terminal

The Iksan Bus Terminal (익산종합버스터미널) provides daily bus service to most cities in South Korea. Express buses to Seoul, Ansan, and Incheon are available.

Culture

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Museums

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Architecture

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Parks

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  • Central Park(Chungang Cheuk Gongwon)
  • Seodong Park
  • Gemma sculpture park

Events

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  • Iksan hosted the 99th National Athletic Meet in 2018.[7]

Sister cities

[edit]

Notable people

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See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Iksan (Korean: 익산시; : 益山; RR: Iksan-si) is a city in (Jeollabuk-do), , serving as a key regional hub with a population of 272,392 as of 2024 and covering an area of approximately 507 km². Renowned for its ancient Baekje Kingdom heritage, Iksan features prominent archaeological sites such as the Wanggung-ri Royal Palace and the Mireuksa Temple, which form part of the World Heritage-listed Baekje Historic Areas, illustrating the kingdom's cultural exchanges and architectural innovations from 475 to 660 CE. In modern times, Iksan functions as a vital transportation nexus, bolstered by the High-Speed Railway and its role as a major railway junction connecting central and southwestern Korea, facilitating logistics and economic growth. The city's economy centers on , particularly and sweet potato production, alongside a burgeoning industry within the National Food Cluster and advancements in agricultural machinery manufacturing. Additionally, Iksan maintains a legacy in traditional crafts and has been recognized as a Global Network of Learning City for its educational initiatives and cultural preservation efforts.

History

Baekje and Ancient Period

During the Baekje Kingdom (18 BCE–660 CE), Iksan served as a secondary administrative capital in the late 6th century, established by King Mu (r. 600–641 CE) to bolster control over the fertile Plain and mitigate vulnerabilities of the primary Sabi capital at amid threats from northern rivals like . This strategic relocation reflected Baekje's adaptation to geopolitical pressures, transforming Iksan into a hub for royal administration, Buddhist propagation, and cultural exchange with and . The establishment of monumental sites like Mireuksa Temple underscored Baekje's patronage of , introduced from via China, as a tool for state legitimacy and spiritual devotion. Prior to Baekje's dominance, the Iksan region formed part of the Mahan confederacy, a collection of tribal chiefdoms in southwestern Korea dating from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE, characterized by burials, bronze artifacts, and early iron production that bridged prehistoric Mumun pottery cultures to the era. Baekje's expansion southward absorbed Mahan territories around the 3rd–4th centuries CE, integrating local settlements and agricultural practices into its centralized kingdom, marking a transition from decentralized confederacies to fortified urban centers influenced by continental technologies. This evolution is evident in the layered archaeological strata at Iksan sites, where Mahan-era relics like comb-patterned pottery coexist with Baekje's refined and gilt-bronze items. The Mireuksa Temple Site, constructed in 602 CE under King Mu's orders to honor his parents' sarira relics, stands as Baekje's largest Buddhist complex, spanning over 73,000 square meters with a central that exemplified advanced stone masonry and twin-tower layout unique to the kingdom. Designated a in 2015 as part of the Baekje Historic Areas, the site reveals Baekje's synthesis of Indian Buddhist with local artistry, including excavated sarira containers and clay figurines that highlight religious architecture's role in royal and international . Nearby, the Wanggung-ri , a detached royal palace built during the Sabi period, features rectangular earthen walls (up to 492 meters long and 6 meters high) enclosing over 36 building foundations, including a main audience hall and workshops for gold and glass crafts, demonstrating Baekje's inspired by Chinese models. Designated Historic Site No. 408 in 1998, it underscores Iksan's function as a secure outpost for and artisanal production. The Twin Tombs (Ssangneung) in Iksan, probable burial mounds for King Mu and Queen Seonhwa, consist of two adjacent stone-chamber tombs— the larger Daewangmyo (30 meters in diameter, 5 meters high) and smaller Sowangmyo (24 meters in diameter, 3.5 meters high)—excavated in and revealing Baekje's elaborate funerary practices with wooden coffins and accessories like gilt-bronze hats. Designated No. 87 on January 21, 1963, these tombs, linked to Mireuksa's construction, illustrate Baekje's integration of Confucian ancestor worship with Buddhist elements in elite burials. Complementing these, the Earthen Fortification (Bodeokseong), erected in the late 6th to early 7th centuries on Ogeumsan Mountain, comprises an earth-and-stone wall (200,430 square meters) encircling a with gates and drainage systems, serving as a defensive bulwark during Baekje's territorial expansions. Designated No. 92 on January 21, 1963, it highlights Baekje's military architecture, with artifacts like and bronze items attesting to prolonged use into the period. Together, these sites encapsulate Iksan's pivotal role in Baekje's defensive strategies and religious monumentalism.

