Destination
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Quick Finder
Anmyeondo / Asan / Asan Spavis / Boryeong / Busosan / Buyeo /
Buyeo National Museum / Central Region / Cheollipo arboretum / Chungju / Chungju Dam / Chungju Fortress
Daejeon,Yuseong / Daedeok Valley and Science town / Danyang /
Expo Science Park / Geumsan / Gosu cave / Gakwonsa / Ganggyeong / Gapsa / Gongju National Museum / Gongsanseong
Haemi Fortress / Hyeonchungsa / Independence Hall / Jeongrimsa site /
Magoksa / National Science Museum / Nonsan / Oeam Village / Onyang / Onyang Folklore Museum / Mireuksa Temple site
Songnisan national park / Stone gate / Suanbo /
Taean national park / Tomb of King Muryeong / Wolaksan national park
Central Western Region
The region embraces the fertile Chungcheong Nam-do and the rugged Chungcheong Buk-do provinces both with natural beauty, hot spas, and abundant historical sites. The region is mountainous in the east and somewhat lower and flatter in the west. The sophisticated ancient cultural heritages found across the province enable the visitors to understand more about the area's time-honored tradition. Daejeon, the administrative center of the area, is the major city of the region with ancient cities of Buyeo and Gongju. Yuseong, one of the country's most famous hot spa resorts, is on the slope of the Gyeryong Mountain. Historically, these mountains have been famous as the home of numerous indigenous religions and cults. There are numerous temples, hermitages and shaman shrines. Gapsa, Dongwhasa, Gwanchoksa and Magoksa are among the famous temples in the area. In addition, inland town Geumsan produces world's finest quality ginseng for its ideal climate and environmental factors.
Asan
Asan is the hometown of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, who defeated the Japanese troops in the late 16th century. The Hyeonchungsa shrine was set in honor of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin. The large shrine includes the hillside shrine itself, a museum housing the admiral's belongings as well as modern painting of his victories. Asan's another claim to fame rests in its hot spring resort. The spa's fame for its medicinal qualities dates back over 600 years.
Hyeonchungsa
Hyeonchungsa Shrine, located approximately 7km north of Asan, has kept the spirit of Korea's most famous naval hero, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, alive for more than 300 years.
The main shrine has a portrait scroll of
Admiral of Yi. The shrine includes
about 1,400,000㎡
of beautifully landscaping, two fish ponds, the house where the admiral grew up, an archery range where he practiced, a museum containing a pictorial story of his life and an example of his famous "turtle ship." The museum also contains his war diary and sword he carried. In 1706, 108 years after Admiral Yi Sunsin (1545-1598) died at a naval battle near strait of Noryang, a shrine to his memory was built here. The shrine was allowed to crumble into ruins during the Japanese colonial rule. Hyeonchungsa was rebuilt after a successful fundraising and Korean people resumed the annual birthday memorial ceremony in 1945. In 1966, Hyeonchungsa was renovated and proclaimed a national shrine in honor of the patriotism and dedication of Admiral Yi. The rebuilding and expansion of the shrine was completed in 1974. The birthday of Admiral Yi is celebrated here annually on April 28. The admiral is one of Korea's greatest heroes because of his naval victories against the Japanese when they invaded Korea from 1592-1598 during the Joseon dynasty.
He is credited with winning 23 naval battles without defeat during the war. In the Battle of Myeongnyang, his 13 ships defeated a Japanese force of 133 ships. He is also credited with the perfection of the first iron-clad ship in history. His "turtle ships" carried more cannons than their Japanese enemies and had iron plates on the roof of the ship with spikes to prevent enemy sailors from boarding.
The Korean navy strategy of attack was to fire cannons at long range, as opposed to the Japanese preference for boarding and hand-to-hand combat. The shrine is closed Tuesdays. It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November thru February and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March through October.
No one is allowed to enter one hour prior to closing time.
Asan Spavis
Spavis, a water park resort, claims the hot springs water contains 20 different minerals, including germanium that helps cure rheumatism and arthritis. Spavis has several pools, as well as indoor and outdoor spa facilities. It also offers skin care, weight management and fatigue relief programs, and customized Oriental medicine programs.
