Places to Visit in Buan, Jeonbuk: A Comprehensive Guide to Hidden Gems on the Byeonsan Peninsula

Buan, located at the western edge of Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, is more familiar to many people by the name Byeonsan Peninsula. The West Sea, mountains, mudflats, and fields are all contained within a single region.

Buan is also a place with such outstanding scenery that the sunset over the West Sea is cited as one of the 10 most beautiful sights of Joseon.

There is a wide variety of attractions, ranging from the coastal cliffs of Chaeseokgang and Jeokbyeokgang, thousand-year-old temples like Naesosa and Gaeamsa, to the valleys of Naebyeonsan such as Jikso Falls and Bongnaegugok.

In 2023, the Buan and Gochang areas were designated as a UNESCO World Geopark, receiving global recognition for their geological value. Let's explore places worth visiting and hidden gems in Buan.

Byeonsan Peninsula National Park

Byeonsan Peninsula National ParkIt was designated as Korea's 19th national park in 1988. Its most significant feature is that it is the only peninsula-shaped national park in the country where you can explore both mountains and the sea simultaneously.

Of the total area of approximately 154㎢, land occupies 89% and sea occupies 11%.

Byeonsan Peninsula is largely Naebyeonsan과 Outer ByeonsanIt is divided into.

Naebyeonsan is a mountainous area centered around Uisangbong (510m), with peaks of 400m such as Gwanneumbong and Ssangseonbong connected. Valleys and waterfalls such as Jikso Falls, Bongnaegugok, and Seonnyeotang are hidden deep within the forests of Naebyeonsan.

Oebyeonsan is the seaward section that stretches along the coastline.

The sea cliffs of Chaeseokgang and Jeokbyeokgang, as well as beaches like Gyeokpo Beach and Gosapo Beach, belong to Outer Byeonsan. In short, it is safe to say that almost all of Buan's major attractions are located within this national park.

The hiking trails are also well-maintained. With trails of varying difficulty levels—such as the Ugeumam, Naesosa, Jikso Falls, and Gyeokpo courses—there is a wide range of options to choose from, ranging from a light stroll to a full-scale hike.

The Jikso Falls, Naesosa Temple, Chaeseokgang, Jeokbyeokgang, Gaeamsa Temple, and Solseom Island introduced below are all famous attractions located within Byeonsan Peninsula National Park.

Ultimately, a trip to Buan can be viewed as a journey to explore every nook and cranny of this national park.

Jikso Falls

Jikso FallsIt is a representative attraction of Naebyeonsan, considered the first of the eight scenic views of Byeonsan.

Jikso, named because a stream of water falls straight down from a rock face about 30 meters high.直沼)It was given the name.
Below the waterfall is a deep pool called Silsangyongchu, which creates a spectacular sight along with the water stream.

The hike begins at the Naebyeonsan Visitor Support Center. The round trip from the parking lot to the waterfall is approximately 4.4 km, and two hours is ample time. Composed of gently sloping wooden deck paths and stairs, it is a walk that even families can enjoy without difficulty.

The path to the waterfall itself is a breathtaking sight. Passing the site of Silsangsa Temple, founded during the Unified Silla period, BongraegugokIf you walk along the clear valley, you will come across Seonnyeotang, where the water is beautiful with its jade-colored water.

The columnar joints and potholes formed by Mesozoic volcanic activity around Seonnyeotang are also very popular.

The period from summer to late autumn is the best time to visit. In particular, if you visit within 2 to 3 days after it rains, you can enjoy the waterfall with its abundant water flow.

It is designated as Scenic Site No. 116, and admission is free; only the parking fee needs to be paid separately.

Naesosa Temple

Naesosa TempleIt is a thousand-year-old temple founded by Hyegu Dutha in 634 during the reign of King Mu of Baekje. Its original name was Soraesa, but it was later changed to Naesosa. Sorae (來蘇)The name contains the meaning that everything will be revived.

The first attraction you encounter at Naesosa Temple is fir forest pathOver 700 fir trees soar high into the sky, forming a natural tunnel, stretch for about 500 meters from Iljumun Gate to Sacheonwangmun Gate.

This forest path was selected as one of the '100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea' and also received an excellence award at the National Beautiful Forest Competition.

It is said that it was created about 150 years ago to add vitality to the desolate entrance while restoring the temple that had been damaged during the Imjin War, and it has reached its current state.

Although it suffered some damage from Typhoon Bolaven in 2012, the forest is slowly recovering.

There is also much to see inside the temple. Daeungbojeon Hall(Treasure No. 291) is famous for its flower latticework doors with unpainted clay dancheong.

The delicate carvings, which preserve the natural grain and color of the wood, are regarded as the epitome of traditional Korean architectural beauty. In addition, various other cultural assets have been preserved, including the Naesosa Bronze Bell (Treasure No. 277) and the Yeongsanhoe Gwaebultaeng (Treasure No. 1268).

Starting in March 2023, admission fees have been abolished, allowing anyone to visit for free. Vehicles are not permitted within the grounds, so please park at the public parking lot at the entrance and walk along the fir forest path to enter.

It is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season, with the fir forest and broadleaf trees harmonizing.

Chaeseokgang

If you come out to the western coast from Naebyeonsan, the highlight of your trip to Buan awaits. ChaeseokgangIt refers to the sea cliffs along a 1.5km stretch from Gyeokpo Port to the Dakibong area.

A cross-section of sedimentary rock unfolds, resembling tens of thousands of books stacked neatly; when viewed in person, it feels like a giant bookshelf created by nature.

