Things to see and do Chungcheong-Do 충청도

This fortress is located on a hill facing the river and is precisely on the site of the former royal palace of the Kingdom of Baekje. Originally the walls were made of mud, but they were rebuilt in stone (for more solidity) in the 17th century. Most of the visible buildings date from this period with later restorations. The partially restored wall is 2,600 m long. The park is pretty and offers a good walk in the middle of old pavilions. One enters through the west gate. The north gate pavilion, Gongbuknu, built in 1603 on an older site, faces the river. On the other side of the hill, to the east, a small temple, Yeong-eunsa, built in 1458, welcomed in 1616 the monk general who supervised the Buddhist armies throughout the country. The Gwan-illu Sermon Hall was used as a dormitory by the soldier monks in 1592. Opposite, the Manharu Pavilion, built from 1724 to 1726, was destroyed by floods. It was rebuilt in 1982 on the original foundations. Behind it is an old water tank discovered by chance in 1982. Going up to the east, the large Imnyugak Pavilion is located at the top of the hill. It was built under King Dongseong of Baekje (479-501) as a banqueting pavilion and was rebuilt from 1991 to 1993 according to motifs found in tombs in the area. Its foundation stones are the oldest remaining ones from the Baekje kingdom. Not far away are the twelve foundation stones of the provincial governor's building under Silla. One can go to the east gate, Dongmun, and then go up to the south gate. On the way, one will see a pavilion with three stelae (Myeongguksamjangbi) dedicated to the three Chinese generals of the Ming Dynasty who defended the fortress during the Japanese invasions of 1597. These stelae were erected in 1599 and again in 1713 before being buried by the Japanese during the occupation. They had taken care to erase certain characters, such as "Japanese looters", which were engraved on them. They were unearthed in 1945. We arrive at Jinnamnu, the pavilion at the south gate. Above is a pavilion, Ssangsujeong, erected on the site of two trees under which King Injo, who had taken refuge in the fortress, learned of the defeat of the insurrection led by Yi Gwal (1624). The king appointed the two trees as third grade civil servants. A stele was erected below in memory of these events by the governor of the province in 1734.

This spring 14 km west of Onyang comes out of the ground at only 40°C. It is famous for its sulphur-rich waters, excellent for fighting anaemia. This small tourist complex is not as urban as Onyang, but it is developed all the same. The site is pleasant, rural. As usual, the best baths are located in large hotels like those in Paradise Dogo; one can also stay in good, cheaper hotels or in a yeogwan.

There are several beaches on the road to Anmyeondo Island which is connected to the coast by a bridge. The largest is Mongsanpo and you will find everything you need to stay and eat.

To the north of Mallipo a small road starts that joins charming little fishing villages. The first one, which is also the largest beach encountered, Cheonllipo, is located in a beautiful protected bay. These villages are much more authentic than the ones you can find near Mallipo, but the beaches are not as clean as the others. It is especially the fishermen who come there in great number, because the place abounds in fish. We have to walk or take a taxi, because there is no bus that takes us there.

Woraksan is a large, wild national park and less visited than others. It includes some of the 8 wonders of Danyang. It offers beautiful walks, but has no famous grand temple. It can be entered by several entries: Worak (the ferry stop, northwest), Janghoe (another stop of the ferry, to the northeast), Danyang (for "wonders", to the northeast), etc. From Worak, you arrive in the Songgye valley. You can leave here to climb the Pic peak (1 094 m). More south is Mireuksaji. There are the remains of a fortress built under Goryeo and some Temples, including Deokjusa with strange phalliques stones. This beautiful valley is crossed by a road and there are 4 entrances with minbaks and restaurants from which you can leave in the mountains. There are minbaks in the Danyang area and many campgrounds in the park, but there are no shelters. A free card is available called "Chungju-Suanbo" which presents a detailed plan for the park.