Oeam Village
Located at the southwest hilly side of Mt. Seolhwa and about 10km south of Asan city, has the geographic feature of its approach at low-lying land and its end at elevated south or the southwest, allowing the people to enjoy much of sunshine. Further, the mountain at the back blocks the freezing wind in winter. Lee Sajong of Yean Lee family moved here in the 16th century, and his family had produced many men of distinguished talent. Ever since, it became the town of Yean Lee family. The village exudes old, rustic charm. Boasting a tradition of more than well over 400 years, the stonewall paths ringing the village heighten its flair. The village entrance is marked by a small stone bridge, a group of totem poles, and pine forest. Along the pathway, stonewalls spanning 6km connects each of the some 60 houses, most of which are thatched cottages representing typical village layout of central Korea. All houses in the village are surrounded by stone walls, and some of which have water channel through which a clear stream of water from Mt. Seolhwa directs into their gardens. The layout of the village is well harmonized with rice paddies, fruit trees like persimmon, gingko, quince, date or chestnuts, flowering trees and forests, all these features combined create truly rural scenery. The Yeongam, Songhwa and Champan residences are among the famous structures of the village. The Yeongam residence is home to one of the most beautiful Joseon gardens. The village offers not only visual stimulation but home-stays as well, and visitors can try a hand at farming and spend a night in a traditional Korean home. Oeam village is in itself a living folk museum that maintains the unique traditional style of the region with traditional houses, straw-roofed housed, stone walls and gardens just like the way they used to be. The village has much more value in being preserved than any other place because people actually live in its traditional settings. The Oeam folk village provides visitors a chance to appreciate Korean traditional heritage and their lifestyles. Of the entertaining features for the visitors is Korean rice cake. The steamed glutinous rice prepared in advance is placed on the board, and the visitors are delightfully welcomed to pound hard on the white rice in turn with a mallet doing the same. When the pounding is done, you will get to cut it with the rim of a plate and is fully coated with finely powdered dried beans - the delicious does not seem to come so easy. Activities including traditional straw crafting, classical music performances, and house thatching demonstrations are some of the treats of the late October.
Onyang
Chungcheong province boasts several hot springs in Asan, Onyang, Dogo, Yuseong and Suanbo. Asan is known as having the oldest hot springs in Korea. First discovered 1,300 years ago, the hot springs have been operating for over 600 years. Historical records show King Sejong and royal family members going to Onyang during the Joseon period to cure their illnesses. The temperature of the water at Onyang hot springs is around 57 degrees Celsius, and has a high concentration of radium and alkaline which are helpful for treating arthritis, skin problems, liver disease and high blood pressure, among other complaints.
Onyang Folk Museum
A privately owned museum that is established in 1978, is an excellent facility with more than 14,000 folk artifacts on display. The museum exhibits a vast array of beautiful and priceless antiques that speak to the life and traditions of the Korean people. Food, clothing and shelter, work utensils, household articles, religious, recreational and scholastic items, hunting, agriculture, fishing, woodworking, folk art crafts, education, social system, printing, and medicine are well displayed in the four exhibition rooms. In addition, outdoor exhibit includes pagoda, well, gazebo, and millstone. They are well displayed and great attention has been paid to accuracy and detail. With all above combined, the museum makes it one of the best folk museums in Korea.
Haemi Fortress
It
was completed in 1491, and was a major defense point protecting Korea's West Coast from marauding Japanese pirates. Unlike many of Korea's fortresses, which are commonly found atop mountains, Haemi Fortress is located on a plain. Today, much of the fortress was destroyed to make room for development, but in 1973, major restoration work was undertaken. The fortress's South Gate is original, while the other gates are restorations. A walk along the entire length of the fortress wall takes about an hour.
Of course, during the old days, major towns were ringed by fortress walls, but precious few examples of these walls exist today. Architecture aside, Haemi Fortress's historical importance is closely tied with the history of the Catholic Church in Korea. It was here that many Catholics were executed during the Byeongin persecution of 1866, and the fortress and its surroundings are considered holy ground by Korean Catholics. Just outside the West Gate of Haemi Fortress is where many of the 8,000 Korean Catholics slaughtered during the Byeongin Persecution of 1866 met their fate. More specifically, this is where the Catholics who refused to desecrate Catholic holy objects were killed the rest were brought into the fortress and executed there. It is a very locale where Pope Francis delivered his sermon during the closing Mass of the sixth Asian Youth Day on August 17.
Anmyeondo
It is an island of 5.5km in width and 24km in length located in the west central part of Korean Peninsula. Being the 6th largest island in Korea, it covers an area of 114㎢. The terrain is hilly with less than 100 meters high hills and mountains, and has saw tooth coast lines. The island is famous for its pine lined beaches and prawns. The Cheonsuman bay is a home to migratory birds, and a great attraction in the winter for bird watching. Other attraction includes shell mound, Dolmen and a group of Chinese bladdernut trees grown in nature. Today, the island is easily accessible through Anmyeon bridge that is built on the northern tip of the island.
Cheollipo arboretum
It is one of the Korea's best arboreta. The Chollipo Arboretum was founded by Mr. Pyong-gal Min (Carl Ferris Miller) who has made much effort to create a home for plants from the temperate zones of the world along with Korean native plants. The arboretum consists of 60 hectares, ranging from forested mountains and an island of 5 hectares to cultivated farm fields, rice paddies and sand dunes. The seven major land areas that make up the site are unfortunately not contiguous but they are all very near each other. These areas provide various habitats for a wide range of plants.