Modern and Contemporary Developments

In the aftermath of the , Iksan, then known as Iri, emerged as a vital hub in South Korea's region, leveraging its central location and extensive railway network to support national industrialization efforts. The city's strategic position facilitated the transport of agricultural goods and industrial materials, contributing to economic recovery and growth in the surrounding fertile plains. By the mid-20th century, Iri had become a key junction for freight and passenger lines, underscoring its role in the country's post-war reconstruction and export-oriented development. A catastrophic event disrupted this progress on November 11, 1977, when a carrying approximately 30 tons of , , and detonators exploded at Iri Station, marking South Korea's deadliest peacetime . The blast, triggered by a started from a in a railway car where a had fallen asleep while drinking, killed 59 people and injured 1,402 others, while destroying around 9,500 buildings within a 500-meter radius and creating a 30-meter-wide . exacerbated the incident, as railway employees had accepted bribes to allow unnecessary stops for the hazardous cargo. Nationwide donations aided rebuilding, which took years and included station reconstruction and urban restoration, ultimately reinforcing Iksan's resilience as a transport center. Administrative changes in 1995 solidified Iksan's modern identity through the merger of Iri City with Iksan County, renaming the entity Iksan City and expanding its boundaries to encompass approximately 507 km². This consolidation, part of a broader national policy of urban-rural integration, enhanced administrative efficiency and promoted balanced development in the region. The merger established the current municipal framework, integrating rural agricultural areas with the urban core to foster economic synergy. The 2006 avian influenza outbreak further tested Iksan's agricultural sector, centered on . An H5N1 outbreak at a local killed over 6,000 chickens, prompting authorities to cull 236,000 birds within a 1,650-foot radius to contain the virus, severely impacting local farmers' incomes and disrupting poultry production. This event highlighted vulnerabilities in the region's livestock-dependent economy, leading to temporary declines in agricultural output and heightened measures. Recent initiatives have focused on sustainable growth, exemplified by the transformation of the Iksan National into a smart and innovative hub by 2023. This project, involving , Iksan City, and the Korea Corporation, includes a 65,151 convergence cluster with a comprehensive center, knowledge industry facilities, and public amenities, supported by a KRW 22.4 billion investment. These developments aim to attract high-tech industries, enhance welfare services, and position Iksan as a model for smart urban-industrial integration in the area.

Geography

Location and Topography

Iksan is located in the western part of , , at coordinates 35°56′38″N 126°57′16″E. The city encompasses an area of 507.07 km² and occupies the Okgu and Geumman Plains, positioned near the . Iksan borders and to the east in and Kimje to the west within . Its topography is characterized by predominantly flat plains, with rivers such as the Mangyeong River shaping floodplains and enhancing soil fertility across the region. Key elevated features include Mt. Cheonho at 500 m and Mt. Mireuk at 430 m, situated along the eastern edge of the Noryeong Mountains, alongside Mt. Hamra at approximately 240 m in the northern area. The flat plains of Iksan contribute to its role as a transportation nexus by enabling efficient rail infrastructure. Environmental protections are in place around historic sites, including the Baekje Historic Areas designated as a , with ongoing conservation initiatives focused on preserving the plains and surrounding features.

Climate

Iksan features a classified as Cwa in the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by distinct seasonal variations. Summers are hot and humid, with average high temperatures in reaching 30°C (86°F), while winters are cold and relatively dry, with average low temperatures in dropping to -3°C (27°F). Annual in Iksan totals around 1,200 mm, with the bulk occurring during the summer period from to August, when heavy rains contribute to about 60-70% of the yearly total. The city's proximity to the exposes it to occasional typhoons, which can intensify rainfall and introduce gusty winds during late summer. Microclimate variations arise from the interplay of surrounding plains and nearby mountains, leading to frequent formation in low-lying areas and stronger winds along borders closer to the coast. These plains also promote a more uniform temperature distribution throughout the region. is exacerbating these patterns, with projections indicating more intense summer heatwaves—such as those exceeding 35°C for extended periods—and elevated risks in agricultural lowlands due to heavier downpours.

