Gochang, renowned for hosting seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, emerges as a premier destination in South Korea. Nestled amidst mountains, fields, rivers, and the sea, Gochang beckons as an enchanting locale where profound history and culture seamlessly blend with the verdant natural surroundings.
As the first city in Korea to showcase seven UNESCO-recognised treasures, Gochang has firmly established itself as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic and rejuvenating travel experience. It invites you to rediscover history and listen to the stories whispered by nature. Recognised for its pristine natural beauty and cultural richness, Gochang has been spotlighted as a must-visit city in 2024 by SRT Magazine.
Gochangeupseong
Walled Town
A Timeless Legacy
Gochangeupseong Walled Town, also recognised as Mo Yang Seong fortress, stands as the flagship of Gochang city, showcasing a well-preserved circular Korean fortress. Constructed in 1453 during the early Joseon Dynasty, this historic site played a crucial role in defending the southern region and earned the designation as Historic Site No. 145 on April 1, 1965.
The fortress walls, standing at heights of 4 to 6 meters and spanning a circumference of 1,684 meters, were erected by local civilians using available natural resources. The walled town is surrounded by Bandeungsan, a guardian mountain to the east, featuring three gates on the north, east and west, along with six chis, two floodgates and a covering tower. Within this expansive area, 22 government buildings were situated, underscoring its historical significance. Ongoing restoration efforts on the wall have been underway since 1976, emphasising the commitment to preserving this cultural gem.
While strolling along the fortress trail, which offers a panoramic view of downtown Gochang, one can almost feel the echoes of ancestors engaged in tearful and determined battles against adversaries. According to legend, circling the fortress once brings good health, twice bestows a long life, and thrice grants transcendence to heaven.
The bamboo forest within, named Maengjong Jungnim, serves as a sought-after filming location and a hotspot for the younger generation. It adds an extra layer of charm to the fortress, making it not only historically significant but also culturally rich and engaging for contemporary visitors.
Gochangeupseong Walled Town encapsulates a harmonious blend of nature and cultural heritage, emphasising the importance of their preservation in their authentic and unspoiled splendour.
A Timeless Legacy
Gochangeupseong Walled Town, also recognised as Mo Yang Seong fortress, stands as the flagship of Gochang city, showcasing a well-preserved circular Korean fortress. Constructed in 1453 during the early Joseon Dynasty, this historic site played a crucial role in defending the southern region and earned the designation as Historic Site No. 145 on April 1, 1965.
The fortress walls, standing at heights of 4 to 6 meters and spanning a circumference of 1,684 meters, were erected by local civilians using available natural resources. The walled town is surrounded by Bandeungsan, a guardian mountain to the east, featuring three gates on the north, east and west, along with six chis, two floodgates and a covering tower. Within this expansive area, 22 government buildings were situated, underscoring its historical significance. Ongoing restoration efforts on the wall have been underway since 1976, emphasising the commitment to preserving this cultural gem.
While strolling along the fortress trail, which offers a panoramic view of downtown Gochang, one can almost feel the echoes of ancestors engaged in tearful and determined battles against adversaries. According to legend, circling the fortress once brings good health, twice bestows a long life, and thrice grants transcendence to heaven.
The bamboo forest within, named Maengjong Jungnim, serves as a sought-after filming location and a hotspot for the younger generation. It adds an extra layer of charm to the fortress, making it not only historically significant but also culturally rich and engaging for contemporary visitors.
Gochangeupseong Walled Town encapsulates a harmonious blend of nature and cultural heritage, emphasising the importance of their preservation in their authentic and unspoiled splendour.
Gochang Moyang Fortress Festival
Since 1973, the Gochang Moyang Fortress Festival has been dedicated to honouring the ancestors who exerted tremendous efforts in constructing the fortress. Held annually in October, the festival aims to promote local culture and instil love and pride in Gochang residents. Key events include a celebration and memorial ceremony, complemented by diverse activities such as pansori performances, farming music, folk games and archery. A notable highlight is the Dapseongdori event, during which participants carry a rock atop their heads and circumnavigate the fortress three times. This ritual is believed to possess healing properties, bestow a long and healthy life and ensure entry into heaven.
Dolmen Sites
Majestic Megalithic Legacy
Dolmens, ancient tombs from the Bronze Age, are found abundantly throughout South Korea, with a total of more than 30,000 scattered throughout the country. The Gochang Dolmen Site, stands out as one of the regions with the largest and highest collection of dolmens, earning it the prestigious designation as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site on November 29, 2000. As of the 2023 survey, more than 65% of the dolmens in Jeollabuk-do are concentrated in Gochang, making it the home to the largest dolmen colonies in South Korea, boasting approximately 1,748 dolmens.
The dolmens extend over a width of 1.5km, encircling the Dolmen Museum at the base of the mountain. From the vantage point of the Gochang Dolmen Museum, one can have a panoramic view of the entire dolmen group spanning Juknim-ri, Sanggap-ri and Bongdeok-ri. Additionally, from the Juknim-ri side, the Dolmen group in Dosan-ri is also visible. The dolmens are categorised into three distinct districts: District 1, District 2 and Dosan District. A total of 447 dolmens are scattered across these districts, showcasing a diverse array of types such as table-type, checkerboard-type and open stone-type dolmens. This mixture offers significant insights into the occurrence, development, and characteristics of dolmens.