In the main area where the arboretum originally started in the early 1970s, contains good mixture of plant species and cultivars of both woody and herbaceous plants. There are 10 buildings including several traditional Korean style houses and an office building that is unique with its simulated, thatched roof. There are 2 ponds once rice paddies, which serve an important function as water reservoir as well as creating an excellent habitat for waterside plants. Seven greenhouses are used as propagation and holding areas for both new accessions and less hardy plants. The seashore adjacent to the Main Area provides wonderful scenery. The Sand dune area, right in the middle of the village near the small port, makes an interesting habitat for sand dune plants such as Viburnum bitchuense, Rosa rugosa, Vitex rotundifolia, and Lathyrus japonica. Recently some plants have been planted for a test to be continued with more plants added to find those adaptable to the environment. There is a plan to set up a nursery and a research station with a library in this area.
Blue Rock Thrush Island area is an island right across the sea approximately 400m away from the Main Area. At low tide the island becomes a peninsula. The island, originally Dak (Chicken) Island, was renamed Nangsae-seom or Blue Rock Thrush Island by Mr. Min, and is being planted exclusively in native plants, mostly the broad-leaved evergreens which are thought to have originally covered the many offshore islands in the West Sea (Yellow Sea). The present cover is primarily Pinus thunbergiana and to a lesser extent Pinus densiflora. These are currently replaced with Machilus thunbergii, Machilus japonica, Neolitsea sericea, Neolitsea aciculata, Quercus mysinifolia, Ilex integra, Ilex rotunda, Ilex x wandoensis, Ilex cornuta, Distylium racemosum, Actinodaphne lancifolia, Camellia japonica, Pittosporum tobira, Raphiolepis umbellata, etc.
Conifer area is an area with a good collection of conifers mainly higher up on the hill and a good collection of Corylopsis species lower down. The lower land, which has been cultivated for many years, is used as a nursery bed for small plants. When trees or shrubs are of sufficient size they are moved elsewhere. The plan for this area is to create a pinetum mainly with conifer species. Located a short distance away from the sea, it has a splendid view looking down toward the beach and the island.
Magnolia Hill has a wonderful collection of magnolias together with lagerstroemias and prunus are thriving with Pinus thunbergiana, Pinus densiflora, Pinus parviflora and Rhododendron mucronulatum in this area. They are becoming established rapidly helped by rich soil and less competition with natural vegetation. It is a spectacular site for magnolias and also the good variation in color of Rhododendron mucronulatu is noteworthy. In spring, many wild flowers such as Hepatica asiatica, Iris rossii , and Corydalis ambigua are in the same general area in abundant patches. Sub area is the largest area with various types of plants. It consists of some sub-areas where groups of trees and shrubs belonging to a particular genus or category have been planted in various specific locations; they include Acer, Quercus, Tilia, Viburnum, Ilex, Stewartia, Broad-leaved evergreens, and deciduous plants. At the top of this area is the Skyline Magnolia Area where there is a good collection of Magnolias.
Finally, big valley provides one of the best habitats found in the Chollipo area. Numerous woody and herbaceous plant species thrive here all the way up to the peak of 120m above sea level. There are good colonies of Adonis amurense , some species of violas, arisaemas, Hepatica asiatica, Primula sieboldii, Cimicifuga heracleifolia and many woody plants such as Meliosma oldhamii, Meliosma myriantha, Picrasma quassioides, Styrax japonica, Styrax obassia, Tilia mandshurica, Tilia amurense , and Acer mono.
Boryeong Mud Festival
Boryeong has abundant resources and beautiful scenery with mountains and beaches. What the more famous in Boryeong is Mud Festival that usually occurs for one week in mid July. There is nothing traditional, or even especially Korean, about the Festival, it seems more popular among the foreigners. The mud gathered at the beaches near Boryeong is has various mineral components. Heavy metals were not detected after specimen analysis and it has a great effect on preventing skin aging through lubrication and tightening. The mud itself is supposed to be very healthy and full of good stuff for your skin. Various activities and events are always prepared in the Festival. There are huge mud pool, mud wrestling competition, mud sliding, mud prison, human manikin, character dolls, mud training, and mud skiing competition that provide fun and excitement to the visitors. Moreover, color mud is available for body painting. Boryeong Mud Festival is for everyone to enjoy for the mud itself is very good for your skin and health.
Gakwonsa
Gakwonsa is famous for its huge Buddha statue made from 60 tons of bronze.
It is near Cheonan so is easily accessible.
The temple houses the largest gilt-bronze sitting Buddha in the country. The Buddha has 15m in height and 30m in circumference. It was dedicated in May 1977 in a hope of the country's peaceful unification. You can pay and write your 'wish' on a roof tile which will then be used when the temple roofs need repairing.
Independence Hall
The Independence Hall honors all those who have perished in the struggles for freedom against foreign invasions. The exhibits trace the nation's independence movements and the activities of the honored dead. The complex consists of the Grand Hall, the Tower of the Nationals, and a bell which was cast to express the wish for national unification. The memorial hall includes halls of National Heritage, Nationalist Movement, March First Independence Movement, and the Social and Cultural Movement. Each of them exhibits historical artifacts related to the Korean national resistance, fight for independence, and search for a national identity. The theater shows a variety of documentary films.
