An isolated area difficult to access, Yeongyang is sometimes called an "inland island". The county has the lowest population of all counties in North Gyeongsang Province (without Ulleung County), being mountainous with deep ravines, and only 10 percent of land is cultivable.
Local specialties
The county is famous for its apples and chili peppers, and is home to the Yeongyang Chili Pepper Experimental Station. Since 1984, the county has elected a "Miss Chili Pepper" to represent Yeongyang chili peppers.
Culture
The area is known as a centre of literature, with the tradition of scholars reading and reciting poetry deep in the mountains, from which have emerged Oh Il-do, Cho Chi-hun and Yi Munyol. Within the county, the Yeondaeam historic temple is located in the village of Samji-Ri.
Administrative divisions
Yeongyang County is divided into 1 eup and 5 myeon.