Across a Thousand-Year-Old Bridge | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Botapsa Temple in Jincheon-eup, Jincheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, is located in Yeongok-ri. The Yeongok-ri temple site has been known as a large temple site from the Three Kingdoms period to the Goryeo period, and it was revived by erecting a three-story wooden pagoda that follows the tradition of wooden pagoda architecture from the Three Kingdoms period. Passing through the Cheonwangmun gate and entering the temple grounds, the Bell Pavilion (Beomjonggak) and the Dharma Drum Pavilion (Beopgogak) stand elegantly side by side, and inside is the temple's proud wooden pagoda, as well as the Jincheon Yeongok-ri stone stele designated as a treasure. The reason Botapsa attracts attention is because its three-story wooden pagoda style is modeled after the Silla period Hwangnyongsa Nine-Story Wooden Pagoda. The wooden pagoda, excluding the finial, is 42.73 meters tall and supported by 29 columns. It strictly adheres to the traditional method of joining wood without using any nails. The first floor enshrines the Four Directional Buddhas, the second floor holds scriptures, and the third floor houses the Maitreya triad Buddha. It has historical value as a reproduction of the wooden pagoda that disappeared after the Silla period.

Manroesan is presumed to have been named after a place name from the Goguryeo era. It is also called Mannosan or Iheulsan. The main ridge forms the boundary between Chungcheongbuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do. At the summit, there is a jangseung (traditional Korean totem pole) made by painter Choi Yang-ho. This jangseung takes the shape of the Chinese character for mountain (山) and symbolizes the highest mountain in Jincheon. The Jincheon Manroesan Natural Ecological Park is well established here, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful mountain without necessarily hiking. The site is equipped with outdoor exercise equipment, walking trails, hiking courses, a children's playground, and resting areas. There are two hiking courses: the first course begins at the sewage gate in Daemun-ri, Baekgok-myeon; turning right here leads to Jeolgol, and following the valley ridge path leads to the summit. The second course starts from Boryeon Village in Yeongok-ri; going left from the village passes Cheonsutap and a prayer site, then following right along the main ridge leads to the summit. A triangulation point established in 1984 is embedded at the top, with views of Yeongok Reservoir and Monggaksan.

This is the birthplace of General Heungmu Kim Yushin, the 13th descendant of King Suro, the founder of Garakguk. General Kim Yushin was the son of General Kim Seohyeon, the governor of Manno-gun, and was born in 595 (the 17th year of King Jinpyeong) in Gyeyang village, Sanggyeri, Jincheon-eup. At age 15, in 609, he became a Hwarang and distinguished himself in battles at Nangbi Fortress, becoming the lord of Aplyangju. During Queen Seondeok's reign, he became Sangjanggun (General), and in 660 (the 7th year of King Muyeol), he was appointed Sangdaedeung (Prime Minister), allied with Tang forces to destroy Baekje, then served as the grand commander of the Silla-Tang allied forces to conquer Goguryeo and attained the rank of Taedaegakgan. He reclaimed the land north of the Han River from Goguryeo, achieved the great task of unifying the Three Kingdoms, and was posthumously titled King Heungmu. In 1983, a monument marking the site was established at the village entrance called Janggunteo in present-day Gyeyang. To the northwest of this site remains Yeonbojeong well, said to have been used by the governor’s residence, as well as Helmet Rock and Chima Rock, where he is said to have practiced martial arts.

Jincheon Nongdari Bridge is built by stacking reddish stones of sandy rock quality and consists of 28 piers. As a local cultural asset, it measures 93.6m in length, 3.6m in width, and about 1.2m for each pier, with the inner width between the piers around 80cm. Although no lime or other mortar was applied, it remains sturdy and preserves its original shape without damage even after heavy monsoon rains. The stone bridge is said to have been built by General Im, a powerful figure in the early Goryeo period, notable for its large scale and unique construction technique. The site now features a pavilion, walking paths, and a waterfront deck connected to Chopyeong Reservoir, establishing itself as a new tourist attraction. The mystical shape of the bridge and the surrounding scenery harmonize well, making it also popular as a filming location for dramas.