Taean National park
Designated as a national park in 1978, the park covers about 130 islands around Taean peninsula and Anmyeon island. The park boasts of the gorgeous scenery with numerous fine beaches such as Mallipo, Cheollipo, Yeonpo, Banpo, Hagampo, and Mongsanpo. It also has unusual rock formations, gently-sloped mountain peaks, and coastal rock cliffs dramatically cared by sea wave. There is also the beautiful island of Anmyeondo with its white sandy beaches lined with pine trees. Other attractions include ancient fortresses, temples and stone Buddha images.
Buyeo
Buyeo, a small city located by the panoramic Baekma River, is a melting pot of Baekje culture. Buyeo is one of Korea's greatest historic sites. The capital of the Baekje Kingdom was moved from Gongju to Buyeo in AD 538, where it flourished for 122 years and was at its most splendid and prosperous moment, until it was destroyed by the combined forces of the Silla and the Tang of China in 660. Today, the essence of the Baekje culture and the spirit of ancient Korea can be witnessed from the 178 cultural properties in Buyeo. It represents a period of almost seven hundred years until its conquest by Silla. Nakhwaam, located on the bluff overlooking the river, is the very locale where 3,000 court ladies flung themselves into the water when the enemies swarmed into the capital. Below the bluff is the small temple. One could spend an hour in roaming many trails and enjoying the panoramic views of the river. Gungnamji Pond and Pavilion at the bottom end of town surrounded by rice paddies with hazy mountains framing the horizon was originally constructed by King Mu of Baekje as a pleasure garden for ladies of the court. You will marvel at the oldest artificial pond in Korea, and its stock of white, red, and water lotuses. The blossoms will be in full bloom during the summer, creating a colorful spectacle. Weeping willows were planted on its banks and an islet was created in the middle imitating Pangjangsonsan, one of the three holy mountains in Chinese legends.
Jeongrimsa Site
Locared in the city center of Bueyo,
the five-story pagoda body stands on a single narrow, low pedestal. Pillar stones are fixed in the middle and on the corners of each side of the pedestal. This pagoda was erected in the late 6th century after the Baekje kingdom moved its capital to Buyeo. The pagoda seems to be patterned after the structure of wooden architecture., judging from the cross-section boat-shaped pillars which compose the floor corners of the first story body of the pagoda, the wide capstones and the parts of the pagoda that were pieced together after being made respectively. This pagoda, along with the stone pagoda and Mireuksa site in Iksan, shows the characteristics of the stone pagodas constructed in the Baekje period. Its well-organized form and refined beauty display the skill of the Baekje people. The pagoda retains the original style unique to the pagodas of Baekje period. There are pillars at each corner of the body on each story. The roof stones are thin, wide and raised at the ends of the eaves to make them look elegant.
There is a 3.3m tall Buddha image sitting on the pedestal. Judging from the narrow shoulders and the hands placed around the chest, this Buddha seems to be Vairocana. Its head and hat were restored at a later time. The pedestal has been fairly well preserved, and shows reined and balanced craftsmanship. The temple where this Buddhist statue was enshrined was built in the mid-6th century. Jeongrimsa, the name of this temple, was given during the Goryeo period. This can be seen from the inscription on the roof tiles made in 1028. When the builders rebuilt the temple, they built the main hall on the site of the lecture hall of the Baeje period. They set this Buddha up as the main Buddha. Together with the pedestal of Manboksa temple in Namwon, this Buddhist statue shows the characteristics of the 11th century style of Goryeo Buddhist statues.
Buyeo National Museum
The Buyeo museum located against the hill called Busosan which was once the capital's fortress has one of the best collections of artifacts from the Baekje Kingdom.
The museum teaches about this influential dynasty and houses over 15,000 relics such as pottery, incense burners, and tiles that give a glimpse into Korean history.
There is a prehistoric exhibit centering on the Bronze Age, a historic exhibit with Baekje relics, and an outdoor exhibit area.
One thing that should definitely not be missed in the museum is a large incense burner that measures 61.8cm in height and 11.8kg in weight. It was unearthed from a Buddhist temple site that was laying beneath rice paddies before it was excavated in 1993. Intricately crafted with phoenix standing of its lid, the incense burner that appears to have been used during rituals by the royal court represents the ideologies of the Baekje people.
Acclaimed as the consummate metal craftwork masterpiece of ancient East Asia for its exquisite detail and formative beauty, the gilt-bronze incense burner is categorized by lid, bowl, and pedestal stand.
The top of the lid is capped with a phoenix, which appears as if it is ready to fly away, is holding a cintamani ball and, on the cover, 42 animals such as the phoenix, tiger, deer, and others are hanging about in the spaces among 74 mountain peaks thinly cast in five layers reaching the top. The lid is also ventilated with 10 holes to release the scent of the incense.
