Archaeological Site in Gwanbuk-ri and Busosanseong Fortress [UNESCO World Heritage] (관북리유적과 부소산성 [유네스코 세계유산]) - Area information - Korea travel information

Archaeological Site in Gwanbuk-ri and Busosanseong Fortress [UNESCO World Heritage] (관북리유적과 부소산성 [유네스코 세계유산])

Archaeological Site in Gwanbuk-ri and Busosanseong Fortress [UNESCO World Heritage] (관북리유적과 부소산성 [유네스코 세계유산])

16.0Km    2024-02-29

Gua-ri & Gwanbuk-ri, Buyeo-eup, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

Archaeological Site in Gwanbuk-ri and Busosanseong Fortress are historical sites dating back to the Baekje period (BC 18-AD 660), when they served as the capital from 538 to 660 AD. Archaeological Site in Gwanbuk-ri functioned as the royal palace where the king resided and governed during peacetime, while Busosanseong Fortress served as a defensive wall for wartime preparedness. Many Baekje historical relics have been excavated from these sites, and there is a virtual experience center called Sabido Fortress for visitors to explore, along with guided tour services available.

Gudeurae Park (구드래조각공원)

Gudeurae Park (구드래조각공원)

16.4Km    2025-03-22

60, Naruteo-ro, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

Located at the western end of Busosan Mountain along the Baekma River, the Gudeurae region boasts beautiful scenery and a well-developed sculpture park. The port in the region acted as an entrance to the Sabi Castle during the Baekje dynasty and today serves as a dock for the cruise ship that travels up and down the Baekma River. Restaurants serving delicious regional cuisine are located near the dock, making the area a recommended tourist location for visitors who are looking for a combination of natural beauty and flavorful culinary delights.

Gudeurae was designated a Korea tourist region in 1985. Following the official designation, a sculpture park housing 59 sculptures was established in the area. Thirty of the works of art were crafted by sculptors residing in Gudeurae who are known for skills that have been handed down from artists dating back to the Baekje Period. The other 29 pieces are from Korean and overseas artists who participated in the International Modern Sculpture Symposium in 1999. The sculptures bring about a sense of beauty that reflects the region’s history as well as modern art, making the park a popular tourist site and retreat for residents. A monument built in memory of a well-known folk song describing the beauty of Gudeurae is also located in the region.

Goransa Temple (고란약수)

Goransa Temple (고란약수)

16.7Km    2021-11-26

1-25, Buso-ro, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

Goransa Temple is located at the foot of the cliffs of Nakhwaam before the Baengmagang River. There is a well called Goranjeong behind the temple. The kings of Baekje are said to have drank water from this well at least once a day. It is said the water will make anyone who drinks it become three years younger.

Nonsan Myeongjae House (논산명재고택)

16.8Km    2025-12-05

50 Noseongsanseong-gil, Noseong-myeon, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

Myeongjae House in Nonsan, also known as Yoon Jeung's House, faces the village. At its backdrop is the scenic landscape of Noseongsan Mountain, and behind the gates is a large rectangular pond. Inside the pond, there is a small, round rock, as if an island, where a 300-year-old tree has stood the test of time alongside the old house. Walk past the pond and ascend the stone steps to the front yard, where a sarangchae (main guest room) greets visitors. In 1984, the house was recognized for its value and designated as a National Folk Cultural Heritage. This traditional house offers hanok stays, as well as experience programs such as tea ceremonies, natural dyeing, and traditional music performances. Nearby attractions include Noseongsanseong Fortress, Noseonghyanggyo Confucian School, Noseong Gwollisa Temple, and the main neighborhood of Noseong-myeon.

Mireuksa Temple Site [UNESCO World Heritage] (익산 미륵사지 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

Mireuksa Temple Site [UNESCO World Heritage] (익산 미륵사지 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

17.0Km    2024-04-07

362, Mireuksaji-ro, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do

Mireuksa was the largest Buddhist temple of the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-AD 660). According to Samgukyusa (historical records published in 1281), King Mu (30th king of Baekje, in power AD 600-641) and his wife Queen Seonhwa were said to have seen a vision of Mireuksamjon (the three Sanskrit) emerging from a large pond. At the time of their revelation, the king and queen were on their way to visit a Buddhist monk in Sajasa Temple on Yonghwasan Mountain (now known as Mireuksan Mountain). In response to their vision, the king drained the nearby pond and established Mireuksa Temple. The temple is believed to have shown the most advanced architectural and cultural skills of Baekje, Silla, and Goguryeo (the three main kingdoms at that time). Records indicate that King Jinpyeong of Silla even sent his craftsmen over to assist with the temple construction.

