Kimch’ŏn

Kimch’ŏn, also spelled Gimcheon, city, North Kyŏngsang (Gyeongsang) do (province), south-central South Korea. It lies about 40 miles (65 km) northwest of Taegu (Daegu). During the Chŏson (Yi) dynasty (1392–1910) the city was one of the most important market towns of the country. It is now a service centre for the surrounding area. Kimch’ŏn is also a transportation junction located on the Naktong River at its intersection with major rail lines and with roads connecting the surrounding provinces. The highway between Seoul and Pusan (Busan) also passes through the city. Jikji Temple (Jikji-sa), west of the city centre at the foot of Mount Hwangak, is one of Korea’s oldest Buddhist temples (c. 418) and has a museum of Buddhist relics. Pop. (2010) 127,889.