The bowl of the burner is shaped in the form of a blossoming lotus. The petals of the lotus also contain 2 human figures, 27 animals on the lateral surface including fish, heavenly beasts, and birds. Some of the animals rest between the lotus petals, while others are top.
The pedestal stand is in the shape of a dragon with its mouth supporting the base of the bowl. The dragon is surrounded by a blowing bronze motif of clouds, and its own tail is arched, giving the base a sense of movement.
This incense burner shows the essence of Baekje craft made of implication of spiritual world and artistic aptitude, and is considered as the best ancient metal craft because of standing originality and shape.
Busosan
Busosan is where the royal palace and fortress of the Baekje kings once stood. Built in 538, the fortress surrounds Mt. Busosan, hence the name. The sites of three main gates of the fortress are still there, and inside the fortress one can face a number of famous historic sites such as a military depot, Nakhwaam Cliff, Sabiru Pavilion, Yeongillu Pavilion and Goransa Temple. One can spend hours on this guardian mountain of Buyeo wandering from one historical sight to the next. Baekhwajeong Pavilion on the precipice of Nakhwaam Rock (the place where flowers fall) provides a panoramic view of the Baegma River below. The pavilion was built in memory of the Baekje women who threw themselves from the precipice to avoid disgrace at the hands of the enemy during the fall of Baekje. Seen from below by boat the rock looks more dramatic and it is easy to imagine the blood staining the stone as the brave women's bodies hurtled downwards. Goransa Temple is situated slightly below Nakhwaam. It was possibly constructed to commemorate and comfort the souls of the women who had jumped to their death. The legend about the water of the spring behind the temple and the plant known as "Gorancho" (crypsinus hastatus) that grew only around it is well known. It is said that Baekje kings who drank the spring water were always in excellent health. As proof that the water came from Goransa, it was required to pluck a leaf of the plant and float it in the container of water. Legend has it that those who drink a glass of water from Goransa became three years younger per glass.
Gongju National Museum
Gongju, located northeast of Buyeo, served as the Baekje capital for 63 years from 475 when King Munju moved his capital from Wiraesung in 538, the present city of Gwangju. The city is known as the city of education. Gongju is also dominated by the mountain of Gongsan which still has the remains of fortifications. A fascinating archeological display is the remains from the excavated royal Baekje tomb of King Muryeong (501-524) who was one of the last rulers to reign in the capital of Gongju. The Gongju National Museum opened in 1975 displays historical artifacts including the replica of the tomb of King Muryeong. On the second floor, historical artifacts collected in the central region of the country are on display in a chronological order. Stone Buddha images and pagodas are on display at its outdoor exhibition.
Gongsanseong
Gongsanseong is located in Gongju that served at one time as the Baekje (BC18-AD660) capital for 63 years. The rectangular shaped 2,660m-long fortress stretches 800m from east to west and 400m from north to south. The fortress embodies historical and cultural richness and is a fine example of a mountain castle of the Baekje period. Originally called Ungjinseong, the mud fortress was used by King Munju (475-477 A.D.). In 538 A.D., however, King Seong moved the capital to present-day Buyeo, although Gongju remained fairly important until the Baekje Dynasty collapsed in 660 A.D. The fortress was rebuilt with stones during the Joseon Dynasty, and King Injo hid here to avoid the riot by Yi Gwal in 1623 for a short time as well. Remains in the fortress include royal palace sites, two ponds, gates and towers. Winding out the sights is Yeongeunsa, a temple originally built in 1458. The temple’s claim to fame -The lecture hall was used as living space for monks fighting during the 1592 Hideyoshi invasion. A temple probably existed before that, since six Buddha statues were found from the United Silla period (668 - 935 A.D.), but little is known on where they're displayed today.
Tomb of King Muryeong
King Muryeong was the second son of King Dongseong. During the period when King Muryeong was born and grew up, Baekje lost its capital Hanseong (today's Seoul) to Goguryeo, and hurriedly moved the capital to Gongju. However, once the sovereignty and ruling system had been damaged, they were not easily restored. In such a grievous time, King Muryeong ascended to the throne as the 25th king of the Baekje Kingdom at the age of 40 in 501, succeeding King Dongseong. He restored national stability and laid the foundation for political stability and cultural prosperity under King Seong during the Sabi period. He re-established Baekje as the most powerful kingdom on the Korean peninsula throughout his 22-year reign (501~523). The tomb was found to be completely undisturbed since it was sealed in the early 6th century. Discovered in 1971, the 3.14 meter high tomb extends 4.2 meters in the north-south direction and 2.72 meters east-west. Lined with textured black bricks (many featuring lotus motifs), the end of the long tunnel features a dome-like ceiling and paintings of fire-breathing dragons, tigers, peacocks, turtles and other auspicious creatures. On the walls, both long and short bricks are piled up in turn. Four long bricks are set horizontally and eleven short ones are vertically piled up in four horizontal and one in vertical. From King Muryeong's Tomb were excavated 2,906 artifacts of 108 types. Along the corridor to the tomb were two stone epitaph-plaques (National Treasure No. 163) identifying the king and the queen buried in the tomb, and on each of the stones was a bundle of coins. The coffin stand in the chamber was covered with materials of the king and queen and below the stand were ornaments and other grave goods. The most important ornaments included open-worked gold head ornaments decorated with arabesque and flame patterns (National Treasure No. 154 and 155) and gold earrings (National Treasure No. 154 and 155), which were found in piles near the heads of the king and the queen. In addition, there were gold/silver belt around the waist of the king, the queen's gold bracelets (National Treasure No. 158) expressing two dragons full of movement, gilt-bronze shoes for the king and the queen, and gold necklaces, etc. From the left side of the king's waist was found a large sword with a grip decorated with a dragon and phoenix. Bronze mirrors (National Treasure No. 161) and a silver wine cup with a bronze saucer were also discovered. Today, the actual tomb is permanently closed. But you will see an excellent, albeit miniature duplicate.
