Yeongju

Yeongju (Korean: 영주; Korean pronunciation: [jʌŋ.dʑu]) is a city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. It has an area of 668.84 square kilometres (258.24 sq mi) and a population of 113,930 people according to the 2008 census. The city borders Bonghwa county to the east, Danyang County of North Chungcheong Province to the west, Andong and Yecheon county to the south, and Yeongwol County of Gangwon Province to the north. Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju is outstanding as a representative temple of the Avatamsaka Sect of Silla Buddhism. Sosu Seowon is the first Seowon (Confucian academy) to have had national financial support by way of tax exemptions. Yeongju is also home to a large Novelis Aluminum plant, employing approximately 1000 workers. This plant provides flat-rolled aluminum sheet products to customers throughout Asia. The city is an agricultural hub, particularly known for its apples and ginseng.