Photo: Sabigung Palace in Baekje Cultural Land
Buyeo and Gongju in Chungcheongnam-do are replete
with ancient legends that continue
to live beyond their time. There are many attractions bearing
the history of the Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C.–A.D. 660) and the lives of
members of the royal family along with places manifesting a genuine
harmony between man and nature. Consequently, visitors must take in the
style of Baekje by seeing, hearing, and using their other three senses
to truly get to know this ancient kingdom.
Buyeo and Gongju are austere, modest towns, where one can feel the dignity of the old kingdom. Once capital cities of the Baekje Kingdom, the two regions are Korea's major historic and cultural travel destinations as the land of history encompassing the beautiful Geumgang River. In appreciation of these historical as well as natural aspects, the town of Buyeo was recently inscribed on UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage list.
Read on to discover more on what this historical cities has to offer and learn some tidbits before starting your journey to the glorious cultural assets!
Buyeo and Gongju are austere, modest towns, where one can feel the dignity of the old kingdom. Once capital cities of the Baekje Kingdom, the two regions are Korea's major historic and cultural travel destinations as the land of history encompassing the beautiful Geumgang River. In appreciation of these historical as well as natural aspects, the town of Buyeo was recently inscribed on UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage list.
Read on to discover more on what this historical cities has to offer and learn some tidbits before starting your journey to the glorious cultural assets!
Celebrating a thousand year of old treasure;
Baekje Historic Area, the UNESCO World Heritage site
Songsan-ri Tombs and Royal Tomb of King Muryeong
Gongju in Chungcheongnam-do was the second capital
city of Baekje for 63 years before the capital was moved to Buyeo. In
1971, there was a breakthrough discovery in Gongju: the excavation of
the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong. It is the only royal tomb from the
Three Kingdoms Period whose occupant has been identified. The bodies of
King Muryeong (25th king of Baekje: r. 462-523) and his queen had been
interred here together and over 2,900 pieces of artifacts have been
unearthed including the king and queen's crown ornaments and other
accessories.
The relics and artifacts removed from the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong are on display in exhibition halls at Songsan-ri Ancient Tombs and Gongju National Museum. The ancient tombs are now closed for preservation, but recreations of the interior of Tomb No. 6 and the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong have been built for visitors to enter. The exact duplicates of the originals make visitors feel as if they are inside the actual tombs.
The two ancient tombs are the only brick tombs of Baekje, indicating the kingdom's exchange with China. Inside the recreated Tomb of King Muryeong, the arrangements of the bricks and the diverse patterns engraved on them are emblematic of Baekje's brilliant culture. The exit of the replica exhibition hall leads directly to Songsan-ri Ancient Tombs and once atop the hill, visitors are afforded a view of all seven tombs including that of King Muryeong.
The relics and artifacts removed from the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong are on display in exhibition halls at Songsan-ri Ancient Tombs and Gongju National Museum. The ancient tombs are now closed for preservation, but recreations of the interior of Tomb No. 6 and the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong have been built for visitors to enter. The exact duplicates of the originals make visitors feel as if they are inside the actual tombs.
The two ancient tombs are the only brick tombs of Baekje, indicating the kingdom's exchange with China. Inside the recreated Tomb of King Muryeong, the arrangements of the bricks and the diverse patterns engraved on them are emblematic of Baekje's brilliant culture. The exit of the replica exhibition hall leads directly to Songsan-ri Ancient Tombs and once atop the hill, visitors are afforded a view of all seven tombs including that of King Muryeong.
- ☞ Address: 37, Wangreung-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Royal Tomb of King Muryeong)
- ☞ Operating hours: 09:00-18:00
- ※ Last admission: 30 minutes before the closing time.
- ※ Open all year round (closed on the days of Seollal and Chuseok)
- ☞ Admission Adults 1,500 won
- ☞ Directions: 8-minutes of taxi ride from Gonju Bus Terminal.
A walk along the ramparts of Gongsanseong Fortress
Gongsanseong Fortress was the site of the
protective fortress and royal palace built at the time when Gongju was
designated as the second capital of Baekje. The fortress holds a varied
history spanning from the Baekje Era to Joseon Dynasty. In addition to
its great historical significance, the fortress offers a pleasant walk
along its ramparts. The most scenic spots of the fortress are the
section stretching from Geumseoru Pavilion to Manharu and Yeonji, and
the section leading from Jinnammun Gate to Ssangsujeong Pavilion and the
presumed palace site.