Demographics and Economy

As of October 2025, Iksan's population stood at 267,346, continuing the decline from 278,217 in 2022 and reflecting broader rural-urban migration patterns driven by opportunities in larger metropolitan areas. The downward trend persisted into 2025, with a temporary net increase of just 41 to 267,659 by July amid ongoing net out-migration and natural decrease, before falling to 267,346 by October. Over the past decade (2015–2025), the city has lost approximately 34,000 residents, or about 11.3% of its peak population, with out-migration and natural decrease as primary factors. The population density is approximately 527 people per square kilometer, calculated across Iksan's land area of 507.4 square kilometers. This figure underscores a moderately dense urban-rural mix, with approximately 80% of in its more developed dong districts and 20% in surrounding eup and myeon rural areas, based on data. Demographically, Iksan features an aging , with 24.2% of residents aged 65 or older in 2024, up from 19.9% in , highlighting accelerated elderly growth amid youth exodus. The average size is 2.02 persons, based on 132,589 households supporting the 2024 total. Ethnically, the is highly homogeneous, with over 97.7% ethnic and a small foreign resident community of about 2.3%, primarily linked to local universities like Wonkwang University and agricultural industries. This modest foreign presence supports family-based demographics tied to seasonal labor and education, though it remains limited compared to national urban averages.

Economic Sectors

Iksan's economy is anchored in , with production dominating due to the city's expansive fertile plains in Jeollabuk-do province. The region supports large-scale cultivation initiatives, including a planned 3,100-hectare company-customized complex to enhance high-quality output and supply chains. This agricultural base integrates with the National Food Cluster (Foodpolis) in Iksan, a government-backed hub for and , which has attracted over 190 companies by early 2023 and fosters export-oriented growth in processed agricultural products. The food sector's expansion contributes to overall economic momentum, with the Korean achieving an average annual growth rate of 5.9% since 2007. Complementing agriculture, plays a pivotal role, particularly jewelry production, which has earned Iksan the nickname "City of Jewelry." The industry is highlighted by the annual Iksan Jewelry Expo, held since 1989 at the Iksan Jewelry Museum, showcasing local craftsmanship and boosting trade. Broader industrial activities encompass (processed metals), textiles, and , centered in the Iksan General No. 3, a 2.476 million m² site targeting these sectors alongside chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. In March 2023, the adjacent Iksan National Food Cluster Phase 2 was designated a candidate for a national high-tech industrial complex, signaling smart transformation efforts to integrate advanced technologies like into manufacturing operations. Logistics forms another cornerstone, leveraging Iksan's position as a major rail junction on the and Jeolla lines, which facilitates efficient transport and distribution for regional goods. This infrastructure supports the city's role in broader supply chains, including food and manufacturing exports. Recent investments underscore growth potential: announced a 2025 expansion at its Iksan facility, including a new for advanced materials to enhance production verification and quality. Additionally, plans to open its first store in the region in Iksan by 2027, with construction underway since August 2025, though it has faced protests from local merchants concerned about competition. Iksan's GDP per capita stood at approximately $42,400 in 2020, driven by these sectors amid challenges like impacting labor availability.

Transportation

Railway Infrastructure

Iksan serves as a critical railway junction in South Korea's national network, where the Honam Line, Jeolla Line, Janghang Line, and intersect, facilitating extensive passenger and freight movement across the region. The , connecting to , opened on January 11, 1914, while the Jeolla Line, branching from Iksan to , commenced operations on December 16, 1936. The Janghang Line links Iksan northward to , enhancing regional connectivity. This convergence positions Iksan as a vital hub for integrating conventional and high-speed services. Iksan Station, a key component of this infrastructure, has operated since the early development of the Honam Line in the 1910s and began accommodating KTX high-speed trains on April 1, 2004, following the electrification and double-tracking of the line. The station handles significant daily passenger traffic, supporting connections such as the 1.5-hour journey to and the 30-minute trip to via KTX. Historically, the station—formerly known as Iri Station—gained notoriety due to a major on November 11, 1977, when a carrying detonated, killing 59 people and injuring over 1,300, which led to substantial reconstruction efforts. Freight operations at Iksan are essential for transporting agricultural products and industrial goods from the fertile region, leveraging the junction's role in the broader rail logistics system managed by Korea National Railway. Expansions, including the completion of Honam Line double-tracking in 1996 and the introduction of KTX high-speed services in 2004, have enhanced capacity for both passenger and cargo flows. The High-Speed Rail, operational since April 2, 2015, further bolsters integration with the national network, enabling efficient links to northern destinations, including planned connections to the under-construction New Port for improved logistics. Local bus services provide complementary access to nearby areas.

