Gyeryong is a city in southeastern South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. The incumbent mayor is Choi Hong-Mook. The city was created in 2003 after being split from Nonsan following prolonged regional agitation. Located on the outskirts of Gyeryong is the large military complex Gyeryongdae, the headquarters of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces branches. Due to the city's proximity to Gyeryongdae, approximately half (47%) of its inhabitants are connected to the military as service personnel and their dependents or civilian employees. The city hosts major Korean and international military conferences. From 1989-93, the headquarters was relocated from several locations in Seoul to a more spacious and newly built integrated complex. The Army and Air Force headquarters were first moved there in 1989, followed by the Navy headquarters four years later. Mount Gyeryong, adjacent to the city, is considered to have the most qi (spiritual energy) of any mountain in the country and is also the heart of Gyeryongsan National Park. As of December 2020, the city's population was 42,822.

Modern history

Gyeryong is one of the nation's newest cities except for those near Seoul. Its establishment as a city came in 2003, when it was split from Nonsan. According to data, Gyeryong and vicinity were called Yeonsan County in 1896. After Japanese colonization, it was incorporated to Nonsan and later chosen as a military site. In 1989, the country's military headquarters Gyeryongdae was to Gyeryong. In 1991, the city was designated a special area by president. The National Assembly on June 30, 2003, passed a bill on Gyeryong's establishment and Gyeryong was officially designated six months later. Among older residents, the area of Gyeryong was known as Shindoan. Gyeryong is also considered a satellite city of Daejeon due to its geographical proximity.

Economy

Pelicana Chicken has its headquarters in the city. Due to the proximity of Gyeryongdae, the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and Ministry of National Defense are major employers.

Transportation

Train

The Honam Line goes through the Gyeryong station east to west. The KTX passes through 5 times a day, and many Saemaeul-ho and Mugunghwa-ho trains passes through the station.

Roads

The Honam Expressway Branch passes through the city, exiting through Gyeryong IC. National Route 1 and National Route 4 pass through the city center.

Sister city