Seodong Park (서동공원)

14.4 Km 31880 2024-04-07

41-14, Godo 9-gil, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-3818

Built alongside the Geumma Reservoir, Seodong Park traces its origins to ancient records from the 600 AD with historical figures (Princess Seonhwa and Seodong, King Mu). More than 100 works of art can be found in the park, including twelve Chinese zodiac animal statues and sculptures of Princess Seonhwa and Seodong. The central plaza features a statue of King Mu, and various amenities such as the Mahan Museum, a children's forest playground, a picnic area, a fountain, and a riverside plaza enrich the experience for visitors.

Geumma Reservoir (금마저수지)

14.5 Km 4178 2024-04-07

Donggodo-ri, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-3818

Looking towards the south from the top of Mireuksan Mountain, one can see Geumma Reservoir. The reservoir is shaped like the Korean peninsula. Hence it is also referred to as Jido Yeonmot, or Map Pond. The terrain is especially beautiful when viewing it through the fog in the early mornings.

The water comes from Mireuksan Mountain, ensuring a steady supply of water throughout the year. There are no factories or other contaminants nearby so the water quality is of the highest grade. Near the reservoir, one can find Seodong Park and Mahan Hall. Seodong Park is a sculpture park displaying various sculptures such as a bronze statue of Baekje’s King Muwang of Baekje and a statue of Seodong’s Princess Seonhwa. Mahan Hall showcases the lifestyle and culture of Mahan, a tribal confederation during the Samhan period. The park also features various facilities such as an observatory, fishing spot and a promenade.

Gimje Munsusa Temple (문수사(김제))

14.8 Km 9349 2024-04-07

158, Hwangsan 5-gil, Gimje-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-547-0972

Munsusa Temple, located in Hwangsan-dong, Gimje, is a branch temple of Geumsansa Temple. The temple is located in the heart of nature atop Bonghwangsan Mountain (alt. 100 meters), which is surrounded by the seemingly endless Mangyeong Plains. The temple was built by the great monk Hyedeok Seonsa in the 25th year of King Mu of Baekje after he was visited in his dreams by Munsu Bosal (a Buddhist Saint). The temple was named ‘Munsu’ after ‘Munsugol,’ the original name of the neighborhood in which the temple is located.

In front of the temple stands an ancient zelkova tree whose giant girth measures well over 5 meters. The tree, which is called gwimok (meaning holy, miraculous tree), was recently designated a specially protected tree and is now the focus of preservation efforts. Every January 14th (according to the lunar calendar), local lovernment of Gimje holds a sacred ritual for the tree while the temple holds a ritual to honor the mountain spirit.

Café By Chance (우연하게도)

15.2 Km 0 2024-04-07

188-13 Urim-ro, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeonbuk-do

Café By Chance, located in Cheongdo-ri, Gimje-si, is an excellent place to relax while seeing the beautifully decorated garden and fountain spouting cool water. Guests can also sit with their dogs at the outdoor tables, making it a great place to spend leisurely time with one’s beloved dog. This place is also famous for its oven-baked pizzas, and its signature menu item is Oven-baked Gorgonzola Cheese Pizza. The chewy texture of the dough improves the flavor of the pizza. Moreover, there are various menu items such as figs, sweet potatoes, pepperoni, and margherita. Guests can choose two flavors and enjoy a half-and-half oven-baked pizza.
* Pets allowed

Iksan National Museum (국립익산박물관)

15.7 Km 14685 2024-04-07

362, Mireuksaji-ro, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-830-0900

Iksan National Museum is located near Mireuksa Temple Site (Historic Site No. 150), one of the largest temples of the Baekje dynasty during the Three Kingdoms Period. A total of roughly 19,200 artifacts were unearthed during archaeological research in 1980-1996, and the museum was opened as Mireuksa Temple Site National Museum in 1997 to display these findings. The Stone Pagoda of Mireuksa Temple Site (National Treasure No. 11) was restored in 2009, and the site was recognized as a World Heritage by the UNESCO in 2015, afterwhich the museum name was changed to the current Iksan National Museum. The museum also offers various cultural events and programs, including on-site education, historical and cultural lectures, and summer culture school.

Mireuksa Temple Site [UNESCO World Heritage] (익산 미륵사지 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

15.8 Km 22104 2024-04-07

362, Mireuksaji-ro, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-3873

Mireuksa was the largest Buddhist temple of the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-AD 660). According to Samgukyusa (historical records published in 1281), King Mu (30th king of Baekje, in power AD 600-641) and his wife Queen Seonhwa were said to have seen a vision of Mireuksamjon (the three Sanskrit) emerging from a large pond. At the time of their revelation, the king and queen were on their way to visit a Buddhist monk in Sajasa Temple on Yonghwasan Mountain (now known as Mireuksan Mountain). In response to their vision, the king drained the nearby pond and established Mireuksa Temple. The temple is believed to have shown the most advanced architectural and cultural skills of Baekje, Silla, and Goguryeo (the three main kingdoms at that time). Records indicate that King Jinpyeong of Silla even sent his craftsmen over to assist with the temple construction.