Gochang Dolmen Museum
Gochang Dolmen Museum offers visitors a chance to explore a diverse collection of relics and gain insights into the Bronze Age artefacts and global significance dolmen cultures, including tombs and gravesites. Beyond its numerous exhibition halls, the museum provides interactive spaces that enable visitors to delve deeper into its core themes. A highlight is the mock-up of an ancient dugout hut, allowing visitors to capture memorable photos. Adjacent to the museum lies the Bronze Age theme park, featuring a life-size replica of a prehistoric village, a dolmen experience zone, and an exhibition area showcasing a representative memorial service from the Bronze Age. Honour with three stars by the Michelin Green Guide in 2011, this site has become a preferred destination for educational excursions.
Website: www.gochang.go.kr/gcdolmen
Seonunsa Temple
Nature’s Spiritual Oasis
Seonunsan Mountain, also known as Dosolsan Mountain, is renowned for its uniquely shaped rocks forming peaks scattered throughout. Often likened to the Naeguemgang of the Honam Region, the mountain was designated as a provincial park in 1979.
Nestled in the majestic Seonunsan mountain range, the time-honoured Seonunsa Temple serves as a spiritual haven with a history spanning 1,500 years. Established in 577, during the 24th year of King Wideok of the Baekje dynasty, Seonunsa Temple stands as the second headquarters of Buddhism in Jeollabuk-do. The temple boasts a profound history, breathtaking natural landscapes, and invaluable Buddhist cultural assets, inviting visitors year-round for activities such as temple stays, flower-viewing, hiking and more.
According to historical records, it originally encompassed a vast complex with 189 temple buildings and 89 different hermitages. Presently, Seonunsa preserves the remaining 13 temple buildings, including the central Daeoongbojeon (Main Buddha Hall). Aligned in a continuous row, these temple structures create a striking scene against the backdrop of the Camellia shrub forest (Natural Monument No. 184). Notably, Maseru, one of the most distinctive buildings, was constructed from leftover lumber after the completion of other structures, featuring tree trunks used as columns and crossbeams without any trimming. If you happen to visit Seonunsa, it is highly recommended to go the extra mile and explore the heritage Dosolam on Dosolsan for its truly captivating scenery.
Moreover, Seonunsa is beloved for its bright red camellias blooming amid the snowy winter. The Camellia flowers in Seonunsan Mountain, referred to as Chunbaek or Spring Camelias, bloom later than those in other regions. To capture the lingering beauty of camellias, which have already faded in warmer areas, a visit to Seonunsa Temple is highly recommended.
Website : www.templestay.com
Nature’s Spiritual Oasis
Seonunsan Mountain, also known as Dosolsan Mountain, is renowned for its uniquely shaped rocks forming peaks scattered throughout. Often likened to the Naeguemgang of the Honam Region, the mountain was designated as a provincial park in 1979.
Nestled in the majestic Seonunsan mountain range, the time-honoured Seonunsa Temple serves as a spiritual haven with a history spanning 1,500 years. Established in 577, during the 24th year of King Wideok of the Baekje dynasty, Seonunsa Temple stands as the second headquarters of Buddhism in Jeollabuk-do. The temple boasts a profound history, breathtaking natural landscapes, and invaluable Buddhist cultural assets, inviting visitors year-round for activities such as temple stays, flower-viewing, hiking and more.
According to historical records, it originally encompassed a vast complex with 189 temple buildings and 89 different hermitages. Presently, Seonunsa preserves the remaining 13 temple buildings, including the central Daeoongbojeon (Main Buddha Hall). Aligned in a continuous row, these temple structures create a striking scene against the backdrop of the Camellia shrub forest (Natural Monument No. 184). Notably, Maseru, one of the most distinctive buildings, was constructed from leftover lumber after the completion of other structures, featuring tree trunks used as columns and crossbeams without any trimming. If you happen to visit Seonunsa, it is highly recommended to go the extra mile and explore the heritage Dosolam on Dosolsan for its truly captivating scenery.
Moreover, Seonunsa is beloved for its bright red camellias blooming amid the snowy winter. The Camellia flowers in Seonunsan Mountain, referred to as Chunbaek or Spring Camelias, bloom later than those in other regions. To capture the lingering beauty of camellias, which have already faded in warmer areas, a visit to Seonunsa Temple is highly recommended.
Website : www.templestay.com
Ungok Ramsar Wetland
Biodiversity Sanctuary
Ungok Ramsar Wetland, an eco-tourism site in Gochang, earned recognition as one of the world’s top 100 tourist destinations in 2021. The vicinity around Ungok Reservoir comprises wetlands, offering an opportunity to observe endangered species and a diverse array of animals and plants.
The wetland is home to both sizeable and smaller ponds, such as Andeokje and Ungokje, seamlessly connect with adjacent ecological ponds. These water bodies serve as excellent habitats for various wetland ecological resources. Additionally, the wetland plays a crucial role as a natural resource, absorbing carbon dioxide and mitigating the impact of climate change.
Ungok Ramsar Wetland, characterised as a unique low-lying mountainous palustrine wetland, stands out for its significant biodiversity value. Globally recognised and protected, this wetland was listed as a natural heritage site under the Ramsar Convention on April 6, 2011.
Acknowledged by the Korea Tourism Organization as a key potential tourist destination, this wetland serves as a showcase for the abundance of natural wonders that Gochang has to offer.
Gochang’s picturesque rural vistas, cultural gems, and immersive experiential tourism set it apart as a distinctive destination with UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Whether you seek historical mysteries, natural wonders, or a taste of local delights, Gochang warmly invites you to explore the hidden treasures of South Korea.
For more information on Gochang, visit www.tour.gochang.go.kr.
