Situated in the lower part of the central region of the Korean peninsula, Nonsan has long been regarded as the source of strength for the land and became home to early settlers in the prehistoric times. Nonsan was part of Mahan in the Samhan period and also part of Baekje during the Three Kingdoms Period. Hwangsanbeol in Nonsan was the final battle ground between the 5,000 troops led by General Gyebaek of Baekje and the 50,000 troops led by General Kim Yu-sin of Silla occurred, which ended in the defeat of Baekje. That's why Nonsan has lots of Baekje traces around and also several great temples.

Let's explore the top 5 attractions of Nonsan together!! 

Gwanchoksa Temple

Containing Eunjin Mireuk with a beautiful, thousand-year-old smile

On the site of Gwanchoksa Temple, there is a massive stone standing Maitreya statue from the Goryeo period that is more well-known as “Eunjin Mireuk”. The background of the creation of Eunjin Mireuk, which is known to be the largest stone statue in Korea, is well-described on the monumental stone erected in 1743 (19th year of King Yeongjo’s reign over Joseon).

 

Tapjeongho Lake

A paradise for migratory birds and a lifeline for Nonsan

The Tapjeongho Lake, located across Bujeok-myeon, Gagok-myeon, and Yangchon-myeon in Nonsan, boasts clean water, contains an abundance of freshwater fish such as carp, mandarin fish and catfish, and presents splendid natural scenery.

 

General Gyebaek Historic Site

With the traces of the loyal spirit of the 5,000 death-defying troops

This is a historic site related to General Gyebaek, regarded as one of the top three loyal subