Gunsan Geumgang Estuary Bank (금강하구둑(군산)) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gunsan Geumgang Estuary Bank (금강하구둑(군산))

7.3Km    2024-04-07

120, Cheolsae-ro, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do

Geumgang Estuary Bank was completed in 1990 as part of an agricultural development project for 6 cities and counties in Chungcheongnam-do and Jeollabuk-do. The Korea Agricultural and Rural Infrastructure Corporation invested approximately 100 billion won for the project and the construction lasted for 8 years. The estuary bank can hold up to 130 million tons of water. The 1,840-meter long bank serves a bridge that connects Chungcheongnam-do to Jeollabuk-do.

Aside from being the source of water for agricultural and industrial use in Jeollabuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do, the bank also provides flood control for the area around Geumgang River. It helps keep Gunsanhang Port operational by preventing soil and sand from accumulating at the mouth of the river. It also prevents the backwash of seawater from causing damage to farmlands. Geumgang Estuary Bank has an important role as a tourist destination by connecting Gunsan and Janghang.

Iksan Ipjeomni Ancient Tombs (익산 입점리 고분)

7.4Km    2024-04-07

80, Ipjeomgobun-gil, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do

The Iksan Ipjeomni Ancient Tombs are a group of ancient Baekje-era tumuli located 100 meters above sea level on the northeast brow of Chilmokjae Hill in Ipjeom-ri, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do. The burial ground covers an area of more than 18,520 square meters and is officially listed as Historical Site No. 347. To date, a total of eight tumuli have been excavated, all of which are chamber tombs.

Surprisingly enough, the tombs were first discovered in 1986 by a high school student. While digging for arrowroot, a young man from a local high school found some pieces of gold that resembled a hat. He quickly notified the authorities and it was soon discovered that the pieces of gold were in fact valuable ancient artifacts. An emergency excavation was conducted and the eight tumuli were uncovered, but unfortunately all of the tumuli except Tomb No. 1 had been severely damaged. Tomb No. 1, which is still in relatively good condition, boasts an entrance measuring an impressive 16 meters in x_height and 2 meters in x_width.

Inside the tombs archaeologists found valuable relics from the Baekje dynasty including earthenware, jewelry (a gilt-bronze hat, gold earrings, glass beads, etc.), harnesses and ironware. Given the shapes and the types of the pieces found, historians estimate that the tumuli were built in the 5th century. Since the gilt-bronze hat is similar in shape to those found in Japan, experts believe that there was an active exchange between the Baekje people and the people of Japan.

Iksan Sungnimsa Temple (숭림사(익산))

10.4Km    2024-04-07

495-57, Baekje-ro, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do

Sungnimsa Temple is one of the major temples in Iksan under Geumsansa Temple and was believed by some to have been built by monk Jinpyo Yulsa during the reign of King Gyeongdeok (742-764) during the Silla period. Others believe that the temple was established during the first year of King Chungmok of the Goryeo dynasty in 1345. Sungnimsa Temple was named in honor of great monk Bodhi-Dharma, who practiced seated Zen meditation for nine years at Sorimsa Temple located deep inside Sungsan Mountain in China. The temple was burnt down during the Imjin War (1592-1598), leaving only Bogwangjeon Hall. Bits and pieces of the temple were later restored in 1697, 1819, and 1892.

Iksan Prison Set (익산교도소세트장)

11.8Km    2025-10-24

207 Hamnang-ro, Seongdang-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do

It is the only prison set in Korea made for movie filming. Dramas like "Delightfully Deceitful" and " Divorce Attorney Shin" and movies like "Tazza" and "Miracle in Cell No. 7" were filmed here. Although the set was built using a closed school, shooting photos in places like the court, solitary confinement, interrogation rooms, and torture chambers can feel eerie. Renting costumes and becoming a correctional officer or inmate provides a more realistic prison experience.

Gunsan Port (군산항)

12.4Km    2024-04-07

442 Imhae-ro, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do

Gunsan Port, established in 1899, is the port of Gunsan. During the Japanese colonial period, Gunsan prospered as a trading port. Modern buildings from that era still remain around Gunsan Port, creating a nostalgic atmosphere often referred to as a "time-travel village." Nearby attractions include the Gunsan Modern History Museum and the Sinheung-dong Japanese-style House Street.

Huirisan Pine Tree Recreational Forest (국립 희리산해송자연휴양림)

12.5Km    2022-07-22

Surrounded by majestic pine trees, Huirisan Mountain boasts an outstanding landscape; there is a reservoir at the foot of the mountain. Upon climbing to the top of the mountain, visitor can overlook the scenic West Sea. There are also numerous attractions near Huirisan: Chunjangdae Beach, Geumgang River Banks, and Hansan Mosi Town (“Mosi” referring to “Ramie,” the predominant fabric used for traditional Korean clothing)

The top of the mountain (329m in x_height) is called Munsubong (or Munsu Peak). To the northwest of the Huirisan Pine Tree Recreational Forest is Saindae. Legend goes that four generals used to play there. Indeed, there is a cliff (140m in x_height) just below Saindae where they were believed to do chin-ups. Naturally, people call the area Teokgeolijang (Chin-Up Spot). Traces of Munsusa Temple still remain below Munsubong although it was said to have been destroyed by a huge number of bedbugs. 500m from Munsubong to the south, horse riding trails of the four generals are dotted along the ridge; Malttongbawi (Horse Dung Rock), resembling horse droppings, is 500m from the peak to the southeast.

Below Munsubong are four large peaks where the four generals lived and 100 small rocks beneath them that were home to low ranking men commanded by the generals. Because of their unique shapes, those rocks form a scenic sight while hiking in Huirisan.

House of Lee Young-choon (이영춘가옥)

12.6Km    2024-04-07

7, Donggaejeong-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do

The House of Lee Young-choon was constructed by a Japanese landlord named Kumamoto during the Japanese colonial era. The house combined Western, Korean, and Japanese into one structure. After Korean liberation, Dr. Lee Young-choon, the first medical doctor, lived in the house. From that time, the house was referred to as the House of Lee Young-choon.

Thanks to its beautiful exterior, the house was used as a backdrop for films such as Bingjeom, Sandglass, and Yain Shidae, etc.

The doctor was considered the Korean "Albert Schweitzer", and his pen name of "Ho", referring to ssangcheon, means "two branches of spring water, represents one for healing physical disease and the other for healing the spirit. He was born in Yonggang-gun, Pyeongannam-do in October 1903. In 1935, through a connection by his professor at Pyeongyanggobo School, he took a position as the head of Jahye Hospital to take care of 20,000 people. In addition, he was the first person in Korea to implement the policy of school nurses as well as the medical insurance union.

Gunsan Modern History Street (군산 근대화 거리)

12.6Km    2024-04-07

41, Jangmi 1-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do

Gunsan was historically an important trading port. Because of that, it often served as the landing point of new culture in Korea. One such example is the modern culture during the Japanese colonial period, which traces of that time can still be found today. At Gunsan Modern History Street, you will find Gunsan Modern History Museum, Old Gunsan Customs Office, Gunsan Modern Art Museum, Gunsan Modern Architecture Hall, and the former Joseon Bank building standing in a row. If you want to see Gunsan’s past and present, a visit to the museum is recommended. The area between Leesungdang and this area is the old city center of Gunsan, home to shops and cafes that build upon Gunsan’s uniquely retro aesthetics.

Donggunsan Hospital (의료법인 오성의료재단 동군산병원)

12.6Km    2025-10-23

149 Jochon-ro, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do

Donggunsan Hospital is a general hospital equipped with advanced medical equipment and system, ensuring high accuracy in tests and diagnoses, and providing high-quality treatment and medical services. 
The hospital aims to become a genuinely good, patient-centered institution. It focuses on fostering Health Promotion Center, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center as well as areas of vascular surgery, cosmetic procedures, varicose vein surgery, dental cosmetics, minimally invasive spinal surgery to offer top-tier medical care and preventive services. Additionally, with the establishment of an International Medical Center and dedicated patient rooms, Donggunsan Hospital is well-prepared for treating international patients, paving the way for its evolution into a global hospital.

LOTTE Shopping Mall – Gunsan Branch (롯데몰 군산점)

12.6Km    2024-04-06

130 Jochon-ro, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do

It is a shopping town where visitors can enjoy shopping, culture, and entertainment together, and it is the largest and first complex shopping mall in Jeonbuk State.
LOTTE Shopping Mall Gunsan Branch is full of fun 365 days with various events and performances for children.