Gongju is a historic town in South Korea that is well-known for the cultural legacy that it has. It can be found in the middle of the province of Chungcheongnam-do. After the initial capital of the Baekje kingdom, Hanseong (modern-day Seoul), was taken by Goguryo forces in 475 AD, the Baekje kingdom made Gongju its second capital in 475 AD. This led to the city’s rapid growth. It was only the capital for a little over half a century when it was relocated once again, this time to Sabi (Buyeo) in the year 538 AD. Today, Gongju is famous for its archaeological museum, which has around 2,900 objects from the past, as well as the tomb of King Muryeong.
Gongju is the ideal destination for anybody interested in learning more about Korea’s history and culture. The Baekje Cultural Festival that takes place every year at the falls of Gongju is one of the reasons the city is so well-known. Gongju and the city of Buyeo take turns annually hosting this festival, which is considered to be one of the most significant cultural events held anywhere in the nation. The revitalization of Baekje’s cultural traditions is the primary objective of the event. Both a costume parade featuring historical people and a resemblance contest for Baekje queens and princesses are going to be the two most important activities of the festival.
Main Tourist Attractions of Gongju, South Korea
Gongsanseong Fortress
The Baekje era saw the construction of this castle, which took place between the years 234 and 678 AD. It is a fortress perched on a mountain. It was initially constructed as a mud castle, and later on, under the reign of King Seonjo and King Injo of the Joseon dynasty, it had restorations that were done in stone. The castle is around 3 km in length and has a whole bunch of sights to explore, some of which include the spectacular views of the Geumgang River, the Yeongeunsa temple, as well as the Manharu and Yeonji.
Tomb of King Muryeong
The burial mounds of Seongsan-ri were the location of the unintentional discovery of King Muryeong’s tomb. This tomb was constructed for King Muryeong-wang and his wife, who reigned during the 25th year of the Baekje dynasty. The mausoleum is most notable for the distinctive architectural that it has. A great number of antiques, like as jewels, crowns, mirrors, and cushions, were unearthed at the site, and all of these items are currently on display at the Gongju National Museum.
Gongju National Museum
This museum holds in high regard the archaeological artefacts that were discovered in the Chungcheongnam-do province. There are two display rooms at this museum, and one of them has a model of the Tomb of Muryeong-wang, which was constructed during the Baekje dynasty. The replica is to scale. The majority of the excavations from the tomb are shown at the museum. The relics that were found in the Chungnam district are arranged in the order that they were discovered in the second hall.
Kapsa Temple
The Kapsa or Gapsa Temple was founded by an Adohwasang monk during the Baekje dynasty in the year 420 AD. It is located in the Mt. Gyeryongsan National Park. It is one of the top ten most important temples in the Hwaeom Order, which is well-known around the world for its particular method of meditation. The lecture hall is by far the most appealing of the many structures and locations that can be found within the confines of the temple. Portraits of former high priests of the temple may be seen hanging in both the Pyochungwon and the Palsangieon structures.
Hwangsaebawi Park
A tranquil park perched on top of a hill, Hwangsaebawi has an emotional monument as well as a mournful memorial chapel. Around the year 1860, it was here that three hundred Catholics belonging to a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds were put to death. Many different species of birds have made the park their home.
Mt. Gyeryongsan National Park
In 1968, the area that is now known as Mt. Gyeryongsan National Park was designated as a national park. This park can be found in all three of the aforementioned districts: Daejeon, Gongju, and Nonsan. The mountain is known as Gyeryongsan because of the curvature of the ridgeline that runs down its back, which resembles a dragon. There are a number of mountains, waterfalls (including Euseon, Amyongchu, and Sutyongchu), and other beautiful features spread out around the national park. It is highly recommended that you pay a visit to the park in the spring, when the mountain pathways are covered with cherry blossoms.