Gapsa
Located in the scenic valley about 19km from Gongju, Gapsa is one of the ten Hwaom sect temples in Korea and famous for the numerous cultural treasures including the iron flag pole and its supporting pillars, the wood printing block of Worinseokbo, and the Gwaebultaenghwa Buddhist painting. Established in AD 420 by Monk Ado who is credited with having brought Buddhism to the Shilla kingdom, Gapsa is said to be one of the oldest temples in the country, although the oldest of its current building dates to 1604. The main worship hall stands facing the lecture hall beside which stands three storied stone pagoda, Jinhaedang and Jeokmukdang buildings. Pyochungwon is where portraits of the high priests Yeong-Gyu, Sa-Myeong, and Seo-San, who both served as monk-soldiers during the Hideyoshi invasion (1592-1598) are kept. Palsanjeon is so named because Palsangdo, on which the life of Buddha was divided into eight parts and described with pictures, is preserved here. The alley leading into the temple creates beautiful scenery around the year with full blossom of plum, lush green leaves and blazing color leaves and finally painfully quiet snowy landscape.
Magoksa
Built in 640, Magoksa, the temple of flax valley, is a truly traditional temple located in the deep mountains virtually untouched by modern civilization. The clean clear scenic beauty and water is refreshing, while the varied rock patterns, formations and coloration in the vicinity will make the visit unforgettable. Quiet meditative atmosphere still remains along with mountain charm, lulled by the musical rhythm of stream water flowing through the temple grounds and wind rustling through the dense woods. Near the entrance of the temple is a side compound of buildings of which the Yeongsanjeon is the main structure. The main entrance to Magoksa is quite traditional for typical Korean Buddhist temple. The initial gate is the Haetalmun where two large guardian deities are found positioned on either side. The next gate is Cheonwangmun housing four temple guardians. In the center of the temple courtyard is a 5-storied pagoda. Taegwangjeon hall houses the Virocana Buddha, which is the Body of True Buddha. Behind this building is Daewungjeon housing Seokkamoni Buddha and two attendants.
Nonsan
Nonsan city is often associated with boot camp, but Nonsan is becoming better known as the biggest producer of strawberries in Korea, accounting for 15 percent of the nation’s total harvest.
Nonsan is also famous for Gwanchoksa with its magnificent Unjin Mireuk, the Buddha of the future. It is one of Korea's most interesting Buddhist statues. This is a statue of the Buddha is more than 1,000 years old. Being one of Korea's tallest Buddha statues, it stands at 18m with a head disproportionately large in relation to the body, and wearing a lofty mortar board hat on top of its headpiece with wind chimes hanging from its four corners. All out of proportion attract immediate attention. Under the head-slab you can see the Lotus- blossom, sacred flower of Buddhism, symbol for purity, loyalty, creative power and inspiration. The image's features seem jolly and complacent, though perhaps not so intended.
Ganggyeong
Ganggyeong today is just a small, bumfuck town of 14,000 people. As a historical experience, Ganggyeong is even more profound than other towns in the region.
Ganggyeong was a particular good spot to deal in both sea products and agricultural goods from the surrounding plains. The Ganggyeong market stocks both fresh seafood and salted seafood, which has been fermented at low temperatures. Today, the market accounts for half of the nation's total sales of salted seafood. Ganggyeong once boomed and a number of banks opened there, giving you an idea of how commercially important the city was.
In 1896, Ganggyeong Baptist Church was founded as the very first church in the southern half of Korea.
In 1902, the town would become the first in the area to get a post office. They built a court, town office, commercial high school and other public buildings. The town got electricity and a water supply-sewage system in the 1920s, as well as the first theater in the region. There is plenty of evidence of the town's colonial glory days. The bank building is empty now, but the vault is still in there. A stroll through the old downtown area is like venturing onto the film set of a drama set during the 1930s. The old elementary school, the first Baptist Church in Korea, the old Japanese electric company office, old banks, Japanese shops, Oriental clinics, Labor union office building, there is plenty to see.
