Pocheon

The city of Pocheon belonged to Mahan during the Samhan period and was part of Mahol during the Goguryeo period. After the Korean peninsula was unified by Silla, it was called Gyeonseong-gun ({{lang|ko|堅城郡}}). As Silla was absorbed by the ruling dynasty, Goryeo, the name was changed to Poju-gun ({{lang|ko|抱州郡}}) in 995, the 14th year of King Seongjeong's reign. During the King Hyeonjong's reign, the region belonged to Yangju-gun, Yanggwang-do. In the next ruling dynasty, Joseon, the region was named Pocheon-gun after the eight province system was established in 1413.{{cite web |date=2007-08-13 |script-title=ko:엔싸이버 백과검색 – 포천시의 연혁 |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=182272&contentno=720702 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730170227/http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=182272&contentno=720702 |archive-date=2012-07-30 |access-date=2010-02-19 |publisher=Encyber.com |language=ko}}

On 6 March 2025, South Korean Air Force accidentally dropped bombs in the city, injuring 15.

The peak of the Gwangju Mountains stretches from the northeast of Pocheon to the southeast. Except for the Pocheon basin, most regions of the city consist of high mountains.

Pocheon has two main water sources; Yeongpyeongcheon stream and Sannaecheon stream. The tributaries of Yeongpyeongcheon stream are the Pocheoncheon stream running through Pocheon-dong and Seondan-dong areas and the Ildongcheon stream passing through Ildong-myeon. The two streams merge into Yeongpyeongcheon which passes Auraji Ferry in Sindap-ri, Yeoncheon county and finally ends up to reach Hantan River. The other main water source, Sannaecheonm, runs through Choseong-ri village, Yeoncheon county and also reaches Hantan River. The two stream areas are relatively wide, so that it enables for the residents to use as cultivation places and resident places.{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=182272&contentno=182272 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122062119/http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=182272&contentno=182272 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-22 |script-title=ko:포천시 |trans-title=Pocheon |language=ko |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |date=2007-08-13 |access-date=2010-02-19 }}

Pocheon is located inland, so its weather shows a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dwa) with cold, dry winters and hot, rainy summers. The annual average temperature is {{convert|11.4|C|F}}. The coldest month is January with an average minimum temperature of {{convert|-7.3|C|F}} while the hottest month is August with an average temperature of {{convert|25.3|C|F}}. The annual average rainfall is {{convert|1,368|mm|in|abbr=on}}.

{{Weather box

| location = Pocheon (1993–2020 normals)

| metric first = Y

| single line = Y

| Jan high C = 1.8

| Feb high C = 5.3

| Mar high C = 11.6

| Apr high C = 18.8

| May high C = 24.5

| Jun high C = 28.6

| Jul high C = 29.8

| Aug high C = 30.7

| Sep high C = 26.4

| Oct high C = 20.3

| Nov high C = 11.6

| Dec high C = 3.6

| year high C = 17.8

| Jan mean C = -4.5

| Feb mean C = -1.1

| Mar mean C = 4.8

| Apr mean C = 11.6

| May mean C = 17.6

| Jun mean C = 22.4

| Jul mean C = 24.9

| Aug mean C = 25.3

| Sep mean C = 19.9

| Oct mean C = 12.7

| Nov mean C = 5.2

| Dec mean C = -2.4

| year mean C = 11.4

| Jan low C = -10.3

| Feb low C = -7.1

| Mar low C = -1.6

| Apr low C = 4.6

| May low C = 11.2

| Jun low C = 16.9

| Jul low C = 21.3

| Aug low C = 21.4

| Sep low C = 14.9

| Oct low C = 6.6

| Nov low C = -0.4

| Dec low C = -7.6

| year low C = 5.8

| precipitation colour = green

| Jan precipitation mm = 13.0

| Feb precipitation mm = 21.1

| Mar precipitation mm = 29.6

| Apr precipitation mm = 67.3

| May precipitation mm = 91.6

| Jun precipitation mm = 128.2

| Jul precipitation mm = 397.1

| Aug precipitation mm = 378.1

| Sep precipitation mm = 124.6

| Oct precipitation mm = 56.1

| Nov precipitation mm = 44.1

| Dec precipitation mm = 17.4

| year precipitation mm = 1368.2

| unit precipitation days = 0.1 mm

| Jan precipitation days = 2.9

| Feb precipitation days = 3.3

| Mar precipitation days = 5.2

| Apr precipitation days = 6.7

| May precipitation days = 7.0

| Jun precipitation days = 8.4

| Jul precipitation days = 13.4

| Aug precipitation days = 12.9

| Sep precipitation days = 6.9

| Oct precipitation days = 5.5

| Nov precipitation days = 6.2

| Dec precipitation days = 4.4

| source = Korea Meteorological Administration

{{cite web

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220129211110/https://data.kma.go.kr/resources/normals/pdf_data/korea_pdf_0106_v2.pdf

