Yonghyeon National Recreational Forest (국립 용현자연휴양림)

0m 29151 2020-08-26

339, Maaesamjonbul-gil, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-664-1978

Yonghyeon National Recreational Forest is situated in the heart of Yonghyeon Valley between the ridges of Gayasan Mountain around Seongmunbong Peak (alt. 678 m). The forest boasts splendid natural landscape. A hiking trail and loop trail through the forest are established along the ridges of the mountain and connect to the road leading to Seosan Farm, so hiking and walking are convenient and one can get a great view of the Yellow Sea in the distance. The valley waters are particularly clean and clear, and the forest features dense groves of oak trees. There are group accommodation facilities and forest education classes. For an educational and cultural excursion, visitors can also learn about the later Baekje period in a nearby education facility.

Seosan Gaesimsa Temple (개심사(서산))

1.7 Km 49163 2021-09-18

321-86, Gaesimsa-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-688-2256

Situated in a dense forest in Sangwangsan Mountain and 6 kilometers away from Haemi-myeon, Gaesimsa Temple is one of the four major temples in Chungcheongnam-do. The path from the parking lot to the temple site is quite remote and curved, but beautiful especially in spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

The temple was built in 1484 during the 15th year of King Seongjong and designated as a Treasure. The architecture of the temple stands out, as the buildings use bent tree trunks for pillars.

Rock-carved Buddha Triad in Yonghyeon-ri, Seosan (서산 용현리 마애여래삼존상)

2.4 Km 37513 2020-03-27

65-13, Maaesamjonbul-gil, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-660-2538

Seosan Maaesamjonbul (Rock-Carved Buddha Triad) is carved into a huge rock cliff at the entrance to Bowonsa Temple at Gayasan Mountain. The Rock-Carved Buddha was discovered in 1958, and is considered the oldest and one of the most outstanding Buddha rock carvings in Korea.

Standing Buddha stands in the center, the cross-legged Buddha is to the right, and Standing Bodhisattva is on the left. The main Buddha, Yearaeipsang (Standing Buddha) is 2.8m high.

All sculptures carved in the middle of Baekje (6th century) are called "Baekje's Smile," named for their trademark bright smiles. The appearance of the smile changes depending on the direction of the sunlight, so these statues were designated as National Treasure No. 84. The best time to see the smile is from 9-11 a.m.

The location, an important site along a key transportation route from China to Baekje, is on the way to Buyeo from the Taean peninsula. The masterful work represents the active interchange of culture with China during that time period.

Seosan Munsusa Temple (문수사(서산))

3.4 Km 20688 2020-01-16

201, Munsugol-gil, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-663-3925

The exact founding date of Munsusa Temple is unknown because there are no official records that have been discovered. The temple is estimated to date back to the Goryeo dynasty due to a prayer found in 1973 at the Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha in the temple’s Geungnaksiljeon Hall dated 1346. Around 600 items were discovered along with the prayer, including unbleached ramie cloth, a short-sleeved gown, rice, and barley. Munsunsa has the tranquil atmosphere of a mountain temple. When spring arrives, cherry blossom flowers and wild flowers bloom across the mountain and the nearby cattle farm call to mind a traditional Korean painting.

Munsusa Temple's Geungnaksiljeon Hall is a beautiful building constructed in the Jusimpo style (the column brackets placed only on top of the columns) combined with Dapo style (the column brackets placed between columns as well as on top of the columns). It is designated as Chungcheongnam-do Tangible Cultural Property No. 13. Inside the gorgeously and majestically carved hall are many relics including Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha, Samsebulsang statues (statues of Buddhas of Three Times (past, present and future)), Nahansang statues (statues of disciples of Buddha), and various portraits of Buddha.

The Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha (x_height: 70cm, length between knees: 50cm) was created in 1346. It is a fine example of late Goryo dynasty style Buddha statue along with Gilt-bronze Seated Bhaisajyaguru Buddha of Janggoksa Temple (Treasure No.337).

Seosan Gayasan Mountain (가야산(서산))

5.3 Km 39485 2022-11-17

Sansu-ri, Seosan-si, Chuncheongnam-do
+82-41-662-2113

Gayasan Mountain has easy and enjoyable hiking trails connecting Gayabong Peak, the main peak, with other peaks and mountains, namely Wonhyobong Peak (677 m), Ogyangbong Peak (621.4 m), Illaksan Mountain (521.4 m), Sujeongbong Peak (453 m), and Sangwangsan Mountain (307.2 m). The trails are as easy and suitable for all hikers including the elderly and young hikers. A distant view of the west sea is even visible from the top of the mountain. Gayasan Mountain offers amazing scenery all year round, most notably in spring when azaleas, royal azaleas, and an array of wildflowers are in full bloom.