By hiking up the ramparts from Geumseoru Pavilion, one gets a commanding view of the Geumgang River flowing around the fortress and the newer part of Gongju across the river. In the opposite section near the Jinnammun Gate, you can enjoy looking down upon the old part of town. Access to the section connecting Geumseoru and Gongbukru is restricted due to excavation work.
At Gongsanseong Fortress, a guard changing ceremony takes place every weekend from April to October, every hour on the hour between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Visitors to the fortress can also enjoy a variety of hands-on experience programs such as trying on Baekje royal garments, practicing archery, and making their own bows.
By hiking up the ramparts from Geumseoru Pavilion, one gets a commanding view of the Geumgang River flowing around the fortress and the newer part of Gongju across the river. In the opposite section near the Jinnammun Gate, you can enjoy looking down upon the old part of town. Access to the section connecting Geumseoru and Gongbukru is restricted due to excavation work.
At Gongsanseong Fortress, a guard changing ceremony takes place every weekend from April to October, every hour on the hour between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Visitors to the fortress can also enjoy a variety of hands-on experience programs such as trying on Baekje royal garments, practicing archery, and making their own bows.
- ☞ Address: 280, Ungjin-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- ☞ Operating hours: 09:00-18:00
- ※ Last admission: 30 minutes before the closing time.
- ※ Open all year round (closed on the days of Seollal and Chuseok)
- ☞ Admission: Adults 1,200 won
- ☞ Directions: 5-minutes of taxi ride from Gonju Bus Terminal.
Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje & Five-story Stone Pagoda of Jeongnimsaji
Photo: Five-story Stone Pagoda of Jeongnimsaji Temple (left) / Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje (right)
The Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje and the Five-story Stone Pagoda of Jeongnimsaji
are considered the most representative Baekje-era relics in Buyeo.
Created over 1,500 years ago, these artifacts show a graceful dignity
that is unique to Baekje and preserve the elaborate skills of Baekje
craftsmen.
The Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje is kept in the Buyeo National Museum. Used for burning incense, the support is symbolically carved in the form of a blossoming lotus flower and the lid in the form of Samsinsan (Three Gods Mountains). The Five-story Stone Pagoda of Jeongnimsaji is preserved on the grounds of Jeongnimsaji Museum. The stone pagoda was part of Jeongnimsa Temple, a central temple of the Baekje Era that was built around the time the capital was transferred from Gongju to Buyeo. Although only faint traces of Jeongnimsa Temple remain, the Five-story Stone Pagoda has stood firm throughout the last 1,400 years.
The Gilt-bronze Incense Burner of Baekje is kept in the Buyeo National Museum. Used for burning incense, the support is symbolically carved in the form of a blossoming lotus flower and the lid in the form of Samsinsan (Three Gods Mountains). The Five-story Stone Pagoda of Jeongnimsaji is preserved on the grounds of Jeongnimsaji Museum. The stone pagoda was part of Jeongnimsa Temple, a central temple of the Baekje Era that was built around the time the capital was transferred from Gongju to Buyeo. Although only faint traces of Jeongnimsa Temple remain, the Five-story Stone Pagoda has stood firm throughout the last 1,400 years.
- ☞ Address:
- Buyeo National Museum: 5, Geumseong-ro, Buyeo-eup, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
- Jeongnimsaji Museum: 83, Jeongnim-ro, Buyeo-eup, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
- ☞ Operating hours:
- Buyeo National Museum: Weekdays 09:00-18:00 / Weekends and public holidays 09:00-19:00
- ※ Last admission: 1 hour before the closing time.
- ※ Closed on New Year’s Day and Mondays.
- Jeongnimsaji Museum: Summer season 09:00-18:00 / Winter season 09:00-17:00
- ※ Last admission: 30 minutes before the closing time.
- ※ Closed on New Year’s Day, Seollal and Chuseok. (viewing Jeongnimsaji Temple, Five storied stone pagoda of Jeongnimsa Temple site, and the seated stone statue of Buddha is available throughout the year.)
- Buyeo National Museum: Weekdays 09:00-18:00 / Weekends and public holidays 09:00-19:00
- ☞ Admission: Buyeo National Museum: Free / Jeongnimsaji Museum: Adults 1,500 won
- ☞ Website:
- Buyeo National Museum buyeo.museum.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- Jeongnimsaji Museum www.jeongnimsaji.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese)
- ☞ Directions: About 14-minutes walk from Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal.
