Seosan Gaesimsa Temple (개심사(서산))

0m 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.

Yonghyeon National Recreational Forest (국립 용현자연휴양림)

1.7 Km 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.

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

3.2 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))

3.5 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))

5.1 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)

5.1 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)

5.2 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.

Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground (Yeosutgol) (해미순교성지(여숫골))

6.0 Km 24160 2020-03-06

13, Seongji 1-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-688-3183

Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground is the site where nearly 1,000 Catholics in Chungcheongnam-do were buried alive during the time between the Byeongin Persecution in 1866 and 1882. At that time, Catholics were executed outside Haemieupseong Fortress' Seomun Gate (West Gate). As it was difficult to execute them one by one, the martyrs were buried alive in a big hole all at once. When confronted with their deaths, the martyrs prayed while singing 'Yesumaria' (Jesus Maria). Because it also sounds like "Yeosumeori", the place was called 'Yeosutgol' as well.

The 16-meter-high memorial tower was set set up near Haemicheon Stream to pay tribute to the nameless martyrs who were buried alive. Many Catholics visit this location every year to remember and honor the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their belief.

Gyeam House

6.3 Km 8410 2021-04-09

45, Handari-gil, Eumam-myeon, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-688-1182, +82-10-2376-8273, +82-10-3045-8273

The House of Kim Gi-hyeon (Gyeam Historic House, National Folklore Cultural Heritage 199) is a hanok with over 100 years of history that was established by renovating a nobleman’s house dating from the nineteenth century and equipping it with modern facilities. The Gyeongju Kim clan has lived in the Seosan area, a fertile stretch of land in the middle of the west coast region, for over 600 years. The house has been open to the public since 2010, and attracts many Korean and foreign guests. The owner renovated the old house by installing a modern bathroom, sink, kitchen and air-conditioning and filling it with antique furniture, and transformed it into a clean and pleasant tourist accommodation with high-class bedding in order to avoid the stereotype about hanok being uncomfortable. In particular, the kitchen has been transformed into a modern facility where guests can enjoy a cup of tea or a meal. The house is also packed with charming features including a small old well equipped with a pump, a wood-burning stove with an iron pot, and a platform for crocks of sauces and condiments. The House of Kim Gi-hyeon is home to the small Wadang (Roof Tile) Museum, which contains a collection of roof tiles ranging from the Goryeo Dynasty to the Joseon Dynasty. The friendly owners also run a ‘Wadang Rubbing Experience’ program that is popular among foreign tourists and students alike, and strive to provide all their guests with comfort and relaxation and share pleasant moments with them. The house’s courtyard reflects the beauty of each season, including flower blossoms in spring, colorful leaves in autumn, and a snowy landscape in winter.

Birth Home of Queen Jeongsun (정순왕후생가)

6.4 Km 26382 2024-02-22

39 Handari-gil, Eumam-myeon, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

Birth Home of Queen Jeongsun is the house where Queen Jeongsun (1745-1805), the queen consort of King Yeongjo (1694-1776), the 21st monarch of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1897), lived until she became queen in 1759. It is estimated to have been built in the 17th century and features the architectural characteristics of hanok, with its distinctive "ㅁ" shape and tiled roof.

Seosan Gaesimsa Temple (개심사(서산)) - Area information - Korea travel information