Experiencing the Nature of Cheonsuman Bay

Set aside your hurry for a moment, and looking with an unhurried eye, Seosan reveals a dignified beauty without ever showing off. Haemi Eupseong, a stone fortress built on flat land with a circumference of 1.8km, is a place where you can walk along the walls and feel the atmosphere of the past. Also enjoy the unique scenery of Ganwolam Hermitage, standing toward the sea, and the quiet serenity of Buseoksa Temple, which shares its origin story with Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju.

Along the way

1. 1

   Haemi Eupseong, Seosan

   서산 해미읍성

   This is a representative walled town (eupseong) of the Joseon era. An eupseong is a flatland fortress built to enclose a town, and along with Haemi Eupseong, Gochang Eupseong and Naganeupseong are also well known. Haemi Eupseong is a stone fortress completed in the 22nd year of King Seongjong of Joseon's reign (1491). With a circumference of about 1.8km, a height of 5m, and a total area of 198,348㎡ (about 60,000 pyeong), it is a massive fortress with three gate towers on the east, south, and west sides. Recently restored and cleaned up, it has regained its old appearance and been developed as a historic park, and is also famous as a site of Catholic martyrdom in the late Joseon era. MoreLess

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2. 2
   Ganwolam Hermitage

   간월암

   Ganwolam is a small hermitage located in Ganwol-do-ri, Buseok-myeon, said to have been founded by the great monk Muhak in the early Joseon period and later rebuilt by the great monk Song Man-gong. Unlike other hermitages, it is mysteriously connected to the mainland at low tide and becomes an island at high tide, so that at high tide, it feels as though the hermitage is floating on the water. MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Lunch (Matdongsan, Keunmaeul Yeongyang Gulbap)

   점심식사(맛동산, 큰마을 영양굴밥)

   [Matdongsan] \nLocated at the entrance to Ganwol-do, 'Matdongsan' is known for its yeongyang gulbap (nutritious oyster rice) and gaenggaemi hoemuchim (spicy raw fish salad). The yeongyang gulbap, made with oysters harvested from Ganwol-do, also includes jujubes and walnuts. \n[Keunmaeul Yeongyang Gulbap] \nLocated in Ganwol-do-ri, accessible only when the sea allows, Keunmaeul Yeongyang Gulbap is a long-established restaurant known for its nutritious oyster rice. MoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Cheonsuman Bay (Migratory Bird Habitat)

   천수만(철새도래지)

   About an hour and a half's drive from Seoul along the West Coast Expressway lies a world-renowned migratory bird habitat where you can observe the beautiful sight of migratory birds. This is the Cheonsuman Bay area in Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do, facing Anmyeondo Island. MoreLess

   

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5. 5
   Buseoksa Temple (Seosan)

   부석사

   Nestled at the foot of Dobisan Mountain, Buseoksa Temple is designated Chungcheongnam-do Cultural Heritage No. 195, founded in the 17th year of King Munmu of Silla's reign (677) by the great monk Uisang, and later rebuilt by the great monk Muhak. The temple includes Geungnakjeon Hall, monks' quarters, Singeomdang Hall, and Anyangru Pavilion, and its Buddhist statues are centered on Amitabha Buddha, with a total of eight statues enshrined including Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, and Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva. The scenery around the temple is especially beautiful, drawing many visitors. MoreLess

   

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