Baekje Antiquity Route

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1. 1

   Heritage site

   Gongsanseong Fortress in Gongju

   280, Ungjin-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do

   Stamp: Ticket Office, Gongsanseong Fortress

   Gongsanseong Fortress in Gongju is a representative fortress from the Baekje period, surrounded by hills and valleys along the Geumgang River. Originally constructed as an earthen fortification, it was converted into a stone fortress during the Joseon Dynasty. Initially called Ungjinseong when it was first built, it was later referred to as Gongjusanseong or Gongsanseong after the Goryeo period. Until Baekje moved its capital to Buyeo in 538 (16th year of King Seong), Gongsanseong Fortress served as the royal palace of Baekje and remained an important administrative center throughout the Joseon Dynasty. Inside the fortress, many relics from the Baekje period, as well as artifacts from the Goryeo and Joseon periods, have been excavated. The fortress also witnessed several significant historical events. After Baekje's fall, King Uija stayed briefly at the fortress, which later became a base for the Baekje revival movement. During the Unified Silla period, it was the site of Kim Heonchang's rebellion in 822. In the Joseon Dynasty, King Injo took refuge here during Yi Gwal's Rebellion in 1623. Gongsanseong Fortress, stretching along the ridgeline, embodies the spirit of Baekje. The main gate, Geumseoru, serves as the entrance to the fortress. Walking along the fortress walls, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Gongju city. The West Gate offers a comprehensive view of several historical sites, including the Tomb of King Muryeong and the Royal Tombs in Songsan-ri, the Jeongjisan relics of Baekje, and Gomanaru along the Geumgang River. * During the Grand Baekje Festival, you can cross from Gongsanseong Fortress to Geumgang Singwan Park via a floating bridge. At Geumseoru, you can witness the majestic 'Woongjinseong Changing of the Guard Ceremony', showcasing the grandeur of the Baekje Kingdom. Geumgang Singwan Park offers a beautiful nighttime view of Gongsanseong Fortress.

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2. 2

   Heritage site

   Magoksa Temple in Gongju

   966, Magoksa-ro, Sagok-myeon, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do

   Stamp: In front of the 5-story stone pagoda (near the Templestay Office)

   As the nickname 'Spring Magok' suggests, Taehwasan Mountain, where Magoksa Temple is located, is renowned for the beauty of its trees and spring flowers that come to life in the spring sunlight. There are two different records about the founding of Magoksa Temple on Taehwasan Mountain. According to the "Taehwasan Magoksa Sajeok Iban" (1851), it was founded by Jajang Yulsa after returning from the Tang Dynasty in China with the support of Queen Seondeok, and it underwent five major renovations. Another record, the "Seongyo Yangjong Daebonsan Magoksa Yeongil Yakcho," states that "Bojo Seonsa Chejing founded Magoksa Temple, and later, Beomil Guksa and Doseon Guksa expanded and renovated it." Magoksa Temple, famous for its stunning scenery and annual Greenery Festival in spring, is divided into two areas by a stream. One side, Namwon, is a meditation area, and the other side, Bukwon, is for worship. Yeongsanjeon Hall, the representative hall of Namwon and the center of the meditation area, is the oldest building in Magoksa Temple. 'Yeongsan' is an abbreviation of Yeongchuksan, where Buddha gave sermons, and Yeongsanjeon is the space that brings this mountain into the temple. The representative hall of Bukwon, Daegungjeon Hall in Magoksa Temple, retains its original form. It is a hall that houses the Buddha and murals depicting his life, known as Palsangdo, and is also called Cheonbuljeon because it enshrines a thousand Buddhas. It was rebuilt by Gaksun Daesa during the Joseon Dynasty (1651) and is the oldest building in Magoksa Temple, located to the west of Haetalmun Gate. The five-story stone pagoda in Magoksa Temple, which gives a different impression compared to other stone pagodas in Korea, should not be missed. This relic, resembling a Lama Pagoda, is a representative example of the Lamaist culture introduced through exchanges with the Yuan Dynasty in the late Goryeo period. Additionally, Magoksa Temple is famous for its lineage of painter monks, to the extent that it is called 'Nambang Hwaso,' and has produced numerous painter monks over the generations. To this day, a Buddhist memorial ceremony called Bulmodaryejae is held to honor these painter monks.

