Iksan Godori Standing Stone Buddha (익산 고도리 석조여래입상)

18.3Km 2024-04-07

Donggodo-ri, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-5792

Iksan Godori Standing Stone Buddha is Treasure No. 46. The two Buddha statues (each measuring 424 cm) stand face-to-face at a distance of 200 meters apart and tell the story of an eternal, but unrequited love.

According to legend, the two Buddhas (one male, one female) are lovers that can only meet for one night in the twelfth month of the lunar calendar. After the sunset on that special day, the lovers are allowed to meet, but must return to their respective positions before the rooster crows at dawn.

The two statues are very representative of the Goryeo era, which produced many stone statues with minimal expression of the physical body. True to the era, each Buddha has almost no curves and is depicted with plain clothing and barely distinguishable arms.

On their heads, the Buddhas wear a crown topped with another square hat. With their square faces, small eyes, pug noses, and small lips, the Buddhas are reminiscent of guardian deities typically placed at the entrance of villages.

Gosan Changpo Village (창포마을)

19.1Km 2024-11-05

385 Daeajeosu-ro Gosan-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do

Since there is a colony of irises (Changpo), it is a quiet rural village that produces traditional handmade products using irises. Various experiences such as making natural shampoo and soap are available. It is essential to take a picture in a pose like a pictorial at the rustic concrete bridge where the BTS members sat, and the old shop Yongam Sanghoe where you can feel the years.

Iksan Ssangneung (익산 쌍릉)

19.2Km 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.

Dongsang Unjangsangyegok Valley (동상운장산계곡)

19.5Km 2024-04-07

Daea-ri, Dongsang-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk-do

Dongsang Unjangsangyegok Valley is a valley located at the easternmost part of Wanju. Spanning approximately 9 kilometers, it combines Dongsanggyegok Valley and Unjangsangyegok Valley. With its picturesque valley and refreshing waterfalls, it attracts visitors from all over the country during the summer months for recreation. In autumn, the colorful foliage further enhances the joy of hiking.

Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival (익산천만송이국화축제)

19.6Km 2024-10-08

322 Hana-ro, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-4977

The Iksan Ten Million Chrysanthemum Festival is held every year from late October to early November. The festival features an outdoor chrysanthemum exhibit, city agricultural hall, cultural performances, music fountain and much more as well as food.

Iksan Godori Standing Stone Buddha (익산 고도리 석조여래입상) - Area information - Korea travel information