The strata here Gyeokpo-ri FormationIt is called [named] and was formed about 70 million years ago during the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era. Various sedimentary rocks such as conglomerate, sandstone, and shale are stacked layer upon layer, and fault and fold structures are also distinct.

The origin of the name Chaeseokgang is also interesting. It is said that the name was given because the scenery resembles the Chaeseokgang in China, where the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai is said to have enjoyed himself while drinking.

In 2004, together with Jeokbyeokgang Scenic Site No. 13It has been designated as. There is something you must check when visiting. It is. scaleC. You must time your visit for low tide to walk through and view the sea caves and wave-cut platforms.

The optimal time for the visit is about two hours before and after low tide. Since the seawater rises faster than expected, you must be careful not to exceed this time.

Red Cliff River

If you go about 2km north from Chaeseokgang along Gyeokpo Beach Red Cliff RiverThis appears. It is a red coastal cliff about 2 km long that unfolds below Yongdusan Mountain.

The name is derived from the Red Cliff River in China, where Su Dongpo is said to have lingered, signifying just how magnificent the scenery is.

The true beauty of Jeokbyeokgang is revealed at sunset. As the setting sun permeates the red rocks, the entire cliff turns crimson, creating a magnificent sight.

Along with Taean's Halmi-Harabi Rocks and Ganghwado's Seokmodo. The three greatest sunsets of the West SeaThis is precisely why it is considered one of the best.

It is also rich in geological attractions. The area around Jeokbyeokgang is rhyolitic columnar jointsIt appears, and you can also find sea caves and pebble beaches.

In the area around Mt. Yongdu, where Suseongdang is located, artifacts dating back to the Three Kingdoms period used for rituals to the sea have been excavated. Well-placed geopark information boards are located at the entrance to the Jeokbyeokgang Ecological Trail, making it a good place to visit with children.

In spring, canola flowers fill the open space in front of Suseongdang, and in autumn, cosmos flowers, making it a great place for taking photos.

Gomso Salt Field

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Leaving the spectacular coastal cliffs behind, if you move south toward Gomsoman Bay, a completely different landscape unfolds.

Gomso Salt FieldIt is a traditional solar salt production site that has been in operation since the 1940s and is one of the few remaining salt fields in Korea.

Located in the inner part of Gomsoman Bay in Jinseo-myeon, Buan-gun, this salt is produced using the clean seawater of the West Sea, sunlight, and wind. The solar salt from here is renowned as a premium salt because it is rich in minerals and has no bitter taste.

Especially when pine pollen is carried by the wind blowing from the Byeonsan Peninsula around May and settles on the salt fields Songhwa saltThis is produced. It is said that in the past, it was a precious salt presented to the king.

The scenery, with the geometric divisions of the expansive salt fields harmonizing with the water's surface reflecting the sky, is also great for capturing in photographs.

Right next to the salt fields are Gomso Port and the Jeotgal Market, making it a good place to visit together. Near Gomso Port, you can taste Jeotgal Baekban, a famous local dish of Buan.

Salt production usually takes place between April and October, so if you want to see the actual salt-making process, it is best to visit during this time, but entry into the salt pans is prohibited during this production period.

Gaeamsa Temple and Ugeumbawi Rock

If you go further inland from Gomso Salt Field, on the eastern slope of the Byeonsan Peninsula Gaeamsa TempleThere is.
It is a temple founded by Monk Myoryeon during the reign of King Mu of Baekje in 634, the same year as Naesosa Temple.
It is located at the foot of Mt. Neungga, and compared to Naesosa

You can enjoy a quiet and peaceful atmosphere due to the low number of visitors.

Gaeamsa Temple Daeungjeon Hall(Treasure No. 292) is a building that was rebuilt in 1636 after being burned down during the Imjin War.
It is characterized by realistically carved lotus flowers on the front facade, and is unique in that the lower leaf capitals come in three different shapes.
The use of massive columns relative to its size provides a sense of stability while also possessing a majestic charm.

If you look up behind Daeungjeon Hall, a huge rock comes into view. Ugeumbawiall.
There is a cave on this rock where Great Master Wonhyo is said to have practiced asceticism, and together with Great Master Uisang 楞伽經Byeonsan was also called Neunggasan because it was the place where [the speaker] gave lectures.

The part that is more noteworthy historically Baekje Restoration MovementIt is a relationship with.
After Baekje was destroyed by the Silla-Tang allied forces, the refugees installed Buyeo Pung, the son of King Uija, as king and launched a restoration movement based at Ugeumsanseong Fortress.
The academic community views this place as Juruseong, the final stronghold of the Baekje restoration movement.

There are cherry blossom trees lining the road leading to Gaeamsa Temple, making it especially nice to visit in the spring.
However, parking can be crowded during the cherry blossom season, so visiting on a weekday is recommended.

Solseom

SolseomIt is a small rocky island located on the coast of Docheong-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun. Unlike the Gomso Salt Field or Gaeamsa Temple introduced earlier, it is a famous attraction located separately on the southwestern coast of Outer Byeonsan.

It is a small island with pine trees growing on rocks, and at sunset, the sight of the sun hanging between the pine trees shaped like a dragon's mouth is like a scene from a movie.

Due to its unique silhouette, it is also considered a top sunset photography spot among photographers. At low tide, you can walk across the sandy beach to the island.

On a clear day, you can enjoy the best sunset by arriving 30 minutes to an hour before sunset to secure a spot. You can use the parking lot at the Jeonbuk Marine Fisheries Science Museum.

Buan is a great place to experience nature itself rather than flashy tourist attractions. Walking on geological layers dating back 70 million years, strolling along the forest paths of a thousand-year-old temple, and watching the sun set over the West Sea—Buan is a place where you can have a wonderful day without any grand plans.