| archive-date = 29 January 2022

| url = https://data.kma.go.kr/resources/normals/pdf_data/korea_pdf_0106_v2.pdf

| title = Climatological Normals of Korea (1991 ~ 2020)

| publisher = Korea Meteorological Administration

| access-date = 7 June 2023

| language = ko}}

}}

• Changsu-myeon
• Gasan-myeon
• Gwanin-myeon
• Hwahyeon-myeon
• Ildong-myeon
• Sinbuk-myeon
• Yeongbuk-myeon
• Yeongjong-myeon
• Soheul-eup
• Jajak-dong
• Sineup-dong
• Seondan-dong

The population of the city was generally seen as being stagnant until the 1980s. Later on, when apartment buildings were constructed in Pocheon-dong, Seondan-dong, and Soheul-myeon, and small and medium-sized factories were established in Sinbuk-myeon and Gasan-myeon, its population increased.

thumb

70 percent of the total area is forest, while arable land only accounts for 18.5 percent. The area with the lowest percentage of cultivatable area Idong-myeon with 6.5 percent in contrast to the highest region being Gasan-myeon with 39.6%. The main crops produced in Pocheon include rice and barley as well as sesame and perilla as local specialties. Sesames are produced in Ildong-myeon on a large scale, as is Perilia in Yeongbuk-myeon. In addition, oyster mushroom and poultry farming are active in the city. Ginseng and pine nuts are also often harvested due to the geographical features. The cultivation of apples and Korean pears in Yeongbuk-myeon has been famous for many years. The livestock industry is active in Sinbuk-myeon, especially in areas such as raising Han-u (Korean traditional cattle) and pigs and in Hwahyeon-myeon.{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=182272&contentno=720703 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122030641/http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=182272&contentno=720703 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-22 |script-title=ko:포천시 Pocheon-si 抱川市 |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |language=ko }}

Various types of minerals are produced in Pocheon such as feldspar in Naechon-myeon, coal, graphite, silica, gold, silver, and copper in Sinbuk-myeon and Changsu-myeon and iron ore, and limestone in Yeongbuk-myeon.

In the city, roughly 2,166 small and medium-sized manufacturers produce textiles and metal products. The commerce is developed mainly in Pocheon-dong and Seondan-dong. The Sin-eup 5 day market is held every fifth and tenth day of the month and garners a lot of customers. Pocheon makgeolli (unfiltered rice wine) and Idong galbi (marinated short ribs) are nationwide famous local specialties named after the city and Idong-myeon.{{cite web |url=http://patzzi.joins.com/article_html/43435.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2010-02-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713114637/http://patzzi.joins.com/article_html/43435.html |archive-date=2011-07-13 }}{{cite web|url=http://san.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2005/10/31/2005103178007.html |script-title=ko:[산따라 맛따라] 지장산 & 종자산 - 이동이 포천보다 유명한 이유|website=san.chosun.com|date=31 October 2005 }}

In Pocheon there are three general hospitals, 39 health clinics, 16 dental clinics, and 11 traditional Korean clinics. In addition, one public health center, and 12 affiliated branches provide healthcare to the residents.{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=182272&contentno=720705 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122174053/http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=182272&contentno=720705 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-22 |script-title=ko:포천시의 사회문화 |trans-title=Society and Culture of Pocheon |language=ko |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |date=2007-08-13 |access-date=2010-02-19 }} a public general hospital "Gyeonggi Medical Center Pocheon Hospital" is located.

Pocheon has three institutions of tertiary education, which are Daejin University, CHA University, and Gyeongbok College. It also has 30 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and 6 high schools.

