Gimje Munsusa Temple (문수사(김제))

17.4Km 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.

Gosan Recreational Forest (고산자연휴양림)

17.6Km 2024-04-07

246, Gosanhyuyangnim-ro, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-263-8680

Located in Osan-ri, Gosan Recreational Forest is a popular family destination throughout all four seasons. Full of thick groves of larch trees, Korean white pines, rigida pines, and plenty of broad-leaved trees, the forest and its streams offer a cool and refreshing retreat. In spring, the forest is beautiful with wildflowers, azaleas and wild cherry blossom trees. In summer, families flock to the streams shaded by the thick forest canopy. As summer turns into fall, the whole area transforms into a rainbow of bright yellow, red, and orange. With the coming of winter, the snow covers the trees and blankets the ground, turning the forest in a winter dreamland.

Iksan Ssangneung (익산 쌍릉)

17.7Km 2024-04-07

Seogwang-dong, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-5792

The Ssamgneung (Twin Tombs) in Iksan are stone chamber tombs that were unearthed during an academic excavation survey in 1917. At the time of the survey it was discovered the tombs had already been illegally excavated, most likely during the reign of King Chungsukwang of the Goryeo dynasty. Though looters had stripped the tombs of any burial accessories, the wooden coffins were found to be relatively intact.

The coffins were severely damaged in the aftermath of the Korean War, but were later restored by the Jeonju National Museum. When they were first found, the twin tombs measured 3.1 meters high and 0.5 kilometers wide, but some of the original wood was lost during the tombs’ tumultuous history and the restoration that followed. The larger of the restored tombs now measures 30 meters in diameter and 5 meters in x_height while the smaller tomb measures 24 meters in diameter and 3.5 meters in x_height. On January 21, 1963 the tombs were designated Historic Site No. 87.

The Twin Tombs are roughly 200 meters apart, with the tomb in the east called Daewangmyo (big royal tomb) and the one in the west Sowangmyo (small royal tomb). The interiors of the tombs are done in the same style as the stone chamber tombs found in the tomb cluster of Neungsan-ri, Buyeo. Considering that the nearby Mireuksaji Temple Site was built during the reign of King Mu of Baekje dynasty, it is highly likely that the Twin Tombs are those of King Mu and his wife, Queen Seonhwa.

Dongboseong (동보성)

18.3Km 2024-04-07

437, Hana-ro, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do

Dongboseong is an authentic Chinese restaurant serving dishes prepared by a number of chefs from China. It has separate rooms and large banquet rooms for group dining.

Wanju Wild & Local Food Festival (완주 와일드&로컬푸드축제)

18.5Km 2025-03-31

89 Gosanhyuyangnim-ro, Gosan-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-290-3976

Wanju Wild & Local Food Festival is a festival taking place in the area of Gosan Recreational Forest. The festival provides environmentally-friendly food experiences using local agricultural products, along with various wild plants and animals from Wanju. The festival aims to give visitors an opportunity to try Wanju's fresh wild foods and local foods in a prestigious natural environment.

Iksan Seodong Festival (익산서동축제)

19.0Km 2024-04-07

41-14 Godo 9-gil, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-843-8817

Iksan Seodong Festival is held in Seodong Park in Iksan. Iksan is home to the love story of Prince Seodong, who would later become King Mu, for Princess Sunhwa. The festival, which started as the Mahan Folk Festival in 1969, was renamed in 2004 and celebrates the 1400-year history of the Baekje Kingdom.

Seodong Park (서동공원)

19.2Km 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)

19.3Km 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)) - Area information - Korea travel information