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Destinations
Chungcheongnam-do |
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Located in the central
part of Korea, Chungcheongnam-do is mostly composed of plains. The
railways and highways cross each other here and thus it has naturally
become a vital site for transportation. Mt. Gyeryongsan and Geumgang
River are the scenic prides of Chungcheongnam-do. The Independence
Hall of Korea and Hyeonchungsa Shrine emphasizes loyalty and filial
piety, the spirit of the province. The hot springs in this area are
also worthy to visit.
Regions
1.
Gongju-si
Gongju was
formerly the capital of the Baekje Kingdom and is therefore rich in
historic relics. Mt. Gyeryongsan and Geumgang River provide beautiful
surroundings to scattered historical monuments such as
Muryeongwangneung Tomb and Gongsanseong Fortress. Also famous are
Gapsa Temple and Donghaksa Temple, as well as the hot springs of Magok.
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Tourist Sites
Gapsa Temple
Gongsanseong Fortress
Mt. Gyeryongsan National Park
Songsanri Burial Mounds and Tomb of King
Muryeong
Magoksa Temple
Address : 567-beonji, Unam-ri, Sagok-myeon, Gongju-si,
Chungcheongnam-do
Description :
Magoksa Temple was founded by monk Jajangyulsa in the year 640, a
representative temple of the Chungnam area. Magoksa is surrounded by
a mountain and rivers curving into a yin-yang shape. Perhaps because
of such shape, this temple was never damaged in any major wars
fought during the Joseon Period (1392-1910). As much as the temple
is famous, so is the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Especially
beautiful is the area surrounded by Mt. Taehwasan, where
Taegeukcheon River flows in the shape of the yin-yang. It is most
beautiful in the spring time, when the cherry blossoms, sansuyu, and
magnolias fill the whole area. One eye-catching sight at Magoksa
Temple are the Ocheung Stone pagoda and the Chinese juniper trees
scholar Kim-Gu (Korean politician and freedom activist) is said to
have planted. The top of Ocheung Stone pagoda is decorated with
bronze. This style was influenced by the Lama Buddhist sect of
Tibet, and there are said to be only three of such structures left
in the world. Besides these, Daegwongbojeon and Geuknakgyo are also
very beautiful.
Directions :
From Gongju Bus Terminal (New Building), take Bus No. 7 and get off
at the last stop. Or from Gongju, take city bus headed toward
Magoksa Temple.
Information :
- Admission Fee Individuals: (age 20 and over) - 2,000 won, (age
14-19 )- 1,500 won, (13 and under) - 1,000 won Group: (age 20 and
over) - 2,000 won , (age14-19 )- 1200 won, (13 and under) - 800 won
Parking Fee: large cars 4,000 won/ small cars 2,000 won (daily rate)
Inquiries : Magoksa Temple, Tel :(041)841-6221(Kor)
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Cultural Centers
Gongju National Museum
Address :
284-1 Jung-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Description :
Gongju National Museum manages and preserves the cultural treasures
excavated from northern
Chungcheongnam-do. It takes special care of cultural treasures
discovered from Muryeong Royal Tomb in 1971. The Muryeong Royal Tomb
is the tomb of King Muryeong (501-523) and his queen consort from
the Baekje Period. You can view most of the relics from the Tomb at
the museum. The current buildings were specifically built to
exhibit those relics. Gonju Museum has excavated many other relics
and sites. The exhibit hall constitutes of 2 parts. It exhibits over
1000 relics, including National Treasure No.19 and No.4. The first
room of the 2nd floor displays the relics from the Muryeong Tomb. It
is quite a treat to view the golden belt, bracelet and bronze
mirrors. There is even a full-scale model of the Muryeong Tomb for
you to view. The 2nd room of the first floor displays the relics
from the Chungcheongnam-do area by chronology. Outside in front of
the main building is a garden where you can go to after the viewing
inside the museum, and you can see many relics which were excavated
from the whole Gongju district. An eye-catching site is the two
large stone bowls, used long ago to store water. Between the relics,
there are dozens of golden pine, nut pine and cherry trees planted,
which are over 70 years old. It is an ideal place for visitors to
rest. If you are looking for souvenirs, there is a Souvenir Shop
where you will find many cute souvenirs.
Directions :
At Gongju Bus Terminal, take any bus except No.15. Get off at
Okryong Samgeori, and continue walking for about three minutes.
Information :
1.Telephone: 041) 852-7714, 854-2205-6 (Kor)
2.Homepage: http://gongju.museum.go.kr (Kor)
3.Hours :
- March - October: 09:00-18:00
- November - February: 09:00-17:00
4.Closed: Every Monday, New Years Day
5.Ticket Prices
age 25-64: 300 won
age 19-24: 150 won
age under 18, over 65 : free
6.Facilities: Souvenir Shop, Parking Lot
2.
Asan-si
Asan is the
city of hot springs and history. Three hot springs provide the main
tourist attractions: Asan Hot Springs, Dogo Hot Springs, Onyang Hot
Springs. In addition, Oeam-ri Folk Village and Hyeonchungsa Temple
also provide points of historical significance. It is also easily
accessible by public transportation.
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Tourist Sites
Onyang Hot Springs
Hyeonchungsa Shrine
Address :
Baekam-ri, Yeomchi-eup,
Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Description :
Hyeonchungsa Shrine,
located Asan-si, is the shrine of General Lee Sun-Shin (1545-1598).
It was built in 1706, and was named Hyeonchungsa Shrinethe following
year. In 1932 during the Japanese Occupation, a treasure
preservation committee was formed to protect this treasure.
Afterward, the shrine was rebuilt by the government, it’s area
greatly enlarged, and was further developed into a sacred area. The
shrine contains Sipkyeongdo, a pictorial biography of general Lee
Sun-Shin’s portrait and his life story. Nanjung Diary, designated
National Treasure No. 76, his Long Sword, Treasure No. 326, and
other treasures are displayed inside, as well as the old house he
lived in, the arrow shooting range, and Geobuksun (turtle ship).
When you enter the of Hyeonchungsa Shrine, Chungmu gate, you will
see another gate called Hongsal Gate. Go past Hongsal Gate and you
can seeing Lee Sun-Shin’s portrait, which is built with Korean
Cheonggiwa tiles and iron-reinforced concrete. Inside the Gotaek
Building is the Chungmujeong House, where Lee Sun-Shin spent his
life until he was a young man. The newly added pond, Yeonji pond, in
Hyeonchungsa Shrine is also worth taking a look.
Directions :
From Cheonan Station,
take Bus No. 90, No. 91, and go to the last stop. Travel time about
1 hr.
From Onyang Terminal, take a Bus No. 91 and go to the last stop. The
bus comes frequently, and it takes about 10-15 minutes.
Information :
Inquiries: Culture &
Tourism Department, Hyeonchungsa Administration Office, Tel :
041-544-2161 (Kor)
Admission Fee :
(age 20 and over) - 200won, (Students) - 100won
(19 and under, 64 and older) - Free
Hours : (Mar - Oct) 09:00-18:00 / (Nov - Feb) 09:00-17:00
Closed : Every Tuesday
Parking Fee : Free
Parking Facilities : 650 parking spaces
Oeam-ri Folk Village
Address :
Oeam-ri, Songak-myeon,
Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Description :
Oeam-ri folk village is
occupied by the families of its founder Ye-An Lee who settled here
about 500 years ago. There are about 86 giwa houses and straw houses
with narrow stone fence alleyways between them. When you walk along
the stone fences you can feel the deep tradition of the historic
village. You can see all kinds of trees in the front yard of the
houses, such as persimmon trees, apricot trees, chesnut trees, and
gingko trees. At the front entrance to the village you can see the
totem pole guardian, and daily artifacts of the Joseon Period
(1392-1910) such as treadmills, millstones, water mills, and
thatched roof houses. The stone fence roads and Yusil wine add to
the traditional atmosphere of the place. The many winding stone
fence roads are almost the only roads you can see in the village,
and because the height is only that of an adult’s chest to head
level, it gives off that comfortable country village feeling. The
most famous houses in the Oeamri Folk Village are the “Yeongam Gunsu”
House and “Ichampan” House. Yeongam Gunsu House has a beautiful
garden with thick trees blending with pond and stones. No one lives
at the house anymore. Its entrance has a sign which is said to be
written by Chusa Kim Jeong-Hi. Ichampan house is designated as
Important Folk Monument, and people who live here have been making a
folk wine called Yeonyeopju for generations. This wine has also been
designated as an Intangible Cultural Asset. It was a wine offered to
the king every spring and is made with Nuruk (glutinous rice) and
Yeongeun, mixed with evergreen leaves and formented. The entire
village of the Oeamri Folk Village is called a living museum,
because the old ways are so well preserved everywhere. It takes
about an hour and a half to go around the whole village.
Directions :
From Asan Bus Terminal
(or front of Onyang Station), take a bus going to Oeamri Gangdanggol
Information :
Hours: 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
Parking Lot: about 200 cars can park for a fee
Inquiries: Asan City Hal, Tel : 041-540-2468 (Kor)
3. Taean-gun
On the bordered of three seas, Taean makes for a lovely waterfront
attraction. The heavily indented coastline stretching along its
borders harbors also the National Waterfront Museum and Cheonsuman
Bay. Manlipo Beach is one of 300 beaches and small islands surrounding
this county.
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Recommended Sites
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Mt. Gyeryongsan National Park
Address : 777 Hakbong-ri, Banpo-myeon, Gongju-si, Chungnam
Description :
Gyeryongsan National Park stretches across Daejeon, Kwangju, and
Nonsan districts. This magnificent mountain is 845.1m above sea
level and was made a national park in 1968. Gyeryongsan’s name comes
from the fact that the ridgeline looks like the top of a chicken
head. On the Pungsujiri side, the topographical features are what
make it stand out and on the Musoksin side, its mysterious folklore
is what makes it interesting. There are 15 summits on this mountain,
of which Cheonhwangbong (845.1m) is the main, and others are
Sambulbong, Sinseongbong, and Gwanembong peaks to name a few. This
mountain is famous for it’s many places of interest, with its
fantastic rock structures, on the west side the Yongmun waterfall,
to the east Euseon waterfall, and to the south Amyongchu and
Sutyongchu waterfalls. In the spring, cherry blossoms bloom on
Donghaksa mountain trail, and during the summer the lush green of
the Donghaksa valley is very beautiful. During the fall, the maple
trees turn their autumn leaves around Gapsa and Yongmun waterfalls
like some painting. And the snowcap of Sambulbong in the winter
offer a simple and majestic view. Gyeryongsan is full of rare
animals and plants, beautiful waterfalls and a rich history
mysterious legends and cultural treasures. To the east is Donghaksa,
northwest, Gapsa, southwest, Sinwonsa, and southeast, Yonghwasa, and
every valley has ponds and falls that blend together exquisitely
well.
Directions :
Inner city bus from Gwangju to Gapsa / 30min
Inter/inner city bus from Daejeon to Donghaksa /comes frequently /
50min
Inter/inner city bus from Yuseong to Donghaksa / comes frequently /
20 min
Inner city bus #4 from Gongju to Donghaksa / 4 times daily / 30min
Inner city bus #14 from Yuseong to Gapsa / 14 times daily / 40min
Information :
Gyeryongsan Administration Office 042-825-3002 (KOR) -Homepage:
www.npa.or.kr/kyerong/main.asp (KOR) - Admission Fee: *20 and over -
2600won, *14-19 - 1200won, *13 and younger - 600won
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Gongsanseong Fortress
Address : Ongnyong-dong District/ Geumseong-dong / Sanseong-dong,
Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Description :
Gongsanseong Fortress is a mountain castle from the Baekje
period (234-678) located in Gongju-si. The castle is about 2.5km
long, and there are two ways of touring the castle. One way is to
start from the parking lot, pass the west gate, Geumseoru, and walk
along the cement road. The other way is to turn left at the
beginning of the cement road and walk along the top of the castle,
which is called Sanseong road. The cement road is well made and you
can climb comfortably. On the other hand, Sanseong road twists a lot
and the passage is narrow, but it has the advantage of following
along the Geumgang riverside. When you begin the tour, the first
site that you will meet is the Gongbukru, in front of the Sanseong
village. From Gongbukru, follow the Sanseong road, go over a low
hill, and you will see the Yeongeunsa, a small temple built in the
4th year of King Se-Jo’s reign. In front of the temple is Manharu
and Yeonji, and this place is probably the most beautiful place in
Gongsan castle. You can enjoy a beautiful view of the Geumgang
riverside from this place. Follow the trail path a bit further up
and Imryugak pavilion appears, known for being the largest of its
kind in Gongsan castle. You can see Geumgang River from here, but
because of all the trees, it is not easy to get an open view of the
scenery. Gongsan Mountain castle is worth seeing for its historical
and cultural importance, and also for the beautiful Geumgang
riverside and the castle’s trail walk along it. The whole course is
about 3 km, and 110m high, and so if you travel at a leisurely pace,
it will take you about 2 hours and 30 minutes to get to the end.
Directions :
From Gongju city, take bus to Gongseonseong Fortress. Comes
frequently.