Road and Bus Networks

Iksan's road network is anchored by 1 and 21, which traverse the city and facilitate connectivity to surrounding regions in . National Highway 1 links Iksan southward toward and northward to , while National Highway 21 extends connections to and , supporting both passenger and freight movement. Local roads, including those along National Highway 26, provide direct access to ports such as Port, approximately 25 kilometers west of Iksan, enabling efficient logistics for agricultural and industrial goods from the city's Foodpolis cluster. The Iksan Intercity Bus Terminal serves as the primary hub for intercity travel, offering daily services to major destinations. Buses to Central City Bus Terminal depart hourly and take approximately 3 hours, operated by Ko Bus. Services to U-Square Bus Terminal run every 30 minutes and last about 2 hours, managed by TxBus. Express buses to , jointly operated by Geumnam Express and Jeonbuk Express, provide hourly connections with a travel time of around 3.5 hours. Within the , the urban bus fleet operates over 50 routes, covering key areas from the central to outskirts like Wanggung-myeon, with services provided by local operators such as Gwangil Transit. In October 2022, 15 Hyundai County electric buses were introduced to the fleet, promoting sustainable and reducing emissions in densely populated zones. The Expressway provides critical access for freight transport, with interchanges near Iksan JC connecting to the broader network toward and beyond, supporting the city's role as a logistics hub for the region. In the city center, includes signalized intersections and designated parking zones around commercial areas like the Iksan Station vicinity, integrated with national intelligent transportation systems to monitor flow and enforce regulations. Rail remains the preferred option for long-distance travel, complementing road services for regional connectivity. Future road expansions are linked to the development of a branch in Wanggung-myeon, with construction of dedicated access roads scheduled to begin in August 2025 to enhance near the Iksan Interchange. This project aims to improve freight efficiency for the new retail facility, expected to open by 2027.

Cultural Heritage

Historical Architecture

Iksan's historical architecture is renowned for its Baekje Kingdom (18 BCE–660 CE) legacy, particularly structures that illustrate the kingdom's adoption of and advanced construction techniques influenced by continental Asia. As part of the World Heritage-listed Baekje Historic Areas, sites in Iksan exemplify the Sabi period (538–660 CE), when the capital shifted to this region, fostering monumental temples, palaces, and tombs that blended indigenous Korean styles with imported Chinese and Indian elements. These ruins highlight Baekje's role in disseminating architectural innovations across , including sophisticated stone masonry and wooden frameworks. The Mireuksa Temple Site, located in Geumma-myeon, represents the pinnacle of Baekje and is the largest temple complex discovered in , covering approximately 165,000 square meters. Dating to the during the reign of King Mu (r. 600–641 CE), it features the foundations of a massive wooden hall—once the base for the largest known Baekje wooden structure—and an adjacent nine-story stone completed in 639 CE, Korea's oldest extant stone . The site's symmetrical layout, with a central axis aligning the and main hall, reflects Baekje's refinement of designs, emphasizing grandeur and spiritual symbolism; excavations have uncovered roof tiles, clay figures, and building stones attesting to its scale and artistry. Designated as a in 2015, Mireuksa underscores Baekje's cultural exchanges with and its influence on later Korean temple architecture. The Wanggungni Historic Site, in Wanggung-myeon, preserves the ruins of a Baekje royal complex from the 5th to 6th centuries, constructed during the reigns of Kings Gaero (r. 477–523 CE) and Munju (r. 523–554 CE) as a detached amid threats from invasions. Spanning over 216,000 square meters, the site includes remnants of walls, gates, and a distinctive artificial , one of East Asia's earliest landscape features integrated into royal architecture, symbolizing harmony with nature. Excavations since the 1990s have revealed foundation stones, drainage systems, and gate structures, illustrating Baekje's prowess and ; the , measuring 40 by 31 meters, likely served ceremonial purposes. As a key component of the Baekje Historic Areas, it highlights the kingdom's adaptive governance and architectural resilience during its late period. The Twin Tombs in Seogwang-dong, designated Historic Site No. 87, are a pair of side-by-side Baekje royal tombs from the late 6th to early , likely associated with King Mu and Princess Seonhwa, positioned near Mireuksa to signify spiritual and familial ties. These horizontal stone chamber tombs feature dome-shaped mounds without external decorations, with the larger northern tomb (about 30 meters in diameter) and smaller southern one (24 meters) connected by a shared ridge, a rare twin configuration in Korean funerary architecture. Excavated in 1916, they revealed wooden coffins with lotus motifs and traces of wall paintings, including fragments depicting celestial motifs, though looting had removed most artifacts; the internal structure includes arched ceilings and partitioned chambers typical of Baekje elite burials. These tombs exemplify Baekje's tomb-building traditions, influenced by northern continental styles yet adapted with local aesthetics. Beyond these core sites, Iksan's architecture includes the stone pagoda remnants at Mireuksa, which influenced subsequent Korean designs, and later Joseon-era (1392–1910 CE) gates and fortifications built atop or near Baekje foundations, such as those integrated into regional defenses that echoed the kingdom's strategic layouts. These elements collectively demonstrate Baekje's enduring impact on Korean architectural evolution, from wooden monumentalism to stone durability and spatial harmony.