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3. 3

   Heritage site

   Donam Seowon in Nonsan

   26-14, Im 3-gil, Yeonsan-myeon, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

   Stamp: Tourist Information Center inside Donam Seowon

   Donam Seowon, located in Nonsan, was founded to honor the virtues of Kim Jang-saeng (1548-1631), a master of Confucian etiquette studies (Yehak). Yehak emphasizes strict order and formality and involves the study of the principles and correctness of ceremonial proprieties. Kim Jang-saeng, who inherited the philosophies and studies of Yi I (Yulgok), dedicated his life to academic research and the education of future scholars. Donam Seowon was established in 1634 (the 12th year of King Injo's reign), three years after Kim Jang-saeng's death. Donam Seowon comprises educational facilities, a shrine area, and auxiliary buildings,AMong which Nonsan Donam Seowon Eungdodang stands out for its remarkable size. Eungdodang, the lecture hall where students were taught, is noted for its unique structure and intricate techniques. The flower wall of Sungnyeosa, the shrine housing the ancestral tablets, adds to the charm of the seowon. The buildings, set against Mount Gojeong and situated on a broad plain, exude a serene elegance, while the seowon bursts into vibrant beauty in summer when the crepe myrtle trees bloom. Despite the 1871 decree by Heungseon Daewongun to close over 650 seowons nationwide, only 47 survived, and Donam Seowon was one of them.

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4. 4

   Heritage site

   Outer City Wall (Buyeo Naseong)

   391, Neungsan-ri, Buyeo-eup, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

   Stamp: In front of the Buyeo Royal Tombs Museum ticket office

   Buyeo Naseong is one of the oldest outer city walls in Korea, along with Naseong in Pyongyang. It is believed to have been built around 538 AD when the capital was moved from Ungjin to Sabi. The Geumgang River flows to the south and west, serving as a natural defensive barrier, so the wall surrounds the northern and eastern outskirts of the city from Busosanseong Fortress. The fortifications, which separated the inner city from the outer areas, were constructed differently according to the terrain but were generally built by compacting earth. The highest peak within the walls contains remnants of a beacon tower and building sites, suggesting the presence of a royal palace, government offices, and private houses within the fortress.

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5. 5

   Heritage site

   Busosanseong Fortress

   31, Buso-ro, Buyeo-eup, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

   Stamp: Ticket Office, Buso Mountain Fortress

   Buso Mountain Fortress is a fortress city from the Sabi period, encircling Buso Mountain. The "Samguk Sagi" (History of the Three Kingdoms) refers to it as Sabiseong, but it is more commonly known as Buso Mountain Fortress after the mountain on which it is located. Historically significant, it served as the capital and defense center of Baekje for 123 years from 538 AD (16th year of King Seong's reign) until the fall of Baekje. Remnants of military storage and building sites indicate its use for military purposes during emergencies, while in peacetime, it was a place where the king and nobles enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Climbing the gentle slopes of the fortress, one encounters Baekhwajeong Pavilion, offering a panoramic view of the tranquil Baekma River. Below this pavilion, on the western cliff of Buso Mountain, is Nakhwaam Rock. According to legend, when the combined forces of Silla and Tang invaded during the reign of King Uija, court ladies jumped to their deaths from this rock, wrapping their skirts over their heads. "Samguk Yusa" (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) records it as Tasaam, but it was later renamed Nakhwaam, likening the court ladies to falling flowers. Nearby is Goransa Temple, named for the rare Gorancho plant growing on the cliff behind the temple. The temple is famous for its medicinal spring water, known as Goran Yaksu (spring water), which is said to make one younger by three years with each drink, attracting many visitors.

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6. 6

   Heritage site

   Mireuksa Temple Site, Iksan

   32-2, Giyang-ri, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do

   Stamp: Mireuksaji Tourist Information Center

   Located on the southern foothills of Mireuksan Mountain, Mireuksa Temple Site was founded during the reign of King Mu, the 30th king of Baekje (reigned 600-641). It was built to harness the power of Buddhism to repel Silla's invasions and is the largest templeAMong Baekje's temples. According to the historical text "Samguk Yusa," the king and queen witnessed the appearance of the Mireuk Trinity (Buddha of the Future) in a large pond beneath Yonghwa Mountain (now Mireuksan Mountain). The queen expressed a desire to build a temple, and the king subsequently filled the pond and constructed Mireuksa Temple Site on the site. Unlike other Baekje temples, which typically consist of a single pagoda and a single main hall, Mireuksa Temple Site features a unique structure with three pagodas and three main halls. This design reflects the Baekje people's belief in Mireuk Buddhism, which holds that the Buddha of the Future will appear to save the world. The site originally had two stone pagodas and one wooden pagoda. The Iksan Mireuksaji Stone Pagoda, located on the west side, took 20 years to restore to its current form. Built in 639 (the 39th year of King Mu's reign), this pagoda is the largest and oldest surviving stone pagoda in Korea. Although it was initially presumed to have nine stories, only parts of six stories remained in a half-collapsed state. The dismantling and restoration process aimed to preserve its original form, and the reliquaries discovered during this process revealed the pagoda's construction date. The restored Mireuksaji Stone Pagoda, assembled from large and small stones, serves as a valuable relic illustrating the transition from wooden pagodas to stone pagodas. It holds significant historical value as an actual example of ancient architecture and is critically important for the study of Korea's Buddhist pagoda construction.

