Introduce

• 1

  Magoksa Temple

  Taehwasan Mountain situated in Unam-ri, Sagok-myeon was given its name because of its massive size and beautiful landscape. It contains Magoksa Temple, the Main Temple of the 6th District of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Magoksa is a temple founded by Precepts Master Jajang of Silla during the reign of King Mu of Baekje (640 AD). As a thousand-year-old temple, it contains numerous treasures, and the faded dancheong (traditional multicolored paintwork on wooden buildings) on Daegwangbojeon Hall gives a rustic appearance. Next to Daewangbojeon and Daeungbojeon halls, there is Baekbeomdang Shrine where independence activist Baekbeom Kim Gu stayed, and one can take a leisurely walk along the Baekbeommyeongsang-gil (lit. the trail of meditation of Baekbeom), while enjoying the pleasant scent of pine.

• 2

  Hanok Village

  The traditional architecture of Korea is well-known for its beautiful and natural-looking lines and curves of the roof. The ridges of the roofs display natural curves like that of hanging rope, while hip and gable ridges with upward curves on the tips are reminiscent of beautiful beoseon, or traditional socks. There is a collection of hanok houses for group visitors such as family visitors, and the buildings will leave the visitors enraptured with the beauty of traditional architecture.
  The paper-covered lattice windows and doors of the hanok buildings in Gongju Hanok Village display the traditional styles celebrated for their classical beauty and elegance. The vintage furniture inside the houses match well with other interior elements for a harmonious appearance.

• 3

  Gongju National Museum

  This is a thematic museum that sheds light on the history of Gongju. It contains the King Muryeong’s Royal Tomb Hall, which provides a deep insight into Muryeong, the 25th king of Baekje, and the Prehistoric and Ancient Culture Hall, which presents the history and culture of Chungcheongnam-do Province from the Old Stone Age to the Unified Silla Period.
  Buddhist artifacts excavated from the Gongju area are on display in the outdoor exhibition zone, and they include the stone structures from the Daetongsa Temple site and a statue of the seated Buddha from Seohyeolsa Temple site. When you climb the Samawangdulle-gil (back road of the museum), you will come across the Jeongjisan Historical Site, where rituals were conducted in the Ungjin Baekje Period. Here, you can take in a full view of Gongsanseong Fortress and the Geumgang River.

• 4

  Royal Tombs in Songsan-ri

  This tomb complex in Songsan-ri, Gongju consists of seven Baekje royal tombs dating from the Ungjin Period. However, the Tomb of King Muryeong has been left untouched by looters and preserved in its original condition, allowing archaeologists to determine when (525) and for whom it was built.

• 5

  Archaeological Site in Jeongjisan Mountain

  Archaeological Site in Jeongjisan Mountain is dwelling site and the royal facility site for memorial service. Heritages related to memorial service such as bowl support with glamorous decoration and tripod earthenware were found. On the purchase certificate found in Royal tomb of King Muryeong, the location of Royal tomb of King Muryeong was written as site of god'. It is very important to understand the construction and idea of memorial service during Ungjin period.

• 6

  Gongsanseong Fortress

  Built to make the most of the geographical features of the area around the Geumgang River, Gongsanseong Fortress housed the royal palace of Baekje during the Ungjin Period (475-538). The excavations led to the discovery of remains of royal palace buildings, ancillary structures of the palace, and various defensive facilities including earthen walls.

• 7

  Geumhak Ecological Park

  In front of the Geumhak-dong Community Center, there is a signpost depicting a family of bears that marks the entrance to an ecological park. There is a wetland below the parking lot of the park and two catchment basins above. There is a small outdoor stage near the parking lot serving as a venue for diverse cultural events and performances. From the observatory situated near the basins, you can take a look at Jumisan Mountain, which is reminiscent of an Eastern painting with a harmonious blend of mountains and waters. We also recommend visitors to go trekking on the Gongjudaegan Mountain Range between Duribong Peak and Bonghwadae Beacon Mound.

• 8

  Jungdong Cathedral

  Gongju Jungdong Cathedral, built in Gothic architectural style that flourished during the medieval period, is the first Catholic church ever to be established in Gongju. In 1898, Father Guinand from France established a church in hanok (traditional Korean house) style, thereby setting the base for Christian missionary work. Then, Gongju Jungdong Cathedral was built by Mark Choi Jong-cheol in 1937. It displays classical and elegant architectural beuty, with the tall, pointy belfry above the main entrance, arched doors and windows, long seats at the center of the church, and corridors. You can walk along the road along the Jemincheon Stream and cross Banjukgyo Bridge to get to Jungdong 4-way Intersection. When you climb the hill toward Daejeon, you will see the church to your left. In front of the church, nested on a hill in the heart of Gongju, you can take in a full view of the city as well as Hwangsaebawi Martyrs’ Site toward the northwest direction.