Gimcheon, city, North Gyeongsang do (province), south-central South Korea. It lies about 40 miles (65 km) northwest of Daegu. During the Joseon (Yi) dynasty (1392–1910) the city was one of the most important market towns of the country. It is now a service center for the surrounding area. Gimcheon is also a transportation junction located on the Nakdong River at its intersection with major rail lines and with roads connecting the surrounding provinces. The highway between Seoul and Busan also passes through the city. Jikji Temple (Jikji-sa), west of the city center at the foot of Mount Hwangak, is one of Korea’s oldest Buddhist temples (c. 418) and has a museum of Buddhist relics. Pop. (2020) 139,145.