Warm Smiles in Seosan, Land of Baekje’s Famous Buddha | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

In front of Jinnammun Gate in the southern part of Haemieupseong Fortress stands a large Sophora tree estimated to be around 300 years old. Local residents also call it the Hoya tree. During the late Joseon period, a prison used to detain persecuted Catholic believers was located behind the tree. Between 1790 and 1880, Catholic prisoners held in this prison were tortured by being hung from the eastward-extending branch of this tree. Recognizing this historical significance, it was designated as a Chungcheongnam-do monument in 2008. The east branch broke in the 1940s, and the central trunk broke on June 26, 1969, due to storms, but multiple surgeries and soil improvements have been performed for protection and management. Haemieupseong Fortress also preserves various old buildings including Naea, Dongheon, and Guksa. Nearby are Haemi Martyrs' Shrine (Yeosutgol), related to Catholic persecution, Haemi Hyanggyo Confucian School, Haemieupseong History Camping Site, and Haemi Market. Additionally, the Seosan Arame-gil and Haemi International Sacred Site Trail pass nearby, making it convenient for linked tourism.

Ganwolam is a small hermitage located in Ganwoldo-ri, Buseok-myeon, said to have been founded by Muhak Dae-sa in the early Joseon Dynasty and renovated by Song Mangong Dae-sa. Unlike other hermitages, it mysteriously connects to the land during low tide and becomes an island at high tide, making it feel like the hermitage is floating on the water. The serene natural scenery and the spirit of the ancestors attract many visitors. Additionally, the Oyster Worship Festival praying for a bountiful oyster harvest is held annually on the full moon of the first lunar month at the Jeongnyeok Monument for Eoriguljeot in Ganwoldo-ri during high tide. In this event, pure women who have not committed any wrongdoing dress in white robes and dance from the village entrance to the oyster monument, where they offer sacrifices and pray for an abundant oyster harvest. The oysters gathered are then offered for tasting to tourists.

Ganwoldo is located in the center of the Seosan A District embankment, with Cheonsuman extending about 30km to the south and Ganwolho to the northeast, harmoniously blending sea, land, and lake. At Ganwoldo Beach Plaza stands the 'Eoriguljeot Monument,' the first food monument established in Korea. The temple was founded by Muhak Daesa and later rebuilt by monk Song Mangong as an hermitage named Ganwolim, from which Ganwoldo derives its name. Ganwoldam is on a small rocky island and can be reached on foot twice daily at low tide.