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7. 7

   Heritage site

   Archaeological Site in Wanggung-ri, Iksan

   666, Gungseong-ro, Wanggung-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do

   Stamp: 1st floor exhibition hall entrance information desk, Baekje Royal Palace Museum

   The Wanggung-ri Ruins are one of the largest Baekje heritage sites alongside Mireuksa Temple Site. Initially, a royal palace was constructed during the reign of King Mu of Baekje. Subsequent investigations revealed that major buildings were later dismantled and replaced by a temple. Excavations have uncovered the foundations of palace buildings, garden facilities, toilet sites, and outer walls, indicating that Wanggung-ri was either the capital or closely related to the royal capital. This site is invaluable as it is the only relic that confirms the structure of a Baekje royal palace, supporting theories of Iksan as either the capital or a secondary capital of Baekje. The vast palace grounds, now mostly ruins, also feature the Wanggung-ri Five-story Stone Pagoda, believed to be constructed in the early Goryeo period, and the Wanggung-ri Ruins Exhibition Hall. The exhibition hall offers models, current maps, videos, and artifacts that provide a vivid reconstruction of the Baekje royal palace.

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8. 8

   Heritage site

   Buyeo Royal Tombs

   Buyeo Royal Tombs

   Stamp: In front of the Buyeo Royal Tombs Ticket Office

   Located on the southern slope of Neungsan-ri Mountain in Buyeo, this burial site dates back to the Baekje period. The graves are arranged in two rows, with three tombs each in the front and back rows. An additional tomb is located at the highest point in the back, making a total of seven tombs. This site has long been recognized as a royal burial ground. During the Japanese occupation, tombs 1 through 6 were excavated, revealing detailed information about their internal structures, while the seventh tomb was discovered during restoration work in 1971. All of the tombs are round earthen mound tombs, and their internal structures are stone chamber tombs with corridors, known as corridor-style stone chamber tombs (hyeonghyeol-sik seoksilbun). The burial chambers were constructed underground, beneath the covering stone. The internal structures and materials can be broadly categorized into three types. First, Tomb No. 1 (Donghachong) is a single-chamber tomb consisting of a rectangular burial chamber and a passageway. The passageway is relatively long and flares outward, resembling a trumpet shape. The four walls and ceiling of the burial chamber are adorned with murals depicting the Four Guardian Deities, lotus patterns, and cloud motifs, which appear to be influenced by Goguryeo tomb murals. Tomb No. 2 (Junghachong) features a tunnel-style ceiling similar to that of King Muryeong’s tomb and is believed to be the earliest constructed among them. Tombs No. 3 (Seohachong) and No. 4 (Seosangchong) have flat ceilings formed by tilting stones halfway and then covering them with flagstones. These tombs also have short passageways. This architectural style is common in the Buyeo region and seems to have remained popular until the end of the period. The tombs at Neungsan-ri were looted early on, and only a few artifacts were recovered, including fragments of skulls, lacquered wooden coffin pieces, gilded bronze openwork ornaments, and floral-shaped gilt-bronze fittings. Excavations to the west of the tombs uncovered a temple site, where significant artifacts such as the Baekje Gilt-Bronze Incense Burner and the Baekje King Chang’s inscribed stone sarira reliquary were found. These discoveries further confirmed that the Neungsan-ri tombs are part of a royal burial site.

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9. 9

   Heritage site

   Jeongnimsa Temple Site

   83 Jeongnim-ro, Buyeo-eup, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

   Stamp: Information Desk at Jeongnimsa Temple Museum, Cultural Heritage Interpreter’s Office

   This site was home to the main temple during the period when Baekje relocated its capital to Buyeo (538-660). During excavations, a roof tile was discovered at the lecture hall site bearing the inscription "In the 8th year of Taepyeong, Mujin, Jeongnimsa Daejangdangcho (太平八年 戊辰 定林寺 大藏唐草)," indicating that the temple was called Jeongnimsa during the 19th year of Goryeo King Hyeonjong’s reign (1028). This suggests that during the Goryeo period, a new building was constructed on top of Baekje's original lecture hall, and it was named the Daejangjeon (Hall of the Tripitaka). Jeongnimsa Temple features a layout where the main buildings—such as the front gate, five-story stone pagoda, main hall (Geumdang), and lecture hall (Gangdang)—are aligned along a north-south central axis. The buildings are enclosed by corridors. Interestingly, the corridor surrounding the middle area of the temple complex is not a perfect square but instead forms a trapezoidal shape, with the northern side being wider than the others. The pond in front of the main gate, revealed during the excavation, has been restored, and a building to protect the seated stone Buddha statue was constructed in 1993. The site retains the five-story stone pagoda from the Baekje period and the seated stone Buddha statue from the Goryeo period. Artifacts discovered at the site include decorative roof tiles from both the Baekje and Goryeo periods, along with Baekje inkstones, pottery, and clay Buddha statues.

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