Discovering the True Face of Byeonsan Peninsula National Park

Buan is the only place in Korea where an entire peninsula has been designated a national park. It is divided into Inner Byeonsan and Outer Byeonsan, each with its own scenery — mountains in one, sea in the other. Jikso Falls in Inner Byeonsan, counted along with Maechang and Yu Hui-gyeong as one of the "Three Wonders of Buan" (Buan Samjeol), is a must-visit, together with Maechang Park in downtown Buan. Outer Byeonsan is represented by Chaeseokgang and Jeokbyeokgang, known for their coastline and sea cliffs. Here you can take in the spectacular sea cliffs exposed by the tide and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Along the way

1. 1

   Maechang Park

   매창공원

   This park was created in memory of Yi Maechang, a renowned courtesan-poet of Buan comparable to Hwang Jin-i of Songdo in the Joseon dynasty. Maechang (梅窓, 1573-1610) was the illegitimate daughter of Yi Yang-jong, a local clerk of Buan; her given name was Hyanggeum, her courtesy name Cheonhyang, and her pen names Maechang, Gyesaeng, and Gyerang. She left behind 58 sijo and Chinese-style poems, collected in [Maechangjip (梅窓集)]. In Maechang Park, her exquisite poems and poems written in her honor are engraved on stones. MoreLess

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2. 2
   Jikso Falls

   직소폭포

   Located within the 2km Bongnaegugok valley, surrounded by peaks such as Ongnyeobong, Seoninbong, and Ssangseonbong of Byeonsan Peninsula National Park. Jikso Falls, 22.5m high, plunges between sheer rock cliffs to form a round pool of unfathomable depth. This pool is called Silsangyongchu; the water flowing from it forms a second and third waterfall, creating scenic spots such as Bunokdam and Seonnyeotang, together known as Bongnaegugok. This waterfall is the first of the Eight Scenic Views of Byeonsan and is renowned as its finest scenery. MoreLess

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3. 3

   Lunch (Gyehwa Hoegwan, Wonjo Bajirakjuk)

   점심식사(계화회관, 원조바지락죽)

   [Gyehwa Hoegwan] Halfshell clams (baekhap) from the West Sea off Buan are a local specialty that has been offered as a tribute to the king since ancient times; they have a distinctive taste and are rich in nutrients, making them good for recovering from fatigue and for the skin. This is the only restaurant nationwide specializing in halfshell clam dishes. [Wonjo Bajirakjuk] A model restaurant set amid the beautiful scenery of nearby Byeonsan Peninsula and Buan Dam. Without using seasoning powder, it uses roasted salt, oily chusaengmi rice from Gyehwado Island, and sand-cleaned baby clams from Wido Island off Byeonsan Peninsula, cooked with quality ginseng and locally grown mung beans. Its signature dishes are the distinctively flavored clam porridge and clam salad.MoreLess

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