From General Gyebaek to King Wang Geon: From Baekje to Goryeo | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Gaetaesa Temple (Nonsan) is located on the western foothills of Cheonhosan Mountain (371.6m). It was established in 936 (19th year of King Taejo of Goryeo) to commemorate King Taejo's defeat of Later Baekje's leader Shingeom and the unification of the Later Three Kingdoms, with Hwangsan Mountain renamed Cheonhosan. It is also said to be the place where Gyeon Hwon, who founded Later Baekje but later surrendered to Goryeo, died. There was a main hall enshrining King Taejo's portrait, and the temple maintained close ties with the royal family, including receiving divine oracles during national crises. However, it declined due to Japanese pirate invasions in the late Goryeo period but was gradually rebuilt in the Joseon era and the 1930s. Important cultural assets here include the treasure stone Buddha statue in a temple site, Chungcheongnam-do folk cultural asset Gaetaesa iron cauldron, Chungcheongnam-do cultural asset stone pagoda of five stories, and stone structures. Among them, the iron cauldron formerly used in the temple, a large pot for cooking soup for monks, measures 3m in diameter, 1m in height, and 9.4m in circumference.

Donam Seowon is a seowon (Confucian academy) established based on the scholarly foundation of Sagy Kim Jang-saeng (1548–1631). It was built by Kim Jang-saeng’s disciples who studied at the Jeonghoedang, founded by Hwanggang Kim Gye-hwi, and the Yangseongdang, established by Kim Jang-saeng himself, to honor and commemorate their teacher. The seowon includes several cultural heritage structures such as the ancestral shrine Sungryesa, the lecture hall Eungdodang, Jeonghoedang, Yangseongdang, Sanangnu, Jangpanggak, and the Wonjeongbi monument that details Donam Seowon’s history. Among these, Eungdodang is notable for its architecture inspired by ancient housing systems. On July 6, 2019, at the 43rd World Heritage Committee held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Donam Seowon along with eight other Korean seowon were designated as World Cultural Heritage sites. Korean seowon were recognized as outstanding universal value (OUV) for being evidence of widespread Neo-Confucianism education and social activities during the late Joseon period, and each seowon was considered to fully meet the criteria for authenticity, integrity, and management plans required for World Heritage status.

Tapjeong Reservoir was created by damming the Nonsancheon River east of Nonsan city. Also called Tapjeong Lake, it is known as the second-largest lake in Chungnam. Its natural conditions prevent it from freezing well in winter, and with large farmland areas such as the Nonsan Plain nearby, it provides abundant food and excellent habitat for migratory birds. Recently, it has become a notable new wintering ground for migratory birds. From late October to early March, about 100 species of diverse migratory birds visit Tapjeong Reservoir. The reservoir is a sanctuary for around 40,000 wintering birds including the natural monuments the Whooper Swan and Mandarin Duck, as well as internationally protected species such as the Gadwall, Baikal Teal, Northern Pintail, and Common Pochard. Additionally, Tapjeong Lake features the longest suspension bridge in East Asia, which is used as a screen for media facade fountain shows and musical fountains (except in winter), attracting many visitors to the bridge.

Okye chicken dishes are largely divided into two types: Tang and Baeksuk. Tang is served with chicken and broth in a earthenware pot, while Baeksuk is eaten by picking the meat easily and drinking the broth separately. When feeling unwell or weak, Tang is perfect for restorative Okye chicken, and Baeksuk is better for enjoying as a delicacy or with a drink. Tang includes Hwanggitang set meal and Samgyetang. The Hwanggitang set includes Okye dishes, half Samgyetang, and porridge, while Samgyetang serves either a whole small chicken (500g–600g) or half a large chicken (over 1kg) with nutritious sticky rice. For those who don't suit ginseng or have excess body heat, sasam (deodeok) is used instead of fresh ginseng. Baeksuk comes in two options: fresh Baeksuk made with chickens under one year old and aged Baeksuk with chickens over three years old. Okye is believed to have better medicinal effects as it ages, so historically it was kept for a long time for medicinal use. The broth of aged chicken Baeksuk is very rich and effective, making one feel revitalized quickly when weak. Menu items include Hwanggibotang, Mansamtang, and Myeonhwajatang.

백제 말기 성충(成忠)·흥수(興首)와 더불어 백제 3충신으로 꼽히는 계백의 유허지로 최후의 결전장이던 황산벌과 가까운 곳에 있다. 1966년 묘를 발견할 당시, 봉분이 반 이상 붕괴되어 내광이 노출되었으며 광벽까지 일부 파손된 채 방치되어 있었는데 부적면 사람들이 지석(支石)을 안치하고 내광회벽을 완봉한 후 봉분 둘레 47.6m, 지름 15.15m, 높이 6.5m로 복묘하였다.

Gwanchoksa (Nonsan) is a temple located on the eastern slope of Banya Mountain in the southern part of Nonsan city, and is considered the number one scenic spot among the eight views of Nonsan. The temple offers many unique sights, the foremost being the Stone Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue known as 'Eunjin Mireuk.' This 18-meter tall stone Buddha has a gentle and compassionate face, often described as the 'Smile of Baekje.' The stone lantern, five-story stone pagoda, and stone gate in front of Eunjin Mireuk are also precious relics. It is said that holding and turning the axis of the Yunjangdae, which contains Buddhist scriptures, is equivalent to reading the scriptures. Among the relics at Gwanchoksa, the Stone Maitreya Bodhisattva Statue is designated as a National Treasure, the stone lantern as a Treasure, the stone gate as Chungcheongnam-do Cultural Property Material, and the Stone Vairocana Buddha Statue as a Chungcheongnam-do Tangible Cultural Property. Standing in the front yard of Gwanchoksa, you can take in a panoramic view of the abundant Nonsan plains.