Daejosa Temple (Buyeo) (대조사 (부여))

13.0 Km 20717 2020-01-08

112, Seongheung-ro 197beon-gil, Imcheon-myeon, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-833-2510

Below Seongheungsanseong Fortress (built in 501 during the Baekje Kingdom) in Buyeo is an ancient temple called Daejosa (great bird temple). Inside the temple grounds stands a giant standing stone Buddha statue looking toward the east. The temple, which was founded during the 5th year of the Baekje Kingdom, has an interesting legend behind its origin.

According to the legend, an old monk fell asleep after praying under a large rock on the slopes of Seongheungsan Mountain. In his dream, a large bird glowing in gold flew in from the west and sat on the rock where Daejosa currently stands. While the bird continuoulsy flapped its wings, a ray of light shone on the rock and it was there that the statue of Avalokitasvara Bodhisattva appeared.

The old monk had the same dream at the same time for many days. He recounted his dream to the seongju (castle lord), who then reported it to King Seong of Baekje. The king interpreted the dream as a sign that it was the right time to move the capital of Baekje to Sabi (now Buyeo) and ordered the construction of a large temple at the location that appeared in the dream. The temple was so big that even at a hurried pace, it would still take 10 years to build. Workers had to work day and night, and every time the workers felt tired, birds would come singing to brighten up the atmosphere so that the workers can forget the fatigue and continue working. Hence, the temple was completed after only five years. Because of the golden bird, the temple was named Daejosa, literally meaning "temple of a great bird."

The rock on which Avalokitasvara Bodhisattva appeared in the dream was recreated as a stone statue of a Buddha. This standing stone Maitreya Bodhisattva statue is a fine work of sculpture which, along with the stone Bodhisattva of Gwanchoksa Temple (Treasure No. 218), is a representative heritage of the early Gorye period.

In front of Wontongbojeon Hall (a hall enshrining Avalokitasvara Bodhisattva) stands a pagoda. In the old days, the stone pagoda used to have only the cover stones but as the pagoda body stones were found, the structure was completely restored in 1975. This pagoda is assumed to have been built in the early days of the Goryeo Kingdom.

Starpark (Chilgapsan Astrnomical Observatory) (칠갑산천문대 스타파크)

14.1 Km 11045 2024-02-23

178-46 Hantigogae-gil, Jeongsan-myeon, Cheongyang-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

Starpark, also known as Chilgapsan Astronomical Observatory, is nestled within Chilgapsan Provincial Park in Cheongyang-gun, Chungcheongnam-do. This observatory is a science museum with a focus on astronomy and space, catering to both the general public and students. Conveniently, it's just a five-minute walk from the parking area. The facility is housed in a three-story structure. On the first floor, visitors can enjoy a three-dimensional dome theater and an audiovisual room. The second floor houses a publicity center and an observation deck. The observatory’s main observation room is on the third floor and features Korea’s largest refracting telescope (APO 304 mm), which is used primarily for viewing sunspots and prominences during the day. Additionally, there’s an auxiliary observation room equipped with Korea's first 180-degree hemispherical three-stage sliding system. This room is designed for nighttime stargazing and is fitted with a 400-milimeter reflecting telescope for observing planets, star clusters, and nebulae. Children are particularly fond of the 12-meter geo-massive astronomical projection room, where they can experience 5D images. For those wishing to extend their visit, accommodations are available at Namcheon-ri Sanchon Ecological Village or nearby Alps Village. Staying in these locations provides easy access to both the Chilgapsan Astronomical Observatory and the Cheonjangho Suspension Bridge, making for a comprehensive educational and recreational experience.

Chilgapsan Recreational Forest (칠갑산자연휴양림)

14.9 Km 19732 2021-10-28

668-103, Chilgapsal-ro, Cheongyang-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-940-2428

Chilgapsan Recreational Forest opened in 1990 within a lush natural forest. The park offers many amenities to enjoy a relaxing time in nature. Overnight guests can stay in a cabin, complete with heating, a kitchen, and shower, or camp in the campground. The forest is also capable of hosting retreats, with training buildings and a lecture hall. Day visitors can enjoy the many walking trails and hiking paths, as well as a water playground and observation decks. The forest is located next to Chilgapsan Provincial Park, with many valleys in the area for more time in nature, as well as Cheonjangho Lake and Modeoksa Temple.

