Located between the two biggest cities in South Korea, Seoul and Pusan, Gimcheon is an important city in Kyongsang-bukdo (North Kyongsang Province) with a population of 160 thousand and an area of 1,000.5 square kilometers. People living in the area have held in high regard of the scenic rivers and brooks flowing across its land since ancient times, hence the name of the city (Gimcheon in Korean means Gold Rivers).

As Gimcheon settles in the bordering area of four provinces, Kyongsang-bukdo, Gyeongsang-namdo, Cholla-bukdo and Cholla-namdo, it enjoys a unique geographical position in central Korea and serves as a transportation hub in the region. With the seoul-Pusan Expressway, seoul-Pusan Railway and a super-speed railway under construction cutting through the city, Gimcheon will develop a dimensional transportation network and enhance its status as a regional distribution centre.

The city also boasts of a long history and cultural tradition. In South Korea,Gimcheon is esteemed as the cradle of the teaching of royalty, civility and filial piety. The famous Ji-jik sa, a buddhist temple of a history over 1,500 years, houses many cultural relics. Bronze gongs, writing brushes and summer wine, the three most renowned local specialties, have been designated as the items representing national cultural heritage. Local harvest dance is also well known in South Korea. Gimcheon's industry, covering the fields of electronics, machinery, textiles, petro-chemicals and food processing, has seen a rapid development in recent years.

Gimcheon and Chengdu established the relationship of sister cities in 2000.