Buyeo Neungsan-ri Ancient Tombs and Buyeo Naseong Fortress
Photo: Buyeo Neungsan-ri Ancient Tombs
A total of seven tombs were located south of the
mountain slope in Neungsan-ri, Buyeo-gun. Till today, the identity of
the grave is still unknown but it is presumed to be the King or a member
of the royal family from the Baekje dynasty. Just like that of the
royal tomb of King Muryeong, known as “Junghwachong”, the tomb has an
arched ceiling, differentiating it from the remaining tombs that have
ceilings in the shape of squares or hexagons.
In addition, dirt was piled up to build an earthen fortress Buyeo Naseong, also known as the outer city wall or ‘Naseong’ in Korean, to protect the Baekje dynasty from exterior attacks. Nevertheless, the Buyeo Naseong that was constructed to defend the castle Buyeo-eup still remains in its original state today.
In addition, dirt was piled up to build an earthen fortress Buyeo Naseong, also known as the outer city wall or ‘Naseong’ in Korean, to protect the Baekje dynasty from exterior attacks. Nevertheless, the Buyeo Naseong that was constructed to defend the castle Buyeo-eup still remains in its original state today.
- ☞ Address: 61, Wangneung-ro, Buyeo-eup, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
- ☞ Operating hours: Summer season 09:00-18:00 / Winter season 09:00-17:00
- ※ Last admission: 30 minutes before the closing time.
- ☞ Admission: Adults 1,000 won
- ☞ Directions: 10-minutes taxi ride from Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal.
Gwanbuk-ri Relics and Busosanseong Fortress of Buyeo, the Last Stronghold of Baekje
Busosanseong Fortress
(also known as Sabiseong) was the last capital of the Baekje Kingdom
before it fell to the allied forces of Silla and Tang China in 660. It
is assumed that the royal palace of the Sabi period (AD 538 – 660) was
located at this site. The most popular attraction at Busosanseong
Fortress is Baekhwajeong Pavilion perched on the cliffs of Nakhwaam
Rock. An approximately 1.3 kilometer-long forest path up to Baekhwajeong
Pavilion makes for a nice walk. The path is especially beautiful in the
spring and fall for its verdure and crimson foliage respectively. From
Baekhwajeong Pavilion, visitors can enjoy a fine view of the Geumgang
River below and its surrounding landscape. There is a small temple named
Goransa Temple about a 200-meter walk down from the pavilion.
Goransa Temple is famous for its spring water as it is said that a cup of this water will make a person 3 years younger. At the entrance to the temple is a ferry dock for the Hwangpo sailboats that glide along the Geumgang River. It is a widely popular travel course because the sailboat offers the most up-close views of Nakhwaam Rock and Busosanseong Fortress. Moreover, it is only about a 15 minute walk to the entrance of Busosanseong Fortress from Gudeurae Ferry. There are no set departure times for these sailboats as they depart whenever the number of passengers reaches 20.
Goransa Temple is famous for its spring water as it is said that a cup of this water will make a person 3 years younger. At the entrance to the temple is a ferry dock for the Hwangpo sailboats that glide along the Geumgang River. It is a widely popular travel course because the sailboat offers the most up-close views of Nakhwaam Rock and Busosanseong Fortress. Moreover, it is only about a 15 minute walk to the entrance of Busosanseong Fortress from Gudeurae Ferry. There are no set departure times for these sailboats as they depart whenever the number of passengers reaches 20.
- ☞ Address: San 1, Gwanbuk-ri, Buyeo-eup, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
- ☞ Operating hours: Summer season 09:00-18:00 / Winter season 09:00-17:00
- ※ Last admission: 30 minutes before the closing time.
- ☞ Admission: Adults 2,000 won
- ☞ Directions: About 13-minutes walk from Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal.
Nearby attractions
Encountering the Culture of Baekje at Baekje Cultural Land
Baekje Cultural Land is devoted to the history and culture of the Baekje Kingdom. Included in Baekje Cultural Land are Baekje History & Culture Museum,
offering a comprehensive history of Baekje, and Sabigung Palace,
reproducing the scenery of a royal palace during the Baekje Era. With
Sabigung Palace in the center of Sabiseong Fortress, Neungsa Temple and
Gobungongwon (ancient tomb park) are located to the right. The area to
the left of the palace is divided into Wiryeseong, which was a royal
palace located in the Hangang River basin during the Hanseong Baekje Era
(18 BC – 475 AD) and the Living Culture Village, showing the homes and
lifestyles of different social classes of Baekje.
