Walking a Scenic Road Full of Experiences

This is the neighborhood where Nam Gu-man -- who wrote the work beginning "Is the east window bright? The skylarks are chirping" -- was born. It's a good course for quietly taking in a calm, out-of-the-way rural landscape and settling your mind. At Geobuk (Turtle) Village, you can even try your hand at farm experiences. Source: Chungcheong, More Charming the Longer You Stay

Along the way

1. 1

   Chunguisa Shrine

   충의사

   Located 23km northwest of Yesan, Chunguisa Shrine marks the place where independence fighter Yun Bong-gil was born and, before setting off into exile, worked to promote rural enlightenment and patriotism. It was built in 1968 to honor Yun's heroic act and patriotic loyalty. Every April 29, the Maeheon Cultural Festival is held to commemorate his patriotism, and his precious relics are displayed at the memorial hall, protected as Treasure No. 568.MoreLess

   

   ReviewsSaveDirections
2. 2
   Sudeoksa Temple

   수덕사

   No precise documentary records survive regarding the founding of Sudeoksa, a Baekje-era temple, but scholars generally estimate it was founded during the reign of King Wideok of Baekje (r. 554-597). Baekje roof-end tiles found at the old temple site within the grounds also support the theory of a Baekje-era founding. Goryeo-era relics at Sudeoksa include the Daeungjeon Hall, built in the 34th year of King Chungnyeol (1308), a three-story stone pagoda modeled on late Unified Silla style, Goryeo celadon excavated at the site, and roof-end tiles excavated at the site. Most of the temple complex was destroyed during the Japanese invasions of 1592-98, but Sudeoksa's Daeungjeon Hall fortunately retains its original appearance. MoreLess

   

   ReviewsSaveDirections
3. 3

   Lunch (Daeheung Sikdang)

   점심식사(대흥식당)

   Opened in 1967, this restaurant boasts 36 years of tradition, letting you taste the grandmother's home-style cooking and warm hospitality, cultivated over the same years as the restaurant itself. Its wild-greens dishes are clean-tasting and delicious, drawing many visitors, and the restaurant is currently designated as a local specialty food establishment by Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do. It has also been featured on the EBS TV program "Following the Taste, Following the Road." MoreLess

   

   ReviewsSaveDirections
4. 4

   Historic Site of Lee Eung-ro (Sudeok Inn)

   이응로선생사적지(수덕여관)

   Within the grounds of Sudeoksa stands a thatched-roof house that catches the eye. Located to the left past Ilju Gate and the Seon Art Museum, this is Sudeok Inn. It was used as a refuge by painter Lee Eung-ro (pen name Goam) during the Korean War, and is designated Chungcheongnam-do Monument No. 103. He worked on his art here until leaving for France in 1959. The inn faces the road with five bays across the front, while 6.5 bays and 4 bays extend on either side to form a U-shaped wing. Before Lee, Korea's first female painter, Na Hye-seok, also stayed in this house, immersed in Buddhism. MoreLess

   

   ReviewsSaveDirections
5. 5

   Hongseong Turtle Village

   홍성거북이마을

   This is the neighborhood where Nam Gu-man -- who wrote the work beginning "Is the east window bright? The skylarks are chirping" -- was born. It's also called Naehyeon Village, named for a turtle-shaped rock with its head turned inward. The village is ringed like a folding screen by Mt. Bogaesan, said to cover nine treasures, and old trees such as a 500-year-old zelkova cast deep shade. Yakcheon Chodang, the site of Nam Gu-man's birthplace, Gusansa Shrine honoring the "Three Recluses" of the Damyang Jeon clan, and Jangchunggak Hall of the Damyang Jeon clan also speak to the village's long history. Centered on the nation's first Rural Character School, the village runs a variety of farm experience programs. MoreLess

   ReviewsSaveDirections