Our second day of self-drive in South Korea, departing from Suwon City to Buyeo. It took about 2 hours to arrive due to some traffic on the highway.
It is always a great idea to get out of big Korean cities and see more cultural, historic and natural sights that can be fun and educational. Buyeo is a great city to explore as it is a UNESCO World Heritage City located in western Korea.
On the way to Buyeo, we had a short break in one of the rest areas, not in the highway rest area so the facilities were not as great as compared to the rest area on the paid highway. However, it has a small convenience store, toilet facilities without toilet paper. What I like about this rest area is it has a great view of mountains and lake. You can see people fishing in the lake.
There are a number of things to do in Buyeo, such as
- Baekje Royal Tombs in Neungsan-ri
- Baekje Culture Land
- Buyeo Ginseng Museum
- Naseong Fortress Wall
- Seongheungsan Mountain Tree Of Love
- Mansusan Mountain Muryangsa Temple
- Seodongyo Theme Park
- Lotte Outlets
Our first stop is at the Lotte Outlets where we have our lunch there. The outlets have lot of big international brands but we didn’t really go shopping.
Opposite the Lotte Outlets is the Lotte Resort Buyeo, which is super convenient because there are a number of attractions just nearby. Too bad we could not book for Lotte Resort Buyeo due to full booking.
After lunch, we walk over to the Baekje Culture Land which is just right next to the Lotte Outlet. There is a huge car park in front of the Lotte Outlets and Baekje Culture Land.
We had Spicy Pollock Roe Stew with Rice, Bibimbap and fish bone broth with rice.
Baekje Culture Land
This theme park is dedicated to the history and culture of the Baekje Kingdom, which ruled Buyeo and surrounding areas from the 2nd century to the 7th century. This is not the original but you can see replicas of Baekje buildings, artifacts, and artworks, and learn about the kingdom’s way of life.
The park is divided into different zones, each representing a different aspect of Baekje culture. For example, the Architecture Zone features replicas of various Baekje buildings, including a palace, temple, and marketplace. Visitors can explore these structures and get a sense of what life was like in ancient Baekje.
The park also has a Nature Zone, which includes hiking trails, waterfalls, and gardens. The area is beautifully landscaped and provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
One of the most popular attractions at Baekje Cultural Land is the Baekje Theme Park Zone, which features a range of rides and attractions that are based on Baekje mythology and history.
In addition to the rides and attractions, there are also various cultural performances and events that take place throughout the year. These include traditional dance and music performances, as well as reenactments of historical events.
Overall, Baekje Cultural Land is a fun and educational attraction that is great for visitors of all ages. It offers a unique perspective on Korean history and culture, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating period in Korean history.
There is also bicycle rental as the park is very big.
Five-story Stone Pagoda at Jeongnimsa Temple Site
It is about half an hour to reach the 5-story stone Pagoda, it is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The Five-story Stone Pagoda is believed to have been built during the Baekje Kingdom period, which spanned from 18 BC to 660 AD.
The pagoda is located within the Jeongnimsa Temple Site, which is a historic area that includes the remains of a Baekje-era temple complex. The pagoda is one of the most impressive structures in the complex and is considered a masterpiece of Baekje-era stone carving.
The pagoda stands at a height of about 9 meters (30 feet) and has a square base that measures approximately 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) on each side. It is made of granite and features intricate carvings on each of its five levels.
The carvings on the pagoda depict various Buddhist figures and scenes, including the Four Heavenly Kings, Bodhisattvas, and lotus flowers. The carvings are incredibly detailed and demonstrate the skilled craftsmanship of the Baekje artisans who created them.
Despite its age, the pagoda has been remarkably well-preserved, with only a few minor repairs over the centuries. It is now considered a national treasure of South Korea and attracts many visitors who come to marvel at its beauty and learn more about the history and culture of the Baekje Kingdom.
In addition to the pagoda, we also have to chance to explore the remains of the temple complex, which includes a foundation, stone pillars, and other structures. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the architecture and design of the Baekje era and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Korean history and culture.
After that, we headed to Jeonju which is about an hour’s drive.
Where to stay in Jeonju? N Bridge Hotel
The hotel is nicely located near the Hanok Village, only 8 mins walk and 10 mins walk to the night market. Nearby there are restaurants and convenience stores. It also provides free parking.
The facilities are well managed and very clean, including bedding. The staff’s response is active and kind and speaks fluent English. It is convenient because there is a Holly coffee shop in the lobby. Our stay is without breakfast so we just grab some coffee here in the lobby.
In the afternoon, you also see students coming here to do their homework and get coffee here. The promenade along the riverside is well maintained in front of the hotel, so it’s good to take a walk and get some pictures there are stones in the middle of the river to cross over to the other side.
Nambu Night Market in JeonJu
At night we had our dinner at the night market in Jeonju, the night market is just 10 mins walk from N Bridge Hotel.
This is one of the traditional markets in Jeonju. The market is full of locals and some tourists. It has over 800 stores and thousands of vendors.
A wide range of local delicacies and there are a few international cuisines also, such as Vietnamese pho, Chinese pancakes, and Western hamburgers.
The night market is open every Friday and Saturday evening, and we were lucky to be here on Saturday night.
Over here you got to taste and feel the local culture even more. It is a total experience as compared to the night market in a big city such as Seoul. You get to see more locals interacting with locals here.
The market is lively and pretty crowded, it comes to life even more at night. We have gotten some street food and pack some back to our hotel for our dinner. The downside of the night market is most lines are long.
Final thoughts:
N Bridge Hotel is the most modern Hotel near Hanok Village, if you have a car with you, it is an ideal location to stay as it provides free parking. You can just park your car and explore Hanok Village on foot.
We stay in Jeonju for 2 nights, stay tuned to my Jeonju stories.
Despite the language barrier, it’s surprisingly easy to find your way around South Korea. With a rental car, we could explore outside major big cities such as Buyeo and Jeonju.