Daejeon/Yuseong
Daejeon is located in a flat basin in the central part of Korea and it has long been the traffic hub of the country. With the hosting of 1993 Expo, the city transformed itself into a world-class exhibition site. Rich in its splendid culture and old traditions, Daejeon is now the home of Korean hi-tech and science sector, and the second administrative capital. A short ride from the city is Yuseong, one of the country's most famous hot spring resorts. Hot springs, gushing out through the fault fissures of granite strata, pure radium hot spring containing about 60 kinds of various ingredients without noxious heavy metals, have the efficacy for skin care, neuralgia, rheumatism, recuperation, diabetes, chronic intoxication, women's diseases, gastroenteric trouble and obesity. The Gyeryong Mountain known as the home of Korean shamanism is within 30 minute drive from Daejeon. As is centrally located, Daejeon is easily accessible from all around the country.
Expo Science Park
The EXPO Park with its 18 exhibition halls were built here for the 1993 EXPO. It is now both an educational theme park and an amusement park. With 5 complexes in an area of 627,000m², the park includes the Material Pavilion, Earth pavilion, Technopia pavilion, Hanvit pavilion, Energy pavilion, EXPO pavilion, and many others. Each pavilion displays various high-tech presentations in accordance with respective theme. Auxiliary facilities include monorails, the 1,100-seat Expo art hall, convention center equipped with facilities for simultaneous interpretation. Hanvit tower stands tall at the center of the park. The tower symbolizes a ray of light that links the present with the future.
Daedeok Valley and Science town
Often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Korea, technology-related venture firms are largely centered in Daedeok. Daedeok Valley has a venture industrial belt that links Daedeok Science Town, which serves as one of the two major pillars of the nation's venture industry. There are about 700 resident venture companies in the valley and 70 % of these firms are located in Daedeok Science town, where 17,000 researchers are working in over 100 different research institutes.
National Science Museum
Located to the east of Daedeok Science town, the museum is built on an area of 165,000m². It displays about 6,000 science-related materials including Korean science history.
Songnisan national park
It is the 6th largest of Korea's mountain parks with an area of 275㎢, and its name means "Escape from the Vulgar" - a reference to its somewhat isolated position in the center of the country. The park is great for beginning hikers with lots of nice easy-to-moderate day hikes. The mountain range is shaped like the back of an
amphitheater, with the ridge curving around the valley from south to west. Along this boney semi-circle are 8 small peaks. On wet days clouds often catch in the valleys between the mountains, creating a dramatic layered effect. In the spring, the area is known for the brilliant pink azaleas that bloom on the mountainsides. The mountains have a craggy look, with lots of interesting granite outcropping and cliffs. Hiking is recommendable as many scenic trails available leading to the numerous hermitages and eventually the peak of Songnisan.
Nestled at the park entrance, Beopjusa was first established in AD 553 by the famous priest Uisin. The temple was once the largest one in Korea and known to have hosted 3,000 priests at one gathering. The temple holds a Dharma Bell Striking ceremony at sunset. The bell, which almost all Korean temples are equipped with, is one of the four Dharma instruments: Dharma drum, wooden fish, cloud-shaped gong and the bell. Hearing it reverberating through the universe, you will reflect upon the profound symbolism of the instruments. It was a great vow to save, or enlighten, the creatures in the universe including those on land, in the sea, in the air and in hell.
Geumsan
Geumsan is dominated by quality ginseng along with Ganghwa and Punggi.
Geumsan basin has abundant rainfall for the
oceanic climate with high temperatures and humidity in summer.
Due to the erosion caused by the torrential downpour and the wide temperature range, most of the soil in the area is residual soils. The aqueous rocks and granite are scattered about the topsoil.
The fields are relatively steep, barren and nearly white acidic residual soils. With above reasons combined, from ancient times special crops have always been cultivated here such as Ginseng and herbs instead of staple grains. Geumsan is Korea's largest trading center of ginseng and medicinal herbs. Another historic attraction in Geumsan is Chilbaegui Chong, the tomb of 700 martyrs who died in the battle of Geumsan during the Japanese invasion led by Hideyoshi in 1592. All the dead bodies were collected and entombed here. There is a monument put up in 1603, and the altar in 1634. Jongyongsa temple was established in 1647 to bring tablets for all seven hundred martyrs.
Suanbo
Hot springs contain various minerals and elements such as alkaline, radium, sulfur, sodium and alkaline sodium chloride, which have healing properties and health benefits. It is believed that hot springs help stimulate circulation, relax muscles, combat fatigue, alleviate skin disease and cure arthritis, anemia, neuralgia (painful nerve disorder), high blood pressure and certain gastrointestinal diseases. Women believe the hot springs give them a healthier and smoother skin. Only a short drive from Chungju to the south is Suanbo. Often dubbed as the Alps of the Chungbuk province, it is one of the most famous towns of hot spa. The spas are fed by hot water at 53° rich in sulfur and radium. The spa is said to relieve skin troubles and gastric pain. Thanks to the spa, Suanbo attracts the tourists and visitors year round.
