BUAN-GUN

Chaeseokgang Cliff refers to a rocky cliff and the seashore near Gyeokpo Port at the western end of Byeonsanbando and Dagibong Peak, 200 meters high. The sedimentary rock formation shapes like a stack of tens of thousands of books. The name originates from an attraction having the same name in China. One side of Dagibong Peak has been eroded by waves over a long period of time, creating striking sedimentary layers—which resembles the foot of an elderly elephant. In order to enjoy Chaeseokgang Cliff more, it is better to check out the predicted tide times online. When the tide gets low, you can take a closer look at sedimentary rocks and start walking from Gyeokpo Beach to Gyeokpo Port about two kilometers. The sea cave marking halfway point is worth a visit. During high tide, never go down.

In the southern part of Byeonsanbando, below Sebong Peak, Naesosa Temple is surrounded on three sides by mountains and exemplifies tranquility. The trail between Iljumun Gate and Cheonwangmun Gate, less than one kilometer long, is lined with tall, slender fir trees. The section from the end of this fir trail to Cheonwangmun Gate has a tunnel of maple and cherry trees, presenting a marvelous sight particularly in spring and fall. Daeungbojeon Hall, Treasure No. 291, is the most iconic building and features floral carved doors. The lotus and chrysanthemum grids are acknowledged as the best traditional decorative patterns and go well with wood grains, thereby highlighting the beauty of moderation. If you take a tour of Naesosa Temple and walk down the fir trail on a sunny day, you will be able to purify your soul and heart.

There is a saying that things looking small from a distance are beautiful in a closeup, which explains the Buan Celadon Museum. You will savor gorgeous jade-colored potteries as you do at any other museum. Also, a kid-friendly day trip awaits here. Not only exhibits on display but also the museum interiors inspired by Goryeo Celadon with bluish jade colors and subtle inlaid designs and Goryeo murals will spark your children’s interest and curiosity. The building itself is a celadon ware shape as well.

It is an exhibition and experience center with the theme of silkworms and mulberry trees, situated in the pristine Yuyu-maeul, Byeonsan-myeon. The Buan Silkworm Town is comprised of the Silkworm Insect Science Hall—furnished with traditional sericulture equipment, 30,000 species of rare insects, and one of the most advanced electron microscopes in Korea, the Exploration Hall—where children can learn more about silkworms and insects at jungle mockups, the Breeding Room—with temperature control throughout the year, and the Experiential Hall—dedicated to a range of hands-on activities. The Buan Silkworm Town serves as the cradle for the Buan mulberry industry and will continue to be a fun place for ecological experiences involving mulberries and silkworms.

Following the sandy beach to the north of Chaeseokgang Cliff, you will find the red rocks of Jeokbyeokgang Cliff, which is located at the westernmost tip of Byeonsanbando. The bizarre seaside cliff is a large-scale rhyolite peperite that includes black shale layers. Jeokbyeokgang Cliff showcases a rare view; you will be impressed with the harmony of a rock formation as a result of erosion and weathering, the blue and expansive ocean, and pebbles. Waves crashing against a craggy beach will make you feel refreshed. Also, you should not miss out on the sunset. Both Chaeseokgang Cliff and Jeokbyeokgang Cliff are top-rated locations. Drive down winding coastal roads or walk on Masil-gil.

Jiksopokpo Falls in the innermost part of Naebyeonsan Mountain was named because it drops directly into the pool over a 30-meters high cliff. It is the second valley of Bongnaegugok Valley, where the tributaries of Jiksocheon Stream run in the southeastern foot of Seoninbong Peak of Naebyeonsan Mountain. Legend has it that a dragon dwelled in a deep pond beneath Jiksopokpo Falls. When droughts got worse, Hyeongam, a governor, conducted a rainmaking ceremony in front of the pond. The area covering Jiksopokpo Falls, Bunokdam, and Seonnyeotang is heavily wooded and rocky, which is an untouched gem in Naebyeonsan Mountain. Since Jiksopokpo Falls, designated as a West Coast National Geopark, cascades water over the edge of a tuff cliff, columnar jointing arouses awe and admiration.

Fifteen years ago, an embankment was constructed in Upo-ri to protect lowland regions from flooding. Reeds and grass grew thick. A marsh was formed and naturally became an ecological one—which is the current Julpo Bay Tidal Flat Ecological Park, approximately 200,000 pyeong in area. In particular, the sun setting through the reeds in autumn is emerging as a must-see in Buan. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as fiddler crab, mitten crab, gray mullet, gizzard, dragonfly, badger, white-naped crane, egret, and sea duck.

Gaeamsa Temple is a cozy temple nestled below Ulgeumbawi Rock. As Daeungbojeon Hall of the temple stands against Ulgeumbawi Rock, Ulgeumbawi Rock looks like a folding screen of Daeungbojeon Hall. It was erected during the 35th year of the reign of King Mu of Baekje (634)—at a similar time as the nearby Naesosa Temple. Even though Gaeamsa Temple is said to have been more influential than Naesosa Temple, it is now much smaller than Naesosa Temple. However, a solitary ambiance keeps drawing visitors. The path leading to the front yard through the imposing Iljumun Gate is beautiful. Upright evergreens stand like guards.

The Cheonglim Youth Center (astronomical observatory) is a facility where teenagers will not only cultivate their minds and bodies but also delve into the mysteries of the universe and grow their dreams. It houses the country’s largest 1,000-mm reflector telescope, an 8-meter open dome, 150-mm giant binoculars, nine types of auxiliary telescopes, a 3D theater, sports amenities, and accommodations for 34 guests.

The 10-minute video that can be watched at the theater shows the personal life of Seok-jeong, his oeuvres, and much more. Lots of photos can be his biography too. Suffering Korea under Japanese rule, the Korean War, and military dictatorships, he channeled the pain of the times into writing.

Located in Seooi-ri, Buan-eup, it commemorates Yi Maechang (1573–1610), a famed Gisaeng (artistic entertainer) and writer during the reign of Seonjo of Joseon. Her name was Gyesaeng or Hyanggeum and her nickname, Cheonhyang; Maechang was her pen name. Born as the daughter of Tangjong, a local bureaucrat in Buan, she lost her mother at a young age and learned writing from her father. She also excelled at singing, dancing, and playing Geomungo (zither). She wrote numerous Sijos (three-verse Korean poems). Her masterpiece is “When Pear Blossoms Scatter Like Raindrops,” expressing grief after a breakup.

The Saemangeum project was once regarded as a reckless challenge to turn the sea equivalent to 140 times the size of Yeouido Island into the land. Project preparation was initiated in the 1970s. Since the soil was first poured into the ocean in 1991, it took 19 years to complete construction work. Gradually, plants began to grow in huge fields. Also, roads and edifices were built. Saemangeum is our greatest accomplishment. The Saemangeum Seawall is the longest of its kind in the world, measuring 33.9 kilometers from Daehang-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun to Bieung Port in Gunsan-si via Seonyudo Island. How about embarking on a sunset drive alongside the seawall?

heme Complex: 4D theater, experience and promotion hall, tourism base associated with Saemangeum Experimental Research Complex: relocation of four national research institutes, assistance regarding field training and the utilization of research findings and facilities Industrial Complex: facilitation of the renewable energy sector in cooperation with the Experimental Research Complex