The main architecture at Sabiseong Fortress is decidedly Sabigung Palace, a recreation of a venue where the king and his subjects gathered for public affairs in addition to being the most symbolic palace of the kingdom. The most striking structure at Sabiseong is the 38 meter-high five story wooden pagoda. It is a real-size replica of the artifact uncovered near Buyeo Neungsan-ri Ancient Tombs and displays the splendid culture and dignity of Baekje. The Living Culture Village features restorations of various class' houses, which include Sataekjijeok, or the house of a nobleman with the highest government post, the house of General Gyebaek, and other houses for some of the most representative figures from the Baekje Kingdom. The inside of these houses recreate the lives of the past. Baekje Cultural Land offers a unique chance to experience Baekje's history, the life of its people, and an array of its relics.
The main architecture at Sabiseong Fortress is decidedly Sabigung Palace, a recreation of a venue where the king and his subjects gathered for public affairs in addition to being the most symbolic palace of the kingdom. The most striking structure at Sabiseong is the 38 meter-high five story wooden pagoda. It is a real-size replica of the artifact uncovered near Buyeo Neungsan-ri Ancient Tombs and displays the splendid culture and dignity of Baekje. The Living Culture Village features restorations of various class' houses, which include Sataekjijeok, or the house of a nobleman with the highest government post, the house of General Gyebaek, and other houses for some of the most representative figures from the Baekje Kingdom. The inside of these houses recreate the lives of the past. Baekje Cultural Land offers a unique chance to experience Baekje's history, the life of its people, and an array of its relics.
- ☞ Address: 374, Baekjemun-ro, Gyuam-myeon, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
- ☞ Operating hours: March-Octoboer 09:00-18:00 / November-February 09:00-17:00
- ※ Last admission: 1 hour before the closing time.
- ※ Closed on New Year’s Day and Mondays.
- ☞ Admission: Adults 4,000 won
- ☞ Website: www.bhm.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- ☞ Directions: 12-minutes of taxi ride from Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal.
A Night's Stay at Gongju Hanok Village
Situated near Gongju National Museum is a hanok (traditional Korean house) accommodation facility known simply as Gongju Hanok Village. These hanoks are added with modern adornments on top of traditional features such as the Korean floor heating system usingudeuljang
(flat stone slabs used as floor tiles), approaching visitors with
fusion style. Made with pine trees and cedar trees, are especially
charming in winter owing to their traditional looks.
The village has a total of 60 accommodation facilities comprised of thatched-roofed and tile-roofed houses, making it an ideal stay not only for families and friends, but also groups of travelers. For visitors' convenience, there is also a range of restaurants serving hanjeong-sik (Korean table d'hote), hanu-gukbap (Korean beef and rice soup), and dishes made with chestnuts, a regional specialty. The village also provides various programs of hands-on experiences that trait back to Baekje’s culture including a tea ceremony, chestnut dish making, artifact making, and book binding.
The village has a total of 60 accommodation facilities comprised of thatched-roofed and tile-roofed houses, making it an ideal stay not only for families and friends, but also groups of travelers. For visitors' convenience, there is also a range of restaurants serving hanjeong-sik (Korean table d'hote), hanu-gukbap (Korean beef and rice soup), and dishes made with chestnuts, a regional specialty. The village also provides various programs of hands-on experiences that trait back to Baekje’s culture including a tea ceremony, chestnut dish making, artifact making, and book binding.
- ☞ Address: 12, Gwangwangdanji-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- ☞ Operating hours: Open all year round.
- ☞ Website: hanok.gongju.go.kr (Korean only)
- ☞ Directions: 7-minutes of taxi ride from Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal.
More info
- ☞ Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress Tourist Information Center
- Address: 280, Ungjin-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- Operating hours: 09:00-18:00
- Offered services: Sightseeing and travel information, promotional materials (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian), etc.
- Inquiries: +82-41-856-7700 (Korean)
- Website: tour.gongju.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- ☞ Buyeo Tourist Information Center
- Address: 247-9, Seongwang-ro, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
- Operating hours: 09:00-18:00
- Offered services: Sightseeing and travel information, promotional materials, etc.
- Inquiries: +82-41-830-2527 (Korean)
- Website: buyeotour.net (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
- ☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
* This column was
last updated in August 2015, and therefore information may differ from
what is presented here. We advise you to check details from the official
websites before visiting.
<Last updated on August 6, 2015>
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