Museums

Iksan hosts several museums that preserve and interpret the city's ancient Baekje heritage alongside its modern industrial legacy, offering educational insights into archaeology, craftsmanship, and natural history. These institutions draw from local excavations and cultural traditions to engage visitors through curated collections and temporary displays. The Iksan National Museum, previously known as the Mireuksaji National Museum, focuses on Baekje-era artifacts excavated from the nearby Mireuksa Temple site, a key World Heritage location. Established after archaeological digs conducted from 1980 to 1996 that uncovered approximately 19,200 relics, the museum serves as a primary repository for these findings. Its permanent collection includes over 19,300 items, such as Buddhist statues, , and that illustrate Baekje's architectural and religious advancements. Among the highlights is a gilt-bronze incense burner from the Mireuksa site. In 2024-2025, the museum presented a special exhibition titled "Decorative Ridge-End Tiles (Chimi) from the Mireuksa Temple Site," featuring restored artifacts from the temple and running from October 22, 2024, to May 25, 2025, to emphasize Baekje's artistic techniques. The Iksan Jewelry Museum, dedicated to the evolution of jewelry and gemology, opened on May 22, 2002, following construction that began in , to promote Iksan's role as a hub for jewelry production. Spanning 141,990 square meters, it maintains a collection exceeding 110,000 specimens, including rare gemstones, historical jewelry pieces tied to Baekje culture, and modern designs that trace craftsmanship from ancient times to contemporary practices. Exhibits explore jewelry's cultural significance, with displays on processing techniques and Baekje-era ornaments sourced from regional sites. In 2024, a temporary show featured the suits worn by the group at the 2021 , highlighting intersections between fashion, celebrity, and artisanal heritage. Adjacent to these is the Dino Kids World within the Iksan Dinosaur Theme Park, which emphasizes regional through interactive fossil displays and life-sized models to educate on prehistoric life in the Korean peninsula. The museum showcases specimens like and fossils unearthed locally, providing context on the area's geological history during the era. These exhibits complement broader Baekje relic studies by illustrating environmental influences on ancient settlements, while fostering public interest in science through family-oriented programs.

Recreation and Events

Parks

Iksan features several public parks that serve as vital green spaces for recreation and community gatherings, emphasizing natural beauty and accessibility amid the city's urban and rural landscapes. The Central Sports Park, located in the heart of the city, functions as a primary with well-maintained walking paths winding through areas of lush trees and vibrant seasonal flowers, providing residents and visitors with opportunities for leisurely strolls and light exercise. This park supports family-friendly activities, including sports facilities and open areas suitable for picnics, enhancing its role as a communal hub. Seodong Park, situated in Geumma-myeon along the Geumma Reservoir, draws inspiration from the ancient Baekje legend of Seodong and Princess Seonhwa, incorporating thematic elements that blend with . Spanning approximately 13.2 hectares, the park includes serene ponds reflective of the reservoir's waters, where visitors can enjoy scenic views and areas amid the greenery. It offers recreational amenities such as playgrounds, slides, and fountains, making it particularly accessible for families seeking outdoor relaxation. The Gemma Sculpture Park, integrated within the Geumma area and closely associated with Seodong Park's expansive grounds, showcases modern outdoor installations set against natural backdrops, covering around 15 hectares of landscaped terrain. This space features over 100 sculptures, including works by prominent Korean artists depicting the animals, figures from the Seodong legend, and abstract pieces that harmonize with the surrounding environment. Visitors appreciate the trails that allow for contemplative walks among the installations, promoting a fusion of and . Iksan's parks, situated in the fertile Plain, highlight environmental features such as diverse plant life and habitats that support local , including seasonal blooms and water-adjacent ecosystems in reservoir-side areas. These spaces prioritize family accessibility with paved paths, rest areas, and inclusive facilities, fostering community well-being while occasionally hosting brief cultural events like flower festivals.