Chungju
Chungju is set by scenic lake with the population of 250,000 in the area of 990㎢. The city has 13 administrative districts and 12 smaller units. The symbols of the city are chrysanthemum, apple and mandarin duck. The Chungju Multipurpose Dam was completed in 1985 after 7 years of construction. The dam, 447 meters long and 97.5 meters high, formed a lake of 6,648 square kilometers in area, containing 2,750 million tons of water. The dam generates 844 million kw of electricity a year. Among the historic monuments of the city are the 8th century 14.5 meter high stone pagoda, a stupa dedicated to the reverend priest Bogak; Chungwon monument, which was built in the in the Goguryeo dynasty. Chungju is also the home of the martial art festival. Every September, the masters around the world compete with their skills and techniques here. Hot spa festival, festival for 6th century musician Ureuk, who first made Gayageum zither, and apple festival are also held in this city in October.
Chungju Dam
The Chungju Multipurpose Dam was completed in 1985 after 7 years of construction. The dam, 447 meters long and 97.5 meters high, formed a lake of 6,648 square kilometers in area, containing 2,750 million tons of water. The dam generates 844 million Kw of electricity a year. With this dam project, the water level goes up to 145m above sea level and 38,663 people in 101 villages had to leave their homes. A 52km cruise from Chungju to Danyang over the lake makes this area a famous tourist attraction with its scenic landscape of Wolaksan national park and caves including Suanbo hot spa.
Wolaksan national park
Designated as national park No. 18, the mountain rises 1,097m high. The park has won the fame for its rocky peaks including breathtaking landscape. Sonchon valley lies at the foot of the mountain, and provides many scenic spots like pools, bedrocks, and cascade. To the summit, it takes about 4 hours of comfortable trekking and descending takes 2 and half hours.
Mireuksa Temple site
Set in the Wolaksan national park on the northern slope of a valley, the temple was first founded in the early Goryeo period (918-1392). Copying the design of the Seokguram grotto in Gyeongju, it was built in a cave. The temple ground is filled with Buddhist relics including stone pagoda, stone lanterns, stele base, a pair of flag pole support with relief of lotus flowers, and stone Buddha image.
Chungju Fortress
About 10km from Chungju by the Namsan Mountain, there is an ancient mountain fortress, built during the Baekje period (BC 18 - AD 660). The fortress covers two small valleys of the eastern slope of Namsan. The total length of the wall is 1,120 m, and has an average height of 6.5m and width of 6m. Here they fought for 70 days against Mongols in the 13th century. Over at the wall, you can experience the superb scenery. We can enjoy the panoramic view of the lake, Chungju city and the Wolaksan Mountain.
Danyang
It is a small town with 50,000 people. Danyang is about 50km east of Chungju and can also be accessible through the Jungbu express way from Wonju or Daeju. As it is in the mountainous area, the town has been the center of cement industry and the home of scenic caves. In addition, Danyang has its 8 scenic spots along the south Han River. In the vicinity of Danyang city there is an interesting place. In the middle of the wide river are three big rocks. The rocks, called Dodam Sambong, make the area very special and beautiful. According to the most widely known story, these rocks represent the typical love triangle of ancient Korea: a husband, his wife and his mistress. The biggest rock, about 6 meters high with a pavilion on it, in the middle represents the husband, while the first smaller rock on one side of the husband is the wife. The other smaller rock is the mistress. According to legend, the wife was not able to give birth to a son, so the husband found a mistress for a son. Certainly the wife was upset, which is why the wife rock is farther from the husband than the mistress. And if you look at the wife from a specific angle and add a bit of imagination, you will see that the wife is so angry that she turned away from the husband.
Stone gate
Just 300 meter from the Dodam Sambong square is another interesting composition created by nature, Seokmun, which means the Stone Gate. Simply speaking it is a big hole in the side of the mountain. And it opens a stunning view of the emerald colored river flowing about 100 meters below. Remember that Danyang is the region full of legends, so there is one for the Stone Gate as well. They say that some old enchantress who lived in heaven once dropped her hairpin onto the Earth, just near the Stone Gate. She came to the Earth looking for the hairpin but was extremely impressed by the beautiful views of the river and the Dodam Sambong rocks. She gave up heaven and lived near the Stone Gate as an ordinary peasant ever since.
Gosu cave
A short ride from Dodam Sambong is Gosu cave. The cave was formed about 500 million years ago. Known as the most beautiful lime cave in Korea, it contains many stalactites and stalagmites, which are naturally carved in grotesque, intriguing shapes as the result of active erosion and a large quantity of flowing underground water. Rich in speleothem, it is virtually an integrated exhibition hall of all imaginable cave resources. The cave boasts of its natural wonders with its spectacular rock formations such as Lion Head Rock, Seal rock and Walls of heaven including Golden waterfalls and Golden pillar rising 15m high.
While it has an entire length of 5.4km, visitors usually explore it up to 1.7km.
