Gunsan trip starting from Eunpa Tourist Area | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Eunjeoksa Temple is the oldest Baekje-era temple among temples in Jeollabuk-do. Also called Cheonbangsa and Seonrimsa, Eunjeoksa is a subsidiary temple of Geumsansa, the head temple of the 17th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Located at the foot of Seollimsan in Soryong-dong, Gunsan-si, it is believed to have been founded in 613 (14th year of Baekje King Mu, 35th year of Silla King Jinpyeong) by monk Wonkwang of Silla. It was restored four times: in 952 (3rd year of Goryeo King Gwangjong) by monk Jeongjin, in 1373 (22nd year of King Gongmin) by eminent monk Naong in a second restoration, in 1781 (5th year of King Jeongjo) by monk Bogyeong, and in 1937 by monk Heoong. The current main Buddha Hall (Daeungjeon) and Paradise Hall (Geungnakjeon) were rebuilt during a major restoration from 1985 to 1995. Previous structures included Geungnakjeon, Myeongbujeon, and Josajeon, with Daeungjeon featuring five bays wide, three bays deep, double eaves, and a multi-bracket style. Enshrined in the Daeungjeon is the wooden seated triad statue of Sakyamuni Buddha from 1629 (7th year of King Injo), made by monk Sujong, designated a cultural asset of Jeollabuk-do. The statue was reportedly moved from a nearby temple in Geumsansa. The triad shows Sakyamuni Buddha flanked by bodhisattvas Manjusri and Samantabhadra. The main Buddha has a square solemn face, prominent nose, dignified shoulders, balanced body, stable knee posture, and beautifully rendered robes, reflecting late Joseon-period Buddhist sculpture. The face is square with refined eyes and mouth. Manjusri shares the main Buddha’s facial style and wears a Chinese-style crown widened upward, red on top and gold below. Dimensions for both Manjusri and Samantabhadra are approximately 114 cm tall overall, with 23 cm head height, shoulder widths around 49 and 47 cm, and knee widths about 71 and 72 cm respectively. Samantabhadra’s left arm is exposed and decorated with floral carved motifs beneath the garment near the stomach. Both bodhisattvas wear floral-pattern bracelets on their arms. The main Buddha sits cross-legged on a simple wooden base with the earth-touching mudra, low ushnisha, and nimbus. Dimensions are about 114 cm tall overall, 41 cm head height, 54 cm shoulders, and 78 cm knee width. The statue exemplifies typical late Joseon Buddhist sculpture. Behind the main Buddha hangs a back mural featuring the Vulture Peak Assembly as the center, with Guanyin and guardian deity paintings to the left, and Seven Stars and mountain spirit paintings to the right.

Mosanbang is a traditional Korean meal restaurant located behind Sanbuk Elementary School in Sanbuk-dong. The small flower bed and yellow earth house style made Mosanbang once famous as a vegetarian buffet restaurant but it is currently operated as a hanjeongsik restaurant. Prioritizing health, the simple table setting includes various salad dishes that highlight the essence of vegetarian cuisine, with side dishes that are neither too salty nor spicy, and the food is neat and delicious. The restaurant has a large hall inside, making it suitable for small group events such as first birthday parties or family gatherings, and private rooms are also available for quiet personal meetings.

With a length of 370m and a width of 3m, this is Korea's only pedestrian suspension bridge. From the bridge crossing Eunpa, visitors can leisurely view the natural reflections on the lake and, at night, enjoy the beauty of lights created by illumination. It offers a peaceful and subtle resting place and visual attraction through water and light. The name Eunpa combines Eun (銀), meaning the light of love (hope), and Pa (波), symbolizing abundant water. Inspired by the beautiful legend of love from the Gunsan area called the Jungbau Legend, the bridge shapes Aegibau, Jungbau, and Gaebau, recreating a meaningful landscape through the artistic expression of nature and historical-cultural elements. The bridge is designed in sections: the entrance playground, the midsection command tower (main tower), and the endpoint Love Road (water tunnel). Overall, the entire bridge is designed to represent the shape of a dragon. Currently, connected with beautiful lighting, the Mulbit Bridge provides a fantastic night view and atmosphere.

Called 'Eunpa' because of the beautiful shimmering waves at sunset, this place dates back to before the Joseon Dynasty and is marked on the Daedongyeojido by the scholar Kim Jeong-ho, indicating its deep historical roots. Centered around the Mi-je reservoir, it is a vast national tourist site spanning over 700,000 pyeong. Originally an agricultural reservoir, Eunpa Tourism Site was designated a national tourist site in 1985, including nearby small mountains, and with the completion of a circular road, visitors can tour all ninety-nine bends by car. The wide, tranquil lake was used as a rowing venue during the National Sports Festival and features a meeting plaza of about 23,000 pyeong with a memorial tower for independence patriots from Gunsan and Okg-gu, where over 100 zelkova trees are planted, further establishing its status as a national tourist destination. The fountain, shaped like flower petals reflecting Eunpa’s characteristics and image, creates a beautiful, fantastic scene connecting the lake and the Water Light Bridge. The fountain’s petal form enhances its beauty. The Water Light Bridge is shaped after the ‘Jungbau Legend’ related to the Eunpa reservoir, symbolizing Aegibau, Jungbau, and Gaebau based on local folklore, recreating a meaningful landscape through the integration of natural and historical cultural elements. Visitors can leisurely enjoy the natural reflections on the lake from the bridge crossing Eunpa and at night experience the beauty of light illuminated by lighting, offering a peaceful and subtle resting place provided by water and light.

Okguyanggyo is a local educational institution from the Joseon Dynasty established to perform memorial rites for Confucius and other sages, and to provide education and moral guidance to the local people. Located in Okgueup, Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do, it was first built in 1403 during the 3rd year of King Taejong's reign. It was relocated to its current site in 1646, the 24th year of King Injo's reign. The building layout follows the Jeonhak-Humyo style, with the Myeongnyundang lecture hall at the front and the Daeseongjeon shrine for memorial rites at the back. In front of Myeongnyundang grows a crepe myrtle tree that blossoms in summer. Passing through the outer gate of the hyanggyo, the Myeongnyundang is situated, evoking the scholarly atmosphere for students. Okguyanggyo also includes Dangunmyo, a shrine dedicated to Dangun. The Munchangseowon, housing a portrait of Choi Chi-won, is located within the hyanggyo as well. A monument to honor King Sejong the Great and its pavilion are also present, making it a notable feature. Including Oksan Seowon, the site is a space where various historical elements coexist.