Festivals and Cultural Events

Iksan hosts several annual festivals that celebrate its natural beauty, historical legacy, and local industries, drawing participants and visitors to engage in cultural performances and exhibitions. The Iksan Ten Million Festival, held from late to early at the Iksan Jungang , features elaborate displays of over ten million flowers arranged into sculptures, gardens, and thematic installations, attracting around 760,000 visitors in recent years. The event includes hands-on activities, agricultural product sales, and evening performances, highlighting the region's floral heritage. Another prominent event is the Seodong Festival in May, centered at , which reenacts the legendary love story of Prince Seodong and Princess Seonhwa from the Baekje Kingdom through theatrical performances, traditional music, and folk dances. Originating in 1969 as the Mahan Folk Festival, it incorporates elements like the ancient "Seodongyo" song and promotes community bonding with parades and artisan demonstrations. Iksan's industrial festivals underscore its specialized sectors, such as the annual Iksan Jewelry Expo, typically in April or September at the Iksan Jewelry Museum and complex, where local artisans showcase contemporary and traditional jewelry designs alongside workshops on crafting techniques. The Stone Culture Festival, held biennially in October, celebrates the city's stone craftsmanship heritage with exhibitions, artist demonstrations, and sculpture showcases by national sculptors, fostering appreciation for stone art forms. Cultural traditions in Iksan include dramatized performances inspired by the 2005-2006 SBS television series "Seodongyo," which popularized the Seodong-Seonhwa narrative through dance dramas and musicals staged during local events. These are often integrated into festivals held in parks like Seodong Park, serving as venues for community gatherings. Additionally, Iksan hosted the 99th National Athletic Meet in October 2018, a major sporting event that brought together athletes from across for competitions in various disciplines, enhancing the city's profile as a hub for large-scale gatherings.

Education

Higher Education Institutions

Iksan is home to two prominent higher education institutions that emphasize specialized fields contributing to regional development: the Iksan Campus of Jeonbuk and Wonkwang University. The Iksan Campus of Jeonbuk , a specialized facility of the flagship founded in 1947, hosts the College of , offering undergraduate and graduate programs in , animal sciences, and related fields. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is located on the main campus. These programs support research in areas such as veterinary infectious diseases and environmental biotechnology, fostering innovations aligned with Iksan's agricultural heritage. Wonkwang University, a private institution established in 1946, serves over 25,000 students and is renowned for its comprehensive offerings in health sciences, including western , , , and Korean (oriental) . In April 2025, Wonkwang received final approval to merge with Wonkwang Health Science University, effective by 2026, with a combined admissions quota of 3,950 students for the 2026 . The university's College of Oriental Medicine, one of the oldest in , integrates traditional practices with modern research, while its health sciences programs emphasize clinical training and interdisciplinary studies. Wonkwang also maintains international programs, attracting students from abroad through exchange initiatives and global partnerships, enhancing cross-cultural academic exchanges. These institutions bolster Iksan's local economy by driving student spending on , services, and daily needs, while their outputs facilitate R&D collaborations with regional industries, particularly in biohealth and . This development underscores the campuses' growing role in positioning Iksan as a hub for bio-industry .