The two main features of the Mireuksa Temple Site are the stone pagoda (Mireuksaji Seoktap) and the flagpole supports (Mireuksaji Dangganjiju). The 14.24-meter-high west stone pagoda (National Treasure No. 11) is the oldest and largest Korean stone pagoda in existence. The west pagoda currently has only six tiers, but is estimated to originally have had nine. The nine-story east stone pagoda (27.67 meters in x_height) was restored to its original stature in 1993 based on historical records. Other surviving landmarks include the flagpole supports (Treasure No. 236) to the south of the stone pagodas. The 395 centimeter-tall poles are estimated to have been created during the Unified Silla period (AD 676-935) and are set 90 meters apart from east to west.

HOTEL MOAKSAN (호텔 모악산)

16.4 Km 25438 2024-08-01

104-10, Moaksan-gil, Gui-myeon, Wanju_Gun, Jeonbuk-do, Korea
+82-10-5333-3022

The Moaksan Motel is located in the tourism complex at Moaksan Mountain. Newly refurbished and re-opened, it is known as a clean, cozy hotel offering a high standard of customer satisfaction. The tourism complex comprises a large public parking lot, local food restaurants, and a football pitch among other facilities. Moaksan Mountain is a popular hiking destination among hikers and the people of Jeonju. In addition, the hotel is just three minutes’ walk from the Jeonbuk Province Art Museum, while Gui Reservoir, where the National Canoe Championships is held by the Korea Canoe Federation, is situated in front of the hotel. The hotel also offers easy access to public transportation as the bus stop (Bus No. 970) is situated in the tourism complex, allowing guests to travel directly to Jeonju Bus Terminal.

Moaksan Provincial Park (모악산 도립공원)

16.5 Km 13580 2024-04-07

Moak 15-gil, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-540-3103

Moaksan Mountain, embracing Geumsansa Temple, Gwisinsa Temple, Suwangsa Temple, and Daewonsa Temple, is 795.2 meters high and stands tall on the east side of the Gimje Plains, offering a panoramic view of the Honam Plains. It was designated as a provincial park in 1971 and is one of the four scenic views in the southern region, with outstanding scenery and many cultural properties, including national treasures. In particular, Geumsansa Temple, built in the first year of King Beop of Baekje (599) and with about ten major cultural properties, is located here, where you can see splendid Buddhist art. If you cross Moaksan Mountain, there are temples such as Daewonsa Temple and Suwangsa Temple on the southeastern slope. Gwisinsa Temple is on the west side. Geumpyeong Reservoir, located near the Geumsansa Temple entrance, is also a suitable fishing spot.
Moaksan Mountain has been considered the home of the Maitreya beliefs since ancient times, and along with the headquarters of Jeungsangyo, it also attracted attention as a gathering place for various new religions in the 30s and 40s. According to records, as many as 80 temples are at the foot of Moaksan Mountain. To hike, leave Geumsansa Temple and climb along the ridge behind Simwonam Hermitage. In spring, azaleas are in full bloom all the way to the top. From the summit, the Gimje Plains and the Mangyeonggang River come into view, as well as Jeonju and Unjangsan Mountain. The cherry blossom tunnel from the parking lot to Iljumun Gate is also spectacular.

Gimje Geumsansa Temple (금산사(김제))

16.5 Km 26565 2024-04-07

1 Moak 15-gil, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-548-4441

Geumsansa Temple, which stands tall at the entrance to Moaksan Provincial Park, was founded in the first year of King Beop of Baekje (599). It was rebuilt by Jinpyo in 776, leading to the appearance of a great temple. The precinct has about ten designated cultural heritages, including the Mireukjeon Hall, which is designated as a National Treasure. Many other annexed buildings make it one of the best ancient temples in the southern region. The wooden Mireukjeon Hall is Korea's only three-story Buddhist temple with a full-story interior. In spring, many tourists visit to see the spectacular sight of cherry blossom trees stretching from the mountain entrance to Geumsansa Temple. Even in the middle of winter, believers come to visit the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue in Mireukjeon Hall, bowing or circling the pagoda. The Maitreya Bodhisattva statue in Mireukjeon Hall is considered the world's largest indoor standing Buddha statue. Among the three Buddha statues, the middle Maitreya Bodhisattva statue is 11.82 meters tall, and the left and right Buddha statues are 8.8 meters tall. Various cultural events are held at the 1400th Anniversary Memorial Hall, built in 1999.
* Major cultural properties: Mireukjeon Hall (National Treasure), Stone Pillar (Treasure), Stone Lotus Pedestal (Treasure), Stele for Royal Preceptor Hyedeok at Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), Five-story Stone Pagoda of Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), Bangdeung Stairs at Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), Hexagonal Multi-story Stone Pagoda of Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), Flagpole Supports of Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), Three-story Stone Pagoda at Simwonam Hermitage of Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), Daejangjeon Hall of Geumsansa Temple (Treasure), and Stone Lantern of Geumsansa Temple (Treasure)

Moaksan Mountain (모악산)

16.5 Km 60021 2024-04-07

Gui-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk-do

Moaksan Mountain is a mountain with an elevation of 793 meters, spanning across Gui-myeon in Wanju-gun, and Geumsan-myeon in Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do. It overlooks the Honam Plain, a major agricultural region in Korea, and houses the precious Buddhist cultural heritage site, Geumsansa Temple, along with its subsidiary hermitages. To the north of the mountain lies the beautiful Gui Reservoir, and there are walking paths around the reservoir, providing a pleasant walking experience.

Seodong Park (서동공원) - Area information - Korea travel information