Daeil Restaurant (대일식당)

15.7 Km 0 2024-03-11

334 Guyong-gil, Namyang-myeon, Cheongyang-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

This eatery is celebrated as a true local dining spot, where the ambiance brings one back to a bygone era through its interior and exterior design. It’s a baekban (set menu) restaurant that offers a hearty spread of Korean side dishes, soup (or jjigae), and rice. The menu keeps it simple with three distinct jjigae options: soft bean curd jjigae, known for its delicate texture; a robust soybean paste jjigae, simmered with savory soybean paste; and a zesty kimchi jjigae, renowned for its spicy excellence. Jjigae, a staple in Korean cuisine, pairs perfectly with rice and is a common feature at the Korean dinner table. Here, diners are invited to savor the authentic flavors of Korean home cooking. Notably, this restaurant has earned accolades for its moderately seasoned dishes that avoid overuse of spices, ensuring the flavors are palatable without being overpowering. Be mindful that during peak hours, like weekday lunchtimes, there may be a wait or the restaurant may be sold out of certain items due to popularity.

Uncle Strawberry’s Farm (논산 딸기삼촌농장)

17.0 Km 47759 2021-05-28

Byeongsa-ri, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-10-3884-4349

Uncle Strawberry originally sold his products to retail distributors such as markets, department stores and discount stores. However, the farm changed into an experience farm in order to provide the freshest produce to consumers. With no retailers in-between, Uncle Strawberry is now able to provide his best quality strawberries to his customers at a lower price. Uncle Strawberry products have been certified organic, using all-natural and eco-friendly farming methods.

Ganggyeong Oknyeobong Park (강경 옥녀봉)

18.3 Km 31946 2020-03-21

Bukok-ri, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-746-8503

Oknyeobong Peak is one of the eight scenic views of Nonsan and offers a great overview of the Geumgang River as it flows through the Ganggyeong district. Continuing out into the distance, views of Nonsan and Iksan can be seen, bringing to mind a traditional painting of a mountain and river. The scenery is so beautiful that there is a myth of mountain gods coming down to play and bathe during the full moon.

The signal-fire tower at the peak was built to receieve signals from the tower on Gwangduwonsan Mountain in Iksan, and passes the message along to Noseong signal-fire tower. The park is also in the area of the nation's earliest Baptist church, making it famous for people on a pilgrimage to sacred places.

Nonsan Jijangjeongsa Temple (지장정사(논산))

18.3 Km 5455 2021-08-17

103, Hwagogan-gil, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-732-5629

Upon finishing his thousand-day prayers in Gyeryongsan Mountain in June 1980, Monk Deoksan came down to the site of an old temple in Noseong-myeon, Hwagok-ri and built Jijangjeongsa Temple. The upper part of the current Daeungjeon Hall was once the main hall of Jijangam Hermitage and was originally about 33 square meters. Daeungjeon Hall was later expanded to its current size. In 1995, Yeongsanjeon (Cheonbuljeon) Hall was built and in 1997, Seonjae Preschool was opened. The temple is open for praying and meditation and also has a charnel house. The temple and its followers are loyally devoted to the practice of Buddhism in its purest form.

Ganggyeong Bugok Methodist Church (구 강경성결교회 예배당)

18.8 Km 22066 2020-03-06

40-1, Gyebaek-ro 219beon-gil, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-746-5412

The early form of church architecture was mostly hanok (Korean traditional houses) style as it was the time when missionary activities were just settling. As most leaders of the congregation were Westerners, they felt uncomfortable in these Korean-style buildings and started building Western-style churches. As a result, most of the Korean-style churches either disappeared or underwent reconstruction.

However, Ganggyeong Bugok Methodist Church has kept its Korean-style building to this day, making it a very unique and valuable piece of architecture. This building is regarded as an important material for studying the technological transition from the traditional to the modern.

Nonsan Ganggyeong Salted Seafood Festival (논산강경젓갈축제)

18.9 Km 25876 2023-09-18

45, Geumbaek-ro, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-730- 2973

Nonsan Ganggyeong Salted Seafood Festival is held in the town where the largest salted seafood market in Korea is located. The salted seafood in the area is known for its long tradition and special process. During the festival period, visitors can buy salted seafood at special discounted prices.

Ganggyeong Traditional Salted Fish Market (강경젓갈시장)

19.0 Km 12821 2021-07-19

30-3, Ongnyeobong-ro 27beon-gil, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-745-1985

The Ganggyeong Traditional Salted Fish Market is one of the largest markets of its kind in Korea. There is a diverse range of salted fish available and can be bought relatively cheap. Ganggyeong salted fish uses a traditional method that can only be found here. It preserves the nutrients and has a savory taste making it a great natural seasoning for kimchi and other dishes. In Ganggyeong, the salted fish is fermented in a low temperature warehouse that maintains the temperature between 10 and 15℃. The fermentation process takes approximately three months.

Daejosa Temple (Buyeo) (대조사 (부여)) - Area information - Korea travel information