Public Education System

Iksan's public education system encompasses compulsory K-12 schooling, consisting of elementary, middle, and high schools managed primarily under the Jeollabuk-do of Education. As of April 1, 2025, the city operates 60 public elementary schools enrolling 11,144 students, 26 middle schools (16 public and 10 private) with 7,372 students, and 18 high schools (1 national, 6 public, and 11 private) serving 7,844 students, for a total enrollment of approximately 26,360 students across these levels. This structure supports the city's population of around 280,000, with schools distributed across urban and rural areas to ensure accessibility. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, alongside vocational training tailored to Iksan's agricultural and manufacturing sectors, which form the backbone of the local economy. High schools include specialized programs in agriculture and home economics, such as those at institutions focusing on farming techniques and food processing, preparing students for careers in rice production and industrial processing prominent in the region. Additionally, vocational tracks in mechanical and electrical fields align with manufacturing hubs like the Iksan Industrial Complex, fostering skills in automation and production to support economic development. Public initiatives extend beyond K-12 to promote , bolstered by Iksan's designation as a Global Network of Learning City in 2016. The city's Cyber Lifelong Learning Centre delivers over 600 courses, enabling accessible education for all ages, particularly during health challenges. Complementing this, adult literacy programs through Neighbourhood Learning Centres provide foundational skills and diploma opportunities to those who missed formal schooling, targeting seniors and underserved groups to bridge educational gaps and enhance community inclusion. The Woori Neul Learning Centre further supports these efforts with 151 instructors facilitating diverse community-based programs. Despite these advancements, Iksan's education system faces challenges from South Korea's declining birth rates, which have accelerated since 2020 and prompted consolidations. Low enrollment in rural elementary s—often below 20 students—has led to mergers, such as those in Iksan and nearby areas, to sustain operational viability and resource allocation, though this risks further depopulating countryside communities. Many high school graduates pursue further studies at local higher education institutions as a pathway to advanced opportunities.

International Relations

Sister Cities

Iksan maintains formal sister city partnerships with four international cities, fostering bilateral exchanges in , , , and tourism to strengthen global ties and local development. The partnership with , , established in the 1980s, emphasizes cultural exchanges through programs such as youth visits, initiatives, and adult delegations. In 2023, an official delegation from Iksan visited Culver City to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the relationship, highlighting ongoing collaboration in community and educational activities. Iksan shares a sister city relationship with , , centered on education and arts, including student exchanges and personnel programs involving local educational institutions, cultural societies, and businesses to promote mutual understanding and creative collaborations. The twinning with , Province, , prioritizes trade and tourism ties, enabling cooperative initiatives that support economic growth and visitor exchanges between the regions. In 2024, Iksan formed a new agreement with , Province, , aimed at deepening economic and cultural cooperation by leveraging complementary strengths in industry and heritage. These partnerships have resulted in joint events, such as anniversary celebrations and cultural programs, alongside business delegations that enhance trade opportunities and stimulate Iksan's local economy through increased international connectivity and .

Global Engagements and Events

Iksan has emerged as a host for major international sporting events, showcasing its and commitment to global participation. In September 2025, the city hosted the Para Fencing World Championships from September 2 to 7 at the Iksan Indoor Gymnasium, drawing approximately 140 athletes from 30 countries to compete in events across epee, foil, and categories. The event, organized by the Korea Wheelchair Fencing Association, highlighted Iksan's role in promoting para sports, with competitions featuring top performers including Paralympic medalists from nations like and . Building on this momentum, Iksan served as the venue for the Iksan Victor Korea Masters 2025, a Super 300 tournament held from November 4 to 9 at the Wonkwang University Cultural and Sports Center. The offered a total prize purse of USD 240,000 and attracted more than 300 players from around the world, competing in singles and doubles across men's and women's divisions. This event underscored Iksan's growing prominence in international , with Korean players securing key victories in the finals. Beyond sports, Iksan's global engagements include cultural and economic initiatives tied to its heritage and industry. As part of the Baekje Historic Areas inscribed on the World Heritage List in , Iksan actively promotes these sites—such as the Mireuksa Temple Site—through international campaigns to highlight the ancient Baekje Kingdom's legacy. Additionally, the National Cluster (FOODPOLIS) in Iksan fosters international collaborations in the , emphasizing agri-food exports, joint R&D with partners from and , and access to markets in and . These efforts position Iksan as a hub for , with sister cities occasionally supporting event partnerships.

