An Encounter with the Splendor of Buddhist Art

Baekje was one of the pillars of the Three Kingdoms period along with Goguryeo and Silla. After laying the groundwork for revival in Ungjin, Baekje moved its capital to Sabi (present-day Buyeo); thus ushering in the most politically stable and culturally prosperous era of its 700-year history. Baekje saw noteworthy advancements in art, religion, and architecture at that time, blooming into a splendid culture. Buddhism in particular was the essence of the Sabi-era culture. Kings of Baekje adopted Buddhism as a central state value, devoting great efforts to building temples, Buddha statues, and pagodas. The temples built during this period showcase Baekje’s architectural skill and artistry.

The Baekje Cultural Complex is a large-scale historical park recreating the royal palace of Sabi, the Neungsa Temple, and a village featuring Baekje’s daily life and culture from 1,400 years ago. Passing through Jeongyangmun Gate, visitors are captivated by the grand Sabi Palace and the five-story wooden pagoda of Neungsa Temple. The lifestyle and culture village located slightly off the palace is designed to showcase the lives of Baekje people, with houses offering a glimpse into Baekje as a class-based society. The complex even includes a reconstruction of the royal palace of Baekje’s earlier capital Wirye, helping visitors gain a broader understanding of Baekje’s history. With its well-organized indoor and outdoor attractions and hands-on experiences, the complex is especially recommended for family travelers.

Just 4 km away lies the Jeongnimsa Temple Site, built soon after Baekje moved its capital to Buyeo. Today, the Jeongnimsa Five-story Stone Pagoda stands by itself on the large temple site, eloquently attesting to Baekje’s Buddhist culture that once flourished. The stone pagoda has endured over a thousand years of time with dignity, evoking gratitude. When sunlight lands over the grass in the temple grounds, the pagoda shines with even more grace. The roof stones gleam as if gilded, with the capstones on the eaves curving elegantly like the tips of traditional Korean socks. Behind the pagoda is a stone seated Buddha statue, severely damaged and worn down yet still gazing toward the tower.

Coming Face to Face with a National Treasure of Unparalleled Grandeur

On permanent display at the National Buyeo Museum is the Gilt-Bronze Incense Burner of Baekje, regarded as the epitome of Baekje culture. A preliminary excavation was carried out in 1993 to construct a parking lot at the Baekje Royal Tombs (then the Neungsan-ri Tomb Cluster), during which a large incense burner unlike anything seen before was unearthed from the mud: the Gilt-Bronze Incense Burner of Baekje.

The discovery made headlines nationwide at the time, captivating the public. Before viewing the incense burner, visitors are encouraged to watch the introductory video Sabi Baekje in the museum lobby. Projected in ultra-high-definition 3D across walls and ceiling using twelve 4K beam projectors, the immersive film vividly depicts how the incense burner was made. Visitors are often thrilled and impressed by the dynamic, high-quality video.

Grounded in Taoist philosophy, the incense burner is a masterpiece showing an ideal world of immortals through intricate animal and human forms. It is an awe-inspiring masterpiece in every sense, an embodiment of Baekje’s exceptional artistic sensibility, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound spiritual beliefs.

Enchanted by the Sunset Splendor at Gungnamji Pond

Gungnamji is steeped in the legendary romance between King Mu, Baekje’s 30th king, and Princess Seonhwa of Silla—a tale often called “the love of the century.” King Mu was known as Seodong in childhood, and the pond’s name Gungnamji means “a pond south of the palace (Sabi Palace).”

What makes Gungnamji special is that it is Korea’s first artificial pond predating Silla’s Donggung Wolji by about 40 years. Believed to have been created in 634 (the 35th year of King Mu’s reign), it encompasses a lotus field of 82,645 m². In mid-July, white and red lotuses bloom in breathtaking splendor. As September arrives, the petals fall, leaving pods dangling, while the seed heads still cling to the stalks, creating a scene that is different yet equally striking.

The pond’s philosophical roots lie in Taoist beliefs about immortality as seen in Poryongjeong, the pavilion at the center of the pond. It is worth crossing the wooden bridge and spending time at the pavilion, considered a place worthy of immortals. It might even take away the worries of everyday life. At sunset, the pavilion and surrounding trees are reflected on the pond to paint a romantic tableau. You must not miss the night view that unfolds after time quietly slips away. Named one of Korea’s “Top 100 Night Tourism Spots,” Gungnamji offers an enchanting nighttime view featuring the moonlight on the water and the soft glow of the pavilion.

Buyeo Meets Popular Culture

Garimseong Fortress (Seongheungsanseong) in Imcheon-myeon, Buyeo is a stone stronghold built to defend Baekje’s capitals Ungjin and Sabi. Its circular walls encircles the mountain peak. The site was not only the scene of a fierce battle against the Tang-Silla allied forces and but also later served as a base for Baekje’s restoration movement after the kingdom's fall.

From the summit, Geum River and nearby villages stretch into the distance. Though secluded, the solitary fortress is well-equipped with roads, parking lots, and restrooms thanks largely to its fame as a filming location for movies and TV dramas. Climbing halfway up the mountain, you encounter the evidence—on display are posters from numerous dramas and films including Seodongyo, My Sassy Girl, Faith, King Sejong the Great, and Six Flying Dragons.

Visitors enjoy a pleasant time at this spot, taking memorable photos with the zelkova tree known as the so-called “Tree of Love” as backdrop. Over 400 years old and towering at 22 meters high, the zelkova is unique for its wide-spreading roots and some branches that resemble the halves of a heart. Combining the left and right sides after photographing creates a perfect heart shape. The effect is especially striking when it is photographed at sunset as the silhouette becomes clear, highlighting the heart shape even more vividly.

The Seodongyo Theme Park in Chunghwa-myeon, Buyeo-gun was built as a film and drama set spanning 33,000 m², making it the largest Three Kingdoms era set in the Chungnam region. The royal palace has been reconstructed based on the architectural styles of Baekje and Silla, which have been historically verified to ensure accuracy. Other buildings including the residences of nobles and commoners and old market streets have also been recreated in separate sections. As such, it is the perfect place for taking photos as if you were the protagonist of a drama. Among the various photo spots, the royal palace stands out as the best. In particular, the pavilion with white curtains fluttering in the wind allows visitors to experience the grandeur of Baekje culture indirectly as well as catch a glimpse of various aspects of daily life; thus making it an ideal place for young children’s experiential learning.