Information :
Open: Nov. - Feb. (09:00-17:00) Mar. - Oct. (09:00-18:00)
*Admission Fee: Individuals : age 20 and older -800won / ages 14-19
- 500won / age 13 and under - 400won Groups: age 20 and older -
700won / ages 14-19 - 500won / age 13 and under - 300won *Parking
Fee: small car - 2000won / large car - 4000won Parking Space: 16
large cars, 30 small cars Inquiries: Gongju-si Historical Site
*Administration Office (041)856-0333(Kor) Gongju City Hall Culture &
Tourism Department (041-853-0101)(Kor)
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Onyang Hot Springs
Address : Oncheon-dong, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Description :
Onyang Hot Springs is the oldest hot spring in Korea, discovered
about 1,300 years old. It has been operating as a hot spring for
about 600 years as well. Especially in the Joseon Period, it is
recorded that King Sejong (reign 1418-1450) and many other kings
came here to rest or treat their illnesses. Onyang Hot Springs, its
water temperature at around 57C°, is considered hot even among hot
springs. It has a high concentration of radium and its alkaline
water is both high in quality and quantity. It is known to be
effective in treating neuralgia, arthritis, skin problems, liver
disease, high blood pressure, and various geriatric diseases. The
combination of the quality of water and famous accommodations nearby
have made this hot spring a hot item for many tourists. Because
there are 120 hotels and motels in this area, the whole city is
sometimes known as a hot spring city. They also have swimming pools
using the hot spring water, and they are very popular. Every year
over five million tourists visit this place.
Directions :
From Onyang Hot Spring Train Station, walk between 5-10 minutes.
From Asan Bus Terminal, take a bus headed to Onyang Hot Springs, or
a taxi.
Information :
-Inquiries: Asan City Hall Culture & Tourism Department, Tel :
041-540-2468 (Kor) -Admission Fee: Age 14 or older (hotel
sauna):4,000-5,000won Age 13 or younger : 3,000 won Age 14 or older
(motel bath):2,300-2,500won Age 13 or younger : 1,000-1,200 won
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Anmyeondo Nature Recreation Forest
Address : 60-31-beongji Seungeon-ri, Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun,
Chungcheongnam-do
Description :
Anmyeondo Nature Recreation Forest is located at the center of
Anmyeondo Island, the sixth largest island in Korea. It was
originally a waterway, built during the Joseon Period (1392-1911) to
help with transporting ships, but eventually became an artificial
island. In 1960, the island became connected to mainland through the
Yeonyuk Bridge. Anmyeondo Nature Recreation Forest’s unique quality
is that it is very near the ocean. It has a rare kind of wild pine
tree called “Anmyeonsong” growing only on the island. The island
also has a Mogamju tree called Gunnakji, designated a Natural
Monument, and one of the eight best sceneries of Anmyeondo, Halmi
and Halabi (grandmother and grandfather) rocks. In the summer, you
can visit Kkotji beach or many of the other small and big beaches on
the island. At the recreation Forest, there are nine log houses
inside the dense forest, with all the proper facilities for
comfortable accommodation all year round. The food and sleeping bags
need to be supplied by the occupants. There is a 3.5km long trail
walk just beyond the log houses. For the summer, there is also a
night beach prepared for those that prefer to be active in the
evening. One of the must-see events at Anmyeondo Island is the
sunset. Kkokji beach’s sunset is known as the best in all of the
west coast, where the blue sea, the recreation forest, and the
sunset all create an amazing view.
Directions :
From Taean Bus Terminal, take the intercity bus to Anmyeon-eup.
From there take a bus in the Gonam direction and get off at Nature
Recreation Forest.
Information :
- Admission Fee Individual: (age 20 and older) - 1000 won /
(ages 14-19 )- 800 won / (age 13 and younger) - 400 won Group: (age
20 and older) - 800 won / (ages 14-19) - 600 won / (age 13 and
younger) - 200 won -Parking Fee: (small cars) - 3,000 won / (large
cars) - 5,000 won (no fee for log houses occupants or visitors to
the night beach) -Facilities: Log House: 20,000 won - 70,000 won(per
Night) Night Beach - 2,500won(per day) - Inquiries: 041-674-5019 (Kor)
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Gapsa Temple
Address : 52 Jungjang-ri, Gyerong-myeon, Gongju-si,
Chungcheongnam-do
Description :
Gapsa temple is located in Gyeryongsan Mountain National Park,
about 19km from Gongju-si. It was established by the monk Adohwasang
in 420, during the Baekje period (234-678), and is famous for having
numerous cultural treasures. Once you pass the parking lot, you come
to a market area, the ticketing booth, and then pass through Iljumun,
the main gate. From the parking lot to the Gapsa temple is less than
2km, but the road passes a famous area known as Ori forest. In the
spring, the apricot flowers bloom, and in the summer, lush green
forest covers the area. In the fall the leaves turn color to create
a spectacular view of the road. When you enter Gapsa, the first
thing that will catch your attention is the temple’s lecture hall.