File:Art Valley In Korea (65750913).jpeg

Spring water spots are developed largely in the areas of Sanbuk-myeon, Yeongbuk-myeon, Ildong-myeon, and Hwahyeo-myeon to attract tourists. The Korea National Arboretum, commonly known as Gwangneung Arboretum, is located in the village of Jikdong-ril, Soheul-eup. It is the biggest arboretum in South Korea. It is also known to be a home to white bellied black woodpeckers. The arboretum also houses the Gwangneung Forest Museum and Gwangneung Forest Beach.{{cite web |url=http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=182272&contentno=720704 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122051825/http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?masterno=182272&contentno=720704 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-01-22 |script-title=ko:포천시의 교통관광 |trans-title=Transportation and Tourism of Pocheon |language=ko |publisher=Doosan Encyclopedia |date=2007-08-13 |access-date=2010-02-19 }}

As of 2003, the city reported that it had not only one Treasure and a Historical Site designated by the state government, but also 15 properties designated to be as such by Gyeonggi province including four tangible and one intangible cultural properties, two cultural documents, and 8 surveyors.

Gallery Sansawon is a traditional Korean brewery. It houses more than 1,000 historical documents and Korean alcohol-related items, with free samples of 10 different kinds of traditional alcoholic drinks and food items, such as alcohol bread and crackers to Yakgwa and yeot.{{cite news|last=Lee|first=Cin Woo|title=Beyond Seoul: 19 reasons to explore Korea|url=http://www.cnngo.com/seoul/visit/9-provinces-19-attractions-korea-311599|access-date=6 May 2012|newspaper=CNN Go|date=16 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421202050/http://www.cnngo.com/seoul/visit/9-provinces-19-attractions-korea-311599|archive-date=2012-04-21|url-status=dead}}

File:Sanjeong Lake (포천 산정호수), December 2016.jpg

Pocheon annually hosts the Gakhol Cultural Festival, Banwol Cultural Festival, Sanjeong Lake, and Myeongseong Mountain Festival. The Sanjeong Lake Festival, held every October since 1997, is a representative cultural festival of Pocheon in regards to nature, involving Sanjeong Lake and Myeongseong Mountain. It hosts an amateur photography competition and offers various traditional performances and local special foods and drinks.{{cite web|url=http://www.doopedia.co.kr/?masterno=780838&contentno=780838|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729093638/http://www.doopedia.co.kr/?masterno=780838&contentno=780838|url-status=dead|title=doopedia|date=29 July 2012|archive-date=29 July 2012}}

The Herb Island Lighting & Illumination Festival is also held annually. Lovely, colorful lights create romantic spaces, and the fantastic appearance of the white-colored buildings create the illusion of being in a foreign country. There are a variety of aroma stores, hub museums, and herb cafes. The festival offers various events about Christmas. It reminds tourists of the Christmas in Europe.{{cite web|url=http://herbisland.co.kr/herbisland/ |script-title=ko:허브아일랜드|website=herbisland.co.kr}}

Pocheon is twinned with:

• {{flagdeco|ROK}} Nowon District, Seoul
• {{flagdeco|JPN}} Hokuto, Yamanashi, Japan{{cite web|url=http://www.clair.or.jp/cgi-bin/simai/e/03.cgi?p=19&n=Yamanashi%20Prefecture|title=International Exchange|work=List of Affiliation Partners within Prefectures|publisher=Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)|access-date=21 November 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205180944/http://www.clair.or.jp/cgi-bin/simai/e/03.cgi?p=19&n=Yamanashi%20Prefecture|archive-date=5 February 2016}} (2003)

• Baekhyun – singer, dancer, model, actor and member of (EXO, EXO-CBX)
• Mo Tae-bum, winner of the 500 m speed skating event at the 2010 Winter Olympics, and silver medalist in the 1000 m event.{{cite news|url=http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/local/2010/02/16/0811000000AKR20100216138100060.HTML?template=2086 |script-title=ko:{{angbr|올림픽}} 모태범 가족 "최고의 생일선물"(종합) |trans-title={{angbr|Olympic}} Mo Tae-Bum's family "The best birthday present" (general) |publisher=Yonhap |date=2010-02-16|language=ko}}
• Lim Young-woong, trot singer, and final winner of the reality television show Mr Trot.

• List of cities in South Korea

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Pocheon}}

• [http://www.pocheon.go.kr/eng/index.do City government website]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20171021003558/http://council.pcs21.net/index.php City Council website] {{in lang|ko}}

{{Gyeonggi}}

{{Metropolitan cities of South Korea}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Coord|37.894736|127.200172|type:city_region:KR-41|display=title|format=dms}}

Category:Cities in Gyeonggi Province