The two main features of the Mireuksa Temple Site are the stone pagoda (Mireuksaji Seoktap) and the flagpole supports (Mireuksaji Dangganjiju). The 14.24-meter-high west stone pagoda (National Treasure No. 11) is the oldest and largest Korean stone pagoda in existence. The west pagoda currently has only six tiers, but is estimated to originally have had nine. The nine-story east stone pagoda (27.67 meters in x_height) was restored to its original stature in 1993 based on historical records. Other surviving landmarks include the flagpole supports (Treasure No. 236) to the south of the stone pagodas. The 395 centimeter-tall poles are estimated to have been created during the Unified Silla period (AD 676-935) and are set 90 meters apart from east to west.

Baengmagang Leisure Park (백마강레저파크)

Baengmagang Leisure Park (백마강레저파크)

17.5Km    2022-04-08

424, Wangheung-ro, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

Baengmagang Leisure Park provides camping all year round as well as caravan facilities and water sports facilities. Visitors can enjoy waterski, wakeboarding, banana boat, and water playgrounds as well as outdoor swimming pool in the summer.

Baek il heon Head House (논산 백일헌 종택)

Baek il heon Head House (논산 백일헌 종택)

17.7Km    2024-08-05

45, Jugok-gil, Sangwol-myeon, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

The Baegilheon Head House (National Folklore Cultural Heritage No. 273) is the house that was bestowed upon General Yi Sam by King Yeongjo in recognition of his achievement in suppressing the Yi In-jwa Rebellion in 1728. King Yeongjo also granted Yi Sam the posthumous name ‘Baegilheon’. The house is composed of the munganchae (gate quarters) situated next to a tall gate, the ‘ㄷ’-shaped anchae (women’s quarters), and the ‘ㄱ’-shaped sarangchae (men’s quarters), which are configured in an overall square layout. The accommodation includes the munganchae, the araet sarang with a numaru (upper floor), and the wit sarang and the geonneotbang, each of which has a large toenmaru (a narrow wooden porch running along the outside of the building). Notably, the geonneotbang, which is connected with the daecheong (wooden floor) and has a cozy courtyard surrounded by a mud wall, was the living space for the eldest son of the family and his wife for many generations. As the house has been designated as a National Folklore Cultural Heritage, cooking in the guestrooms is strictly prohibited. However, the house provides breakfast prepared by the daughter-in-law of the head house free of charge. The toilets and shower room are situated in the back yard.

Iksan Ipjeomni Ancient Tombs (익산 입점리 고분)

Iksan Ipjeomni Ancient Tombs (익산 입점리 고분)

18.3Km    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.

Geumma Reservoir (금마저수지)

Geumma Reservoir (금마저수지)

18.5Km    2024-04-07

Donggodo-ri, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do

Looking towards the south from the top of Mireuksan Mountain, one can see Geumma Reservoir. The reservoir is shaped like the Korean peninsula. Hence it is also referred to as Jido Yeonmot, or Map Pond. The terrain is especially beautiful when viewing it through the fog in the early mornings.

The water comes from Mireuksan Mountain, ensuring a steady supply of water throughout the year. There are no factories or other contaminants nearby so the water quality is of the highest grade. Near the reservoir, one can find Seodong Park and Mahan Hall. Seodong Park is a sculpture park displaying various sculptures such as a bronze statue of Baekje’s King Muwang of Baekje and a statue of Seodong’s Princess Seonhwa. Mahan Hall showcases the lifestyle and culture of Mahan, a tribal confederation during the Samhan period. The park also features various facilities such as an observatory, fishing spot and a promenade.

Seodong Park (서동공원)

Seodong Park (서동공원)

18.6Km    2024-04-07

41-14, Godo 9-gil, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do

Built alongside the Geumma Reservoir, Seodong Park traces its origins to ancient records from the 600 AD with historical figures (Princess Seonhwa and Seodong, King Mu). More than 100 works of art can be found in the park, including twelve Chinese zodiac animal statues and sculptures of Princess Seonhwa and Seodong. The central plaza features a statue of King Mu, and various amenities such as the Mahan Museum, a children's forest playground, a picnic area, a fountain, and a riverside plaza enrich the experience for visitors.