There is a big sign with words written in blue, “Gyeryonggapsa”, at
the entrance of the building. There are usually no lecture halls in
temples, and it is part of Gapsa’s uniqueness to have such a
building. To one side of the lecture hall is the Dongjonggak, which
houses the Dongjong (copper bell). Daeungjeon, the main building, is
behind the lecture hall. If you go left from Gapsa’s lecture hall,
there are the Pyochungwon and Palsangjeon buildings. Pyochungwon is
where they keep the portraits of the high priests Yeong-Gyu, Sa-Myeong,
and Seo-San, who also served as monk-soldiers during the Imjinwaeran
(war with Japan 1592-1598 ). High priest Yeong-Gyu, especially, took
lead in getting monks to become soldiers. Pyochungwon was created to
honor them. Above Pyochungwon stands the Palsanjeon building. It is
so named because Palsangdo, on which the life of Buddha was divided
into eight parts and described with pictures, is preserved here. The
spot where these two building are is the most beautiful area for
autumn leaves. If you keep following the road continuing on past
Gapsa temple, the Gyeryongsan Mountain trail walk appears. A bit
ways away from Gapsa, there is a traditional Teahouse, and the
valley beside the place is also very beautiful. Across the valley
you can see Gongu tower. Follow the road going off to one side of
the Gongu tower and Daejeokjeon building appears, as well as
Cheoldanggan. Cheoldanggan is what is raised up between two Danggan
pillars. Originally there were 28 Cheoltongs connected t each other,
but four of them broke during Go-Jong’s reign, and now there are
only 24 Cheoltongs left. Gapsa is famous for its beauty during the
fall. Maple trees and gingko trees, and countless other trees with
large leaves are mixed together, and they create a very natural and
beautiful autumn landscape.
Directions :
From Daejeon West, take direct bus to Gapsa, travel time, 1 hr.
From Gongju, take direct bus to Gapsa, or regular bus. Travel time,
25-30min.
From yuseong, take direct bus to Gapsa, travel time, 50 min.
Information :
- Admission Fee Individuals: age 20 and older-2600won ages
14-19-1300won ages 8-13-700won Groups: age 20 and older-2400won ages
14-19-1100won ages 8-13-550won-Parking Fee: small car-4000won /
large car-6000won(daily fee) -Inquiries: Gapsa (041)857-8981 (Kor)
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Songsanri Burial Mounds and Tomb of King Muryeong
Address : Geumseong-dong, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Description :
The Songsanri Burial Mounds and Tomb of King Muryeong(reign
462-523) is representative relics of the Baekje period (234-678).
Songsanri Burial Mounds have graves of kings from the period when
Baekje’s capital was Gongju, and it is believed to contain 10 such
graves. Only seven graves have been discovered so far. The biggest
attraction of Songsanri Burial Mounds is the wall paint drawn on the
number 6 tomb - it is the only art of its kind in the world, drawn
from the way the bricks were laid to create the wall. The tomb it is
shaped like a long tunnel, the top rounded like a dome. There are
pictures of fire-breathing dragons on the tomb. Only the parts of
the wall where the pictures were to be drawn had earth coated on,
and on that earth was drawn Sasindo - the blue dragon, white tiger,
red peacock, and black turtle. The popular Tomb of King Muryeong is
the 7th tomb, and it is the resting place for Baekje’s 25th King
Mu-Ryeong and his Queen. This tomb was discovered accidentally when
installing pipes to prevent tombs number 5 and 6 from being flooded.
Tomb of King Muryeong was found to be unusual in the way it was
built and what it contained. It was built with bricks like the 6th
Tomb, and many national treasures were found inside, supplying
scholars studying Baekje culture with precious research material.
There were 108 kinds of artifacts found inside, totaling 2,906 items
altogether. 12 of these artifacts were designated National TreasureS.
They are all on display at the Gongju National Museum. Some of the
representative treasures are the crowns worn by the King and the
Queen, gold decorations for the crowns, gold earrings, necklaces,
bronze mirrors, pillows, and foot pillows. Recently the tomb was
permanently sealed to protect the treasures. You can look at the
miniature of the tomb, however, an exact duplicate of the original,
in the basement of the Gobungun Building.
Directions :
From Gongju Bus Terminal or Gongju Train Station, take a bus to
Tomb of King Muryeongwongreung. Operates frequently.
Information :
Admission: Free Parking: Free Hours: (Mar-Oct.) 09:00-18:00 /
(Nov.-Feb.) 09:00-17:00 Inquiries: Gongju-si Tourism Information
Center, Tel : (041) 856-7700 (Kor)
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Information provided by Korea National Tourism Organization. |
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