This place was used as an ice storage and agricultural reservoir for sericulture, and as a resting place filled with summer memories of the local residents; it is currently designated as a neighborhood park. Yeokjae Bangjuk is an old small wetland with rich biodiversity, attracting attention for its natural ecological value. Species distribution includes over 60 species of insects across 9 orders and 27 families, about 26 species of birds in 8 orders and 17 families, and 86 species of plants in 27 orders and 43 families (aquatic plants: 7 species in 6 orders and 6 families; terrestrial plants: 79 species in 21 orders and 36 families). In particular, the endangered wild plant Gasiyeonkkot (Thorn lotus, designated as plant No. 57 by the Ministry of Environment and priority protection level 1 by the Korea Forest Service) is the northernmost habitat on the Korean Peninsula and is likely the largest in Korea on Miljeokdo. (Dr. Yumi Lee, Korea Forest Service) Additionally, the island in the middle of the pond is a valuable cultural asset with a well-preserved legend of Uigyeon (Righteous Dog). Meanwhile, landfill plans were attempted in 1992 for the Chungcheongnam-do Driver’s License Examination Center and in 1997 for the Hongseong Youth Training Center site but were canceled due to efforts by civic environmental groups. Currently, a project to develop Yeokjae Bangjuk Ecological Park with residents is underway.
The Hongju Millennium Monument was created in 2018 to commemorate the past one thousand years of history in Hongseong (previously called Hongju), while also looking to the future and the next one thousand years. The entire monument is shaped like an hourglass, with historical figures, cultural assets and specialty products of the area at the top, and a time capsule embedded at the bottom of the monument, set to be opened in 2118.
The Statue of General Kim Jwajin was erected to commemorate General Kim's efforts in leading the Independence Army against Japan during the Battle of Cheongsan-ri. This was one of the greatest victories in the war fro Korean independence.
This fortress in Hongseong-gun, Chungnam, has about 800m of its approximately 1,772m-long stone fortress walls still remaining. The exact date of its first construction is unknown, but the Sejong Sillok Jiriji records the circumference of Hongju Fortress and mentions one spring that does not dry in summer or winter. It was first built during King Sejong's reign of Joseon to match new formal standards to defend against anticipated Japanese pirate invasions and was rebuilt in the first year of King Munjong (1451). At that time, the fortress measured 4,856 cheok (about 1.5 km) around, 11 cheok (about 3.3m) high, had four gates, and included facilities like battlements and defensive towers, with two wells inside. The east gate, Joyangmun, still stands today, restored in 1975. Amun was built together with the gatehouse of Joyangmun; the inscription 'Hongju Amun' was written by Heungseon Daewongun but no longer exists. It is the largest and most unique Amun in Korea and provides insight into the structure and form of Joseon government offices. Anhwaedang, the east hall of Hongju-mok, is a 22-room wooden tiled building where past Hongju governors and magistrates administered. It is currently located behind the county office. Yeohajeong is a hexagonal wooden pavilion over water, also near Anhwaedang behind the county office. In 1905, Min Jongsik and others who opposed the Eulsa Treaty raised militias that attacked Japanese troops stationed here and drove them back to Deoksan. This site had been a walled town from the Three Kingdoms period through Joseon, and its surviving early Joseon construction style walls hold significant historical value.
Hongjuseong Millennium Travel Trail is a route that revisits Hongju, the great town of Naepo that has steadfastly remained the center of politics, economy, society, and culture for a thousand years, embracing its brilliant millennium history. The trail consists of Goam-gil, symbolizing hopeful Hongseong; Jangteo-gil, the market street like the heart of the common people's economy; Maebongjae-gil, a healing space where the body and mind trapped in the city can be soothed; Hongjuseong-gil, which faithfully preserves the lives and sorrows of Hongju people from the Goryeo Dynasty through the Joseon Dynasty to the present; and an alleyway of memories bridging the modern and contemporary eras.
The General Kim Jwa-jin Statue was erected to honor the commanding presence of General Kim Jwa-jin, who annihilated the Japanese army's Kanap regiment during the Battle of Cheongsanri and to commemorate the dignified spirit of the independence army commander. General Kim Jwa-jin organized the Northern Military Government Office in 1919 and became its commander, establishing an officer training center to cultivate independence fighters. At the age of 31, he led over 3,000 Japanese troops stationed in Siberia to the Cheongsanri area of Hwaryong-hyeon, resulting in more than 1,200 casualties and secured victory in the Battle of Cheongsanri, marking one of the greatest achievements in the history of Korean independence movements.