The mountain also contains the Seosan Rock-carved Buddha Triad (National Treasure), which is considered the best rock-carved Buddha from the Baekje period. The mountain is also home to Bowonsa Temple Site, Gaesimsa Temple, and Illaksa Temple. With one National Treasure, six Treasures, and four cultural heritages preserved on the mountain, it is safe to say that Gayasan Mountain is the heart of Naepo Culture Zone (northwestern region of the province of Chungcheongnam-do), making the entire mountain a cultural asset.

Haemieupseong Walled Town (서산 해미읍성)

6.6 Km 25132 2021-08-18

143, Nammun 2-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-661-8005

Haemieupseong Walled Town is a representative fortress from the Joseon period. Additional famous walled towns in Korea include Gochangeupseong Walled Town and Naganeupseong Walled Town. Haemieupseong Walled Town was established in 1491 during the 22nd year of King Seongjong. Its perimeter is approximately 1.8 kilometers, the x_height is 5 meters, and total area is 196,381 m², making it a huge fortress. Through restoration and purification projects, its old image has been restored as a historic park and it is famous as a site of Catholic martyrs' in the late Joseon era.

During the persecution of Catholics, many Catholics from Chungcheong-do were forced to come to Haemieupseong Walled Town where the administration office was located. Upon arrival, they were tortured to death. In particular, approximately 1,000 people are recorded as having been executed during the persecution in 1866.

The plaza inside of the fortress has a prison site where Catholics were chained up under the Daewongun government, and a gigantic old tree which was the tree used for torturing. The stones which were used for thrashing are located outside of a fortress gate and have become a holy place.

Seosan Haemieupseong Fortress Festival (서산해미읍성축제)

6.7 Km 21901 2023-09-11

143, Nammun 2-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-660-2697

Seosan Haemieupseong Fortress Festival is held every October at Haemieupseong Fortress, a fortress with over 600 years of history. Various events and programs are offered including an overnight program in front of the fortress. Exciting performances such as a reenactment parade, traditional music performances, and fireworks are also planned.

Myeoncheoneupseong Walled Town, Dangjin (당진면천읍성)

7.2 Km 24044 2023-07-17

14 Mongsan-gil, Dangjin-si, Chungcheongnam-do

Since the ancient days, the city of Dangjin was where an important sea route to China existed along with Seosan and Taean. Not only was it an essential trading post with China, it was also a critical military hub. Myeoncheoneupseong Walled Town is widely known to have been constructed in the 16th year of King Chungnyeol's reign in the Goryeo Dynasty (1290) but many believe that it had actually existed ever since the early Baekje period for the purpose of stopping foreign invasions. Myeoncheoneupseong was a fortress that had four main gates in the east, west, south and north.

Deoksan Hot Spa District (덕산온천지구)

7.5 Km 21561 2020-05-27

Deoksan-myeon, Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-339-7303

Deoksan Hot Spa is conveniently in Sadong-ri, Deoksan-myeon, Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, only one and a half hours away from Seoul. The spa resort’s hot springs have been known for their efficacy ever since the Joseon dynasty (1932-1910) and the 45℃ germanium water is widely known for its health benefits. The region has been home to major spa resorts since 1917.

Nearby tourist attractions include Chunguisa Temple, which enshrines the spirit of Patriot Yun Bong-Gil, and Sudeoksa Temple, a training site for Buddhist nuns. Within the spa district are 9 major spa facilities, approximately 50 hotels, and numerous restaurants.

Onyun Private Villa [Korea Quality]온연 프라이빗 빌라[한국관광 품질인증]

7.6 Km 0 2023-05-23

69-5, Oncheondanji 1-ro, Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-337-1888

Onyun Private Villa is a hot-spring stay in Deoksan Hot Spring Complex, Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do. The villa is rented out as a single house, and has an open-air hot-spring bath on the terrace - a perfect place to sooth away fatigue.

Yonghyeon National Recreational Forest (국립 용현자연휴양림) - Area information - Korea travel information