South Chungcheong is a province that is located in the westernmost part of South Korea. It has a very attractive mix of culture, history and nature and is one of the essential destinations to see in South Korea.
Buyeo County was formerly known as Sabi, one of the ancient capitals of the Baekje Dynasty, during the Three Kingdoms era, between AD 538 and 660. There were six kings who ruled during this dynasty, one of the most prosperous, until it was destroyed together by the Shilla and Tang dynasties of China in 660.
Buyeo is about 2 hours by train from Seoul. Although it is possible to visit the city in one day and return to sleep in Seoul, I recommend spending a night in the city.
In this post I tell you about what to see in Buyeo, I tell you about its history and I add some great accommodation options in Buyeo.
WHAT TO SEE IN BUYEO, SOUTH KOREA
Busosanseong, the mountain fortress
Busosanseong is a park that has various paths through which you can see all the historical parts including various temples, pavilions and altars. It is located on the top of Mount Busosan in the northern part of Buyeo. The fortress dates back to 538 to protect Sabi (present-day Buyeo), the capital of the Baekje kingdom.
Samchungsa Shrine
This sanctuary is the main gate of the fortress. Here you will see portraits and memorial tablets of Seongchung, Heungsu and Gyebaek, known as some of the most loyal subjects of the Baekje kingdom.
Yeongillu Pavilion
This pavilion was built next to Yeongildae, an observation platform on the easternmost part of Mt. Busosan. The kings and royal family of the Baekje Kingdom used this place to watch the sunrise over Mount Gyeryongsan's Yeoncheonbong Peak, discuss affairs of state, or enjoy family time.
Suhyeoljugeoji
Suhyeoljugeoji was once the quarry for the soldiers of the Baekje Dynasty. The thatched-roof houses that currently stand on the site were reconstructed based on historical evidence discovered during excavation of the site.
Gunchangji
Also known as 'Mallichang', this place is a warehouse used to store grain for military use. The remains of burned grain were discovered in the year 1915.
The Sajaru Pavilion, an essential thing to see in Buyeo
This pavilion is located on the highest peak of Mount Busosan (at 106m). It represents the cosmic power of yin and yang next to the Yeongillu pavilion to the east. Sajaru is the perfect place to enjoy the views.
The Baekhwajeong Pavilion
Baekhwajeong Pavilion is perched on the cliff of Nakhwaam Rock. This pavilion was built in the year 1929 by the poetic society known as Bupungsisa to commemorate the history of the famous rock. As the story goes, the women of Baekje jumped off the cliff after the kingdom collapsed to avoid being captured by the men of the invading kingdom.
Gungnyeosa Shrine
Gungnyeosa Shrine is located near Taejagol northeast of Banwollu Square. Built relatively recently, in 1965, it honors the Baekje women who jumped over the Nakhwaam rock cliff in 660 AD when the empire was conquered by the allied forces of the SIlla Kingdom and the Tang Dynasty of China. Commemoration rites are held every October during the Baekje Cultural Festival, and it is a very interesting thing to see in Buyeo.
The royal tombs of Baekje
As in the rest of the country, the royal tombs present a landscape of mounds covered with grass. In Buyeo there are a total of 7 tombs. You can enter the enclosure and walk the trails. It is also possible to enter one of the tombs that features impressive wall paintings adorning the walls with celestial creatures such as tigers, dragons, turtles, and phoenixes.
Buyeo National Museum
If you want to learn more about the history of Buyeo, an essential visit is the National Museum. It has exhibits showing more than 13,000 objects that were excavated and belong to the past of the Baekje Dynasty.
The Jeongnisima Temple
This temple is a complex that is in ruins, but in which you can see a statue of Buddha, dating from the time of Sabi, and a beautiful five-story pagoda that is 1,500 years old; as well as the Historical Park of Baekje, the park of the Royal Tombs and the Seodong.
HOW TO GET TO BUYEO FROM SEOUL
The easiest way to get to Buyeo is by train from Seoul's Yongsan or Gwangju Stations to Nonsan City. Once here you can take the bus to the city of Buyeo. Although from Seoul you also have a direct option, the bus (although with some intermediate stops at certain times).
The best way to find out how to get from one point to another in South Korea, what type of transport there is, when each one lasts, prices and availability, is to search for routes in South Korea on this website. From here they will give you all the options with a very good price. I always use it to move around Asia.
WHERE TO STAY IN BUYEO, SOUTH KOREA
The city of Buyeo is relatively small and you can easily get around with the bus, subway and taxi. So it doesn't matter the area where you stay. In the city there are not many accommodation options, we stayed one night in Lotte Buyeo Resort 3*
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to South Korea a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!
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