Mireuksa Temple Site [UNESCO World Heritage] (익산 미륵사지 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

7.4Km 2024-04-07

362, Mireuksaji-ro, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-3873

Mireuksa was the largest Buddhist temple of the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-AD 660). According to Samgukyusa (historical records published in 1281), King Mu (30th king of Baekje, in power AD 600-641) and his wife Queen Seonhwa were said to have seen a vision of Mireuksamjon (the three Sanskrit) emerging from a large pond. At the time of their revelation, the king and queen were on their way to visit a Buddhist monk in Sajasa Temple on Yonghwasan Mountain (now known as Mireuksan Mountain). In response to their vision, the king drained the nearby pond and established Mireuksa Temple. The temple is believed to have shown the most advanced architectural and cultural skills of Baekje, Silla, and Goguryeo (the three main kingdoms at that time). Records indicate that King Jinpyeong of Silla even sent his craftsmen over to assist with the temple construction.

The two main features of the Mireuksa Temple Site are the stone pagoda (Mireuksaji Seoktap) and the flagpole supports (Mireuksaji Dangganjiju). The 14.24-meter-high west stone pagoda (National Treasure No. 11) is the oldest and largest Korean stone pagoda in existence. The west pagoda currently has only six tiers, but is estimated to originally have had nine. The nine-story east stone pagoda (27.67 meters in x_height) was restored to its original stature in 1993 based on historical records. Other surviving landmarks include the flagpole supports (Treasure No. 236) to the south of the stone pagodas. The 395 centimeter-tall poles are estimated to have been created during the Unified Silla period (AD 676-935) and are set 90 meters apart from east to west.

Geumma Reservoir (금마저수지)

8.2Km 2024-04-07

Donggodo-ri, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-3818

Looking towards the south from the top of Mireuksan Mountain, one can see Geumma Reservoir. The reservoir is shaped like the Korean peninsula. Hence it is also referred to as Jido Yeonmot, or Map Pond. The terrain is especially beautiful when viewing it through the fog in the early mornings.

The water comes from Mireuksan Mountain, ensuring a steady supply of water throughout the year. There are no factories or other contaminants nearby so the water quality is of the highest grade. Near the reservoir, one can find Seodong Park and Mahan Hall. Seodong Park is a sculpture park displaying various sculptures such as a bronze statue of Baekje’s King Muwang of Baekje and a statue of Seodong’s Princess Seonhwa. Mahan Hall showcases the lifestyle and culture of Mahan, a tribal confederation during the Samhan period. The park also features various facilities such as an observatory, fishing spot and a promenade.

Seodong Park (서동공원)

8.2Km 2024-04-07

41-14, Godo 9-gil, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-3818

Built alongside the Geumma Reservoir, Seodong Park traces its origins to ancient records from the 600 AD with historical figures (Princess Seonhwa and Seodong, King Mu). More than 100 works of art can be found in the park, including twelve Chinese zodiac animal statues and sculptures of Princess Seonhwa and Seodong. The central plaza features a statue of King Mu, and various amenities such as the Mahan Museum, a children's forest playground, a picnic area, a fountain, and a riverside plaza enrich the experience for visitors.

Iksan Safety Experience Training Center (KOSHA) (익산 안전체험장(안전보건공단))

8.4Km 2025-07-30

127-49 Iksan-daero 78-gil, Hamyeol-eup, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do

Iksan Safety Experience Training Center is a safety training facility founded to raise public awareness on safety prevention and management, covering a wide variety of safety hazards that can occur in the everyday or workplace environment through fun and interactive content. The center uses VR and smart technology to simulate real-life emergency situations to educate the public on how to prevent and handle hazardous situations. It has 50 interactive content overall, spread out among six different themed halls. The training center is open to visitors of all ages for free.

Iksan Seodong Festival (익산서동축제)

8.4Km 2024-04-07

41-14 Godo 9-gil, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-843-8817

Iksan Seodong Festival is held in Seodong Park in Iksan. Iksan is home to the love story of Prince Seodong, who would later become King Mu, for Princess Sunhwa. The festival, which started as the Mahan Folk Festival in 1969, was renamed in 2004 and celebrates the 1400-year history of the Baekje Kingdom.

Wanju Samrye Culture & Arts Village (완주 삼례문화예술촌)

9.6Km 2024-04-07

81-13, Samnyeyeok-ro, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-290-3862

Samrye Culture & Arts Village is an art village also referred to as "Samsamyeyemimi." Once used as a granary and an official residence during the Japanese administration, it has now become a village of art. The village consists of Design Museum, Visual Media Art Gallery, Kim Sang-rym Carpentry Shop (Wood Works), and Book Museum and offers a variety of programs during exhibition events and art festivals.

Wanju Samrye Strawberry Festival (완주삼례딸기대축제)

9.9Km 2025-03-07

42 Donghak-ro, Samnye-eup, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
Samrye Nonghyup: +82-63-291-2711 Wanju Foundation for Arts & Culture: +82-63-262-3955

The Wanju Samrye Strawberry Festival offers visitors fresh and delicious strawberries, lively performances, engaging events, and various hands-on experience programs. The festival is a great opportunity to create unforgettable memories with friends, families, and loved ones.

Wanggung Dawon (왕궁다원)

10.3Km 2024-04-07

21-5 Sagok-gil, Wanggung-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do

Wanggung Dawon is a hanok café built in the 1800s. It was once the residence of Song Byungwoo, a rich person in the region, and has been operating as a traditional tea house since 2008, preserving the charm of the old hanok. The café offers a wide variety of teas, with the signature menu item being ssanghwatang (herbal tonic tea), a traditional Korean beverage. Ssanghwatang is made with ingredients such as jujube, ginseng, and chestnuts, known for its warming properties.

Bibinakan (비비낙안)

10.4Km 2024-10-15

26 Bibijeong-gil, Samnye-eup, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk-do

Climbing the steep stairs leading to Bibinakan affords one a view of the open lawn and view of the cafe where BTS members sat comfortably. The scenery of Wanju and the leisurely flow of the Mangyeonggang River as well as downtown Jeonju can be seen in a panoramic view without obstruction. Especially when the sun goes down, the sunset over the river is spectacular scenery.

Korea Expressway Corporation Arboretum (한국도로공사 전주수목원)

11.7Km 2025-07-22

462-45 Beonyeong-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do

The Korea Expressway Corporation Arboretum is located in Jeonju and operated by Korea Expressway Corporation. The arboretum was opened to counterbalance the environmental damage caused by the construction of expressways. As such, the arboretum maintains and promotes the conservation of many beautiful flora from across the country.

Mireuksa Temple Site [UNESCO World Heritage] (익산 미륵사지 [유네스코 세계문화유산]) - Area information - Korea travel information