To the fields of Gimje land of endless horizons | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Oegatjip Village is located about 4 km toward Jeonju from Gimje-si and is a transportation hub surrounded by Honam Expressway and National Road No. 1. There are three nearby interchanges (Gimje I.C, Seojeonju I.C, Namjeonju I.C), making the village easily accessible from other regions. It consists of two villages, Nakseong-ri and Sandong-ri, which belong to Geumgu-myeon in Gimje-si. The name 'Oegatjip Village' reflects the warm affection and sentiment typical of rural communities. Located in the vast Honam Plain, most residents engage in agriculture and livestock farming. There are weekend farms and experiential learning centers utilizing various vegetables grown in large-scale horticultural complexes, pear orchards designated as eco-friendly agricultural products, and rice cultivated through eco-friendly methods, attracting many city dwellers and children to experience the warm hospitality of a grandmother’s home. Visitors can participate in making garaetteok tteokbokki and rice bread sandwiches as well as traditional games like neolttwigi (traditional seesaw), wheel rolling, top spinning, tuho (arrow throwing), and swing riding.

Gimje Byeokgolje is an ancient reservoir embankment and monument for its restoration, the first of its kind built in Korea. The Samguk Sagi records that in the 21st year of King Heulhae of Silla (330), 'the Byeokgolje was first made, with a circumference of 1,800 bo.' However, since this area was land of Baekje, not Silla, at that time, the year may have been adjusted later to make it seem it was built by Silla. Therefore, it should be regarded as actually built in the 27th year of King Biryu, the 11th ruler of Baekje (330). Afterward, it was repaired in the 6th year of King Wonseong of Silla (790) and the 21st year of Kings Hyeonjong and Injong of Goryeo (1143), and rebuilt in the 15th year of King Taejong of Joseon (1415). In 1420 (the 2nd year of King Sejong), it was destroyed by heavy rain. Currently, about 3 km of the embankment remains in a straight line, but in 1925, the Dongjin Land Improvement Association modified it as a waterway for farming, greatly losing its original form. On the north side of the embankment is a monument erected to commemorate the reconstruction during the Joseon dynasty, though the inscription is worn and difficult to read. In 1975, two sites where sluice gates once controlled the reservoir’s water were excavated, revealing that advanced large-scale surveying techniques had been employed in its construction. Byeokgolje is significant not only as Korea’s first reservoir but also as evidence that highly developed civil engineering technology existed at that time, providing a groundbreaking fact in the history of Korean science and technology.

Located in Daeyul-ri, Geumgu-myeon, this restaurant offers dining with a view of Daeyul Reservoir and is famous for its spicy fish stew. It has been serving freshwater catfish stew for over 20 years. The stew is made with wild catfish caught from Daeyul Reservoir and dried pesticide-free radish greens prepared during the autumn kimchi-making season, boiled in a hot pot with seasoning and perilla seed broth known for its health benefits, making it a delicacy among food enthusiasts visiting Daeyul Reservoir. Besides catfish stew, the menu includes assorted fish stew, pagatang, shrimp stew, grilled and steamed freshwater eel dishes. Duck baeksuk and Yongbongtang require longer cooking time, so it is recommended to reserve 2-3 hours in advance for a comfortable meal. The hot stone pot rice served with the stews creates a savory scorched rice, perfect for cleansing the palate after the meal.

Manghaesa is a branch temple of Geumsansa located in Simpo-ri, Jinbong-myeon, Gimje-si. Founded in 754 (King Gyeongdeok 13) by monk Tongjang Beopsa, it experienced cycles of prosperity and decline according to the ups and downs of the dynasty. It was ruined during the Joseon Dynasty’s anti-Buddhist policies but was reconstructed in 1609 (Gwanghaegun 1) by Monk Jinmuk. Later, monk Gwanjun (1850–1919) renovated it again and practiced asceticism there; in 1915, Monk Gyesan rebuilt it. In 1933, Chief Monk Kim Jeonghui restored the main hall and newly constructed Bogwang Myeongjeon and Chilseonggak. In 1977, Nampa newly built the temple quarters and Manghaedae, and restored Bogwang Myeongjeon, Nakseojeon, and Chilseonggak. In 1984, Bogwang Myeongjeon and Chilseonggak were demolished and replaced with a new Daeungjeon. Since then, the temple has undergone several new constructions, restorations, and reconstructions, reaching its present form. In June 2024, it was designated a scenic site. The temple stands on a cliff of jagged rock formations beyond Jinbongsan Pass overlooking the vast ocean, embodying its name Manghaesa. Positioned to overlook the islands of the West Sea, it offers a panoramic view of the beautiful West Sea sunset, making its scenery exceptionally beautiful.