//
County in South Korea
Photo: Republic of Korea from Seoul, Republic of Korea, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Imsil is a county in North Jeolla Province, South Korea. It is best known as the birthplace of Korean cheese and offers a mix of rural landscapes, lakes, and hands-on food experiences.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
임실치즈마을
A rural village where visitors can experience Imsil's cheese-making traditions. Activities include cheese-making, dairy farming experiences and other rural programs. A local food shop sells cheese and other dairy products.
옥정호 출렁다리
A 420-metre-long pedestrian suspension bridge connecting Yosan Park to Bungeoseom Island across Okjeongho Lake. The bridge offers views of the surrounding lake and mountains and provides access to Bungeoseom Ecological Park. Parking is available near the entrance.
붕어섬 생태공원
An island park in Okjeongho Lake, accessible via the 420-metre-long Okjeongho Suspension Bridge. The island is named for its fish-like shape when viewed from the surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore landscaped gardens, seasonal flower displays and walking paths overlooking the lake.
필봉문화촌
A cultural complex dedicated to preserving Pilbong Nongak, a traditional Korean folk performing art. Facilities include a traditional music exhibition hall, indoor and outdoor performance spaces, cultural experience facilities and hanok accommodation. Visitors can learn about Korean folk music and participate in traditional cultural programs by reservation.
사선대
A scenic area along the Owoncheon stream, surrounded by rocky cliffs and forest. It features Unseojeong Pavilion and a sculpture park, and is especially popular for its seasonal scenery.
성수산
A forested mountain rising 876 m above sea level. It is known for its hiking trails, valleys and natural scenery, and offers panoramic views from the summit.
국사봉전망대
An observation point overlooking Okjeongho Lake and its surrounding mountains. It is particularly known for panoramic views of the lake and the morning mist that forms over the water.
용추계곡
A natural valley between Yongchu Reservoir and Yongchu 2 Reservoir, originating from Baengnyeonsan Mountain. Yongchu Falls becomes particularly impressive after rainfall, and the area is also used as a starting point for hiking Baengnyeonsan.
오수의견공원
A park commemorating the legendary loyal dog of Osu, which is said to have saved its owner from a fire. The park features dog statues, walking paths and green spaces.
임실향교
A traditional Confucian school founded in 1413 during the Joseon dynasty. Its historic buildings include Daeseongjeon Shrine and Myeongnyundang Hall. The site also features two centuries-old ginkgo trees.
성수산 왕의숲 국민여가 캠핑장
A forest recreation area on Seongsusan Mountain with hiking trails, a forest playground, a streamside water-play area and a large lawn. Accommodation includes campsites, caravans and cabins.
전북특별자치도 종합사격장
A public shooting range with facilities for clay target, rifle and pistol shooting. Visitors can try shooting activities depending on facility availability.
치즈밸리참나무집
A restaurant near Imsil Cheese Theme Park specializing in cheese sundubu, a local dish combining soft tofu with Imsil cheese. The restaurant also serves seafood sundubu.
일송정가든
A restaurant near Okjeongho Lake specializing in baeksuk, a traditional Korean dish of whole chicken simmered in broth. The restaurant offers lake views and serves locally sourced side dishes.
여무누리 한우치즈
A Korean beef and cheese restaurant in Imsil Cheese Village, specializing in grilled hanwoo beef and dishes combining local cheese with traditional Korean cuisine. The menu includes sirloin, cheese yukhoe bibimbap and beef soup, with both open dining areas and private rooms.
대원기사식당
A local restaurant specializing in daseulgi-tang, a Korean soup made with freshwater snails, often served with hand-torn dough pieces. Other dishes include spicy stir-fried pork, kimchi stew and fermented soybean stew.
임실치즈마을 체험식당
A restaurant operated by Imsil Cheese Village, serving dishes made with locally produced Imsil cheese. Specialties include cheese-filled pork cutlets, oven-baked cheese spaghetti and cheese rice. Group meals can be arranged in advance.
By bus
Intercity buses are available from nearby cities such as Jeonju and Gwangju.
By car
Accessible via the Honam Expressway and national roads.
The main town around Imsil Station is small, and many attractions are spread across the county.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Gunsan · Regional · KUV
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Imsil and South Korea.
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to South Korea travel requirements. Check K-ETA exemptions, application fees, arrival card rules, and Incheon transit procedures.
7 min read
ItinerariesExplore our Busan travel guide. Plan visits to Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market, and scenic Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
6 min read
Travel tipsCompare Korea transport cards: T-money, WOWPASS, and Climate Card. Learn costs, subway coverage, reload rules, and which card fits your stay best.
7 min read
ItinerariesDiscover the best places to visit in South Korea, from Seoul royal palaces and Busan coastal seafood stalls to ancient Gyeongju tombs and Jeju Island.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.