In this article, we’re introducing one of Korea's most unique cities, Buyeo.
Stories of ancient kingdoms with long histories always amaze us, and you may already know several shows and films inspired by them.
Just like the popular series Game of Thrones, there was fierce competition between kingdoms on the Korean peninsula. During the Three Kingdoms Period, Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla fought for dominance over the region.
Only a two-hour trip from Seoul, Buyeo is a peaceful, historical city once serving as the last capital of Baekje.
Filled with remarkable cultural sites and remnants of ancient history, Buyeo offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating legacy of Baekje.
If you're curious about this ancient kingdom, visiting Buyeo is the perfect way to dive deeper into its story!
[Baekje: A Kingdom of Art and Culture]
The Three Kingdoms Period of the Korean Peninsula was a time when three powerful kingdoms each had their own unique qualities. Goguryeo, which bordered China and had a strong military attitude, Silla, which rose to power later but won in the end through smart diplomacy and sea trade, and Baekje, known for its impressive art and culture.
Baekje accepted Buddhism early on and became a leader in various forms of art and culture. One of the greatest examples of Baekje’s artistic achievement is the ‘Gilt-Bronze Incense Burner’ found in Buyeo, which is considered a masterpiece of Baekje art.
It features a lotus flower on top of a gold dragon, and on top of the lotus flower is a bronze sculpture of a gods, people, animals, and nature in harmony. When incense is burned, the smoke surrounds the delicate carvings like clouds rising from the mountains, showing the beauty and skill of Baekje art. It’s so finely made that it’s hard to believe it was crafted by hand 1,500 years ago.
Buyeo is also home to Gungnamji, the oldest man-made pond in Korea. It is said that the Baekje craftsmen who created the pond travelled to Japan and brought their landscaping skills with them. Beautiful in every season, it’s especially stunning in July during the Seodong Lotus Festival, when 10 million lotus flowers bloom.
[Traces of the Last Baekje Capital in Buyeo]
In Buyeo, you’ll also find Busosanseong Fortress, thought to be part of the last Baekje royal palace. During the Baekje period, soldiers and citizens lived in this fortress, and today, archeologists continue to discover artifacts from this ancient site.
Another important site is Nakhwaam Rock, which means "Rock of Falling Flowers," and it has a famous story. As Baekje was falling, the last king’s palace maids jumped from this cliff into the Geum River to protect their honor. Today, this tale is widely known in Korea as a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice.
If you walk down from Nakhwaam Rock toward the river, you’ll find Goransa Temple. This small temple was built to protect Goranjeong(Spring) nearby. According to legend, a sip from this spring can make you three years younger! There’s a story that an old man from Baekje drank the water so greedily that he eventually turned into a newborn child. So, if you ever visit, just take one sip—don't be too greedy! 😂
After the fall of Baekje, the capital “Sabi” was renamed “Buyeo”, and it remains Buyeo-gun to this day.
Even though Baekje is long gone, its heritage remains an important part of Korea’s roots. Baekje was a land of rich culture and art rooted in Buddhism, and its influence still lives on in Korea’s history and sites.
Why not come and experience the mysterious beauty of Baekje's last capital ‘Buyeo’, and uncover its legendary stories yourself?