Notable People

Entertainment Figures

Iksan has emerged as a notable cradle for South Korean entertainment talent, particularly in and acting, producing numerous idols and performers who have achieved national and international acclaim. The city's has fostered a pipeline of artists who relocate to for training, contributing to its reputation as a hub for aspiring entertainers. This section highlights key figures in music and from Iksan, emphasizing their careers and impact. Sunmi, born Lee Sun-mi on May 2, 1992, in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, is a prominent singer and former member of the influential , which debuted in 2007 under . After leaving the group in 2010 to pursue acting and education, she returned to music in 2013 and launched her solo career with the single "24 Hours" in 2013, but gained massive breakthrough success with her 2017 hit "Gashina," a thorn-pop track that topped charts and peaked at No. 85 on the chart, marking her as a trailblazer in solo female artistry. Known for her bold concepts blending sensuality and empowerment, Sunmi's subsequent releases like "Siren" and "" have solidified her status as one of K-pop's most innovative performers, with over 10 million digital streams for "Gashina" alone in its debut year. Dino, born Lee Chan on February 11, 1999, in Iksan, serves as the main dancer, sub-rapper, and maknae (youngest member) of the 13-member boy group SEVENTEEN, debuting in 2015 under . Renowned for his exceptional dance skills honed from a young age, Dino has been instrumental in the group's self-produced choreography, notably contributing creative input to high-energy routines like the title track "" from their 2016 album , which showcased synchronized formations and earned praise for its viral dance challenge. His solo dance covers and participation in SEVENTEEN's performance unit have further highlighted his versatility, amassing millions of views on platforms like for practice videos. Dino's technical precision and charisma have positioned him as a key figure in SEVENTEEN's global rise, with the group surpassing 10 million album sales by 2020. In the realm of acting, , born on September 7, 1968, in Iksan, , has built a prolific career spanning over three decades, with roles in acclaimed television dramas and films. A graduate of Kunsan National University where she studied , she debuted in the 1990s and gained recognition for supporting characters in series like the 2020 JTBC drama , where she portrayed a complex family member amid themes of and , contributing to the show's record-breaking ratings as South Korea's highest-viewed cable drama at the time. Her performances often embody emotional depth and resilience, earning her nominations at the , and she continues to appear in projects blending drama and . Beyond these standouts, Iksan boasts over 10 K-pop idols across various groups, underscoring its status as a significant "export" hub for the industry, with talents like Rayoon (born August 21, 1994, former member of boy group MVP, debuting in 2017 with the mini-album Manifest), Park Jeong-woo and So Junghwan (both of TREASURE, known as the "Iksan Bros" for their hometown roots and vocal/dance synergy), and others including Junghoon (Xikers), Ivan (The KingDom), and Park Han-bin (EVNNE). These artists, many of whom trained in Seoul after leaving Iksan, represent a diverse range of roles from rappers to vocalists, with groups like TREASURE achieving multi-platinum sales and international tours.

Other Notable Individuals

In the realm of sports, Iksan has produced several accomplished athletes who have represented South Korea on international stages. Yang Young-ja, a retired table tennis player, achieved significant success, including a gold medal in women's doubles at the 1988 Seoul Olympics alongside Hyun Jung-hwa, contributing to South Korea's dominance in the sport during that era. Her accomplishments also include a gold in women's doubles at the 1987 ITTF World Championships, highlighting her role in elevating table tennis as a national strength. Birdie Kim, born Ju-Yun Kim, stands out as a whose career peaked with a dramatic victory at the , where she holed a bunker shot on the 18th green for a birdie to secure the win by one stroke over competitors including Annika Sörenstam. This triumph marked her sole Tour victory and established her as a memorable figure in major championship history, with prior achievements like a silver medal at the . Choi Soo-yeon has made her mark in as a specialist, earning a in the women's team event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as part of South Korea's squad that defeated in the bronze-medal match. She further solidified her reputation by winning individual and team gold at the 2022 Asian Fencing Championships, underscoring her contributions to regional sports excellence through consistent performances in international competitions. In politics, Han Byung-do has been a prominent figure, serving as a member representing Iksan since 2020 and previously as Senior Secretary for Political Affairs under President from 2017 to 2019. Born in Iksan in 1967, his career includes for and administrative roles that bridged local concerns with national policy. Similarly, Cho Bae-sook, a four-term legislator who has represented Iksan since 2008, is recognized for her work on and social welfare, including leadership in the Party for and Peace's policymaking committee and efforts to increase female political participation. Iksan's academic landscape features notable contributors from Wonkwang University, particularly in oriental medicine research. Yun Jung Lee, a professor at the institution's College of Oriental Medicine, has advanced studies on herbal interventions for cardiovascular and renal conditions, with her work cited over 3,600 times, including investigations into the anti-inflammatory effects of traditional remedies like Poria cocos on models. Her research emphasizes translational applications of Korean medicine, focusing on diabetic vascular dysfunction and body-fluid regulation through natural compounds. Additionally, the city's jewelry sector, centered in the Iksan Jewelry Industrial Complex established in 1975, has fostered business leaders within the Iksan Jewelry Cooperative, who have driven exports exceeding USD 70 million annually (as of 2015) by leveraging local craftsmanship in gold and processing.

References

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