Embracing the Red Morning Sun over the West Sea | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

안면암은 대한불교조계종 금산사의 말사다. 사찰의 역사는 오래되지 않았으나 태안을 방문한 여행자들이 거의 들렀다 가는 필수 탐방 코스다. 그 이유는 사찰 앞쪽으로 펼쳐진 바다 풍광을 보면 바로 알 수 있다. 안면암 앞에서 여우섬까지 부표로 연결되어 바다 위를 걸어 섬까지 갈 수 있기 때문이다. 이 부교를 걷기 위해 많은 여행자들이 안면암을 찾는다. 부표 위에 목재를 덧대어 만든 다리 위를 흔들흔들 아슬아슬하게 걸어 여우섬까지 가게 된다. 물이 빠지면 부교를 건너는 묘미는 덜해도 갯벌에 사는 다양한 생물을 관찰하는 재미를 느낄 수 있다. 바다에서 바라보는 안면암의 풍광은 또 다르다. 여우섬을 천천히 돌아본 뒤 뭍으로 돌아오며 만나는 안면암은 이국적인 모습을 보여준다.

Kkotji Beach, located on Gwangji-gil in Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, Chungnam, offers a picturesque landscape blending a 5 km white sand beach with Halbae Rock and Halmae Rock. The sunset dyed red beyond these two rocks is considered the most beautiful view symbolizing Taean. The beach's charming name 'Kkotji' comes from the abundance of crape myrtle flowers blooming along the white sand. Couples and families enjoy walking along the long sandy beach or watching the waves, becoming part of the beach's scenery. A sad legend is associated with the two iconic rocks: during the Silla Dynasty, naval king Jang Bogo stationed a base on Anmyeon Island. The base commander Seungeon and his wife Mido had a loving relationship, but Seungeon never returned from a voyage. Mido waited by the sea, and after her death, became Halmae Rock. The larger rock closer to the sea naturally became Halbae Rock. The two rocks facing each other seem to welcome the husband returning from the sea, evoking deep emotion. At low tide, the rocks appear connected by a sandbar, as if one. Not only in midsummer but throughout the year, visitors are drawn by the sunset harmonizing with the rocks. Many gather at dusk to capture the beautiful sunset beyond Halmae and Halbae Rocks, creating a spectacular scene.

Kkotji Coastal Park is a themed park located on Kkotji Beach, the largest beach on Anmyeondo, famous for Halmi and Harabi rocks known for their beautiful sunset views. It was created for the 2002 Anmyeondo International Flower Festival and opened as a coastal park after the festival. The park consists of several themed gardens decorated with beautiful flowers throughout all four seasons. Covering approximately 60,000 pyeong, the park features gardens representing spring, summer, autumn, and winter. There is also an exhibition hall for wildflowers, along with outdoor gardens such as flower hills, flower beds, and rose gardens, creating a coastal park that harmonizes beautifully with the scenic beach and offers an ideal place for relaxation. Within the park, there are resting facilities like picnic areas, campfire sites, benches, pavilions, and shelters, as well as sports facilities including basketball courts, mini soccer fields, volleyball courts, jokgu courts, and beach volleyball areas. The park also provides amenities such as restrooms, cooking areas, showers, and water fountains. A spacious parking lot of 10,000 pyeong allows for convenient visits at any time.

Anmyeondo Natural Recreation Forest is the only pure pine forest in South Korea, with a naturally dense population of Anmyeon pines about 100 years old spread over 430 hectares. Since the Goryeo Dynasty, these pines were mainly used for making palanquins and boats, but as deforestation worsened, the royal family managed them specially. Since 1965, it has been managed by Chungcheongnam-do. Currently, the forest is located on a pine hill that appears after passing through the wide fields of Bangpo Village, beyond Anmyeon-eup. The refreshing pine scent from the tall straight pines clears the mind upon entering. Inside the paved path stands an impressive building, the Forest Administration Office combined with a Forest Exhibition Hall. The exhibition hall clearly displays the timber production process, uses of wood, and the utility of forests for easy understanding. Following the path to the right of the hall and crossing a small hill, you will find the Forest Houses. There are 19 Forest Houses arranged in a row along the mountainside, and a forest recreation pavilion with 4 rooms, equipped with gas stoves, cooking utensils, and shower facilities.