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.
2024-04-07
146, Nabawi 1-gil, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-861-9210
Nabawi Catholic Church is located in Hwasan-ri, Mangseong-myeon in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do Province and is known as the oldest surviving catholic church in the Jeolla-do region. The church was built in 1906 to commemorate the return of priest Kim Dae-geon in 1845 (Joseon dynasty) after he was ordained in Shanghai, China. Inside the church stand two monuments: one built in 1954 to honor Joseph Vermorel (French missionary, 1860-1937) and one built in 1955 to honor priest and martyr Kim Dae-geon. Considered the most significant catholic relic of the Jeolla-do region, the church is sought out by large numbers of Catholic visitors each year.
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.
2024-04-07
San 80-1, Wanggung-ri, Wanggung-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-5708
The Wanggung Five-story Stone Pagoda is located on a hill about 2 kilometers south of Wanggung-myeon in Iksan, which is believed to have been the capital of the nation during the Mahan Era. The pagoda stands tall at 8.5 meters and was officially designated as a National Treasure. Relics from the Goryeo dynasty that were found inside the pagoda were designated as a National Treasure and are currently housed in the National Museum of Korea. Of the excavated relics, the most famous; the Sarijangeomgu, a magnificent container of Buddha’s Sarira; the green glass Sarira bottle topped with a lotus-shaped stopper; and the Sungeumgeumganggyeongpan, which contains the 19 golden plates of the Diamond Sutra.
2024-04-07
26-3, Wolmyeonggongwon 1-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-450-4000
Wolmyeong Park is a popular tourist destination in Gunsan and
connects five mountains in the vicinity. The park has 12 kilometers of walking trails, as well as an observatory, sculpture park, and various monuments. From Susi Tower, which resembles a flame or wind-blown sail, people can see all of downtown Gunsan, the sea to the south of Gunsan, the mouth of the Geumgang River, and the large Janghang smelting factory.
The park has well-arranged gardens and 30-year old rattan and cherry trees. A cherry blossom photo contest is held every April, when the park is covered in cherry blossoms.
2024-04-07
12, Naehang 1-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-454-7873
The Jinpo Maritime Theme Park opened in 2008 to commemorate Jinpodaecheop, the sweeping victory of Jinpo in the naval combat against the Japanese forces led by General Choi Mu-seon in 1380. Constructed with a scenic backdrop of the local port and the vast sea, the park houses 16 retired military crafts of 13 models. On display at the park are vintage tanks, historical artillery, combat planes, and warships including the Wibongham Ship, a vessel that was used in combat during the Vietnam War. Visitors can also explore the interior of decommissioned warships. The exhibition hall inside the Wibongham Ship showcases weapons used during the Jinpodaecheop War, artillery made by General Choi Mu-seon, and the typical life inside the warship.
2024-04-07
16, Dongguksa-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-462-5366
Dongguksa Temple was built by Japanese monk Seoneungbulgwan in 1909. The temple was run by Japanese monks for 36 years during the Japanese occupation, reverting to Korean jurisdiction when Korea was liberated in 1945. The historical temple is the only surviving Japanese-style temple in the nation.
The temple is characterized by its two main buildings, Daeungjeon Hall and Yosachae, which are connected by a corridor, and the temple’s relative lack of decoration, which stands as a sharp contrast to the brilliantly-colored Korean temples. Dongguksa Temple was officially designated as Cultural Asset in July 2003 and is now a branch temple of Seonunsa Temple in Gochang, the 24th district of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order.
2024-04-07
Miryong-dong, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-454-4896
Located in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, Eunpa Lake Park was once a reservoir built before the Joseon dynasty that supplied water to nearby farms. The lake and its surrounding mountains were designated a national tourist site in 1985, but remain historically significant as they are featured on Daedongyeojido (Grand Map of Korea), a revered document developed by geographer Kim Jeong-ho. Known for its beauty at night, the lake was befittingly dubbed “Eunpa,” which means “silvery moonlit waves.”
Eupa Lake Park is full of natural beauty. The road that runs up from the park entrance is lined with cherry trees that create a breathtaking tunnel of pink flowers each spring. This stunning cherry blossom tunnel draws crowds of families and couples each year, particularly on the weekends. Mulbit Bridge, a landmark of the Eunpa tourist site, offers an impressive view of the Music Fountain and nightscape. At the park, you’ll also find an inline skating area, a waterfront stage, and a lotus flower garden.
2025-01-10
83-7, Sinsido-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-463-7088
Sinsido Island is the largest of the 24 islands in the Gogunsan Island Cluster located 50 kilometers southwest of Gunsan. The highest point is Daegaksan Mountain (187 meters) on the northwest side and there is Sinchisan Mountain (142 meters) on the southeast side. Villagers tend to work in the fishing industry, catching shrimp, anchovies, hairtail, and mackerel. Farmers tend to grow rice, barley, sweet potato, chili, peas and more. The island can be reached by car and there are various activities available such as mud flats and fishing.
2025-03-20
33-6, Eunhaeng-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-285-3490
The Dongnagwon House in Jeonju Hanok Village provides a getaway to experience hanok stay and traditional Korean life. Affiliated with Jeonju Kijeon College, Dongnagwon is also a memorial hall dedicated to W. M. Junkin, who came to Korea as a missionary from the South Presbyterian Church of the United States in 1892. Dongnagwon is a reproduction of the old hanok houses in Jeonju from the time when W. M. Junkin was doing his missionary work in the area. It is
comprised of three buildings: Anchae (main hall), Sarangchae (guest house), and Haengnangchae (servants’ quarters).
Visitors to Dongnagwon can learn and experience traditional Korean culture such as music, crafts, and dance while inhabiting traditional lodging. In addition to providing accommodation for individual guests, Dongnagwon is also used for group accommodations or activities such as seminars, conferences, and family events. For groups of 30 or more, it is possible to rent out the entire venue (in addition to all facilities, including Seungdokdang, Seunghwadang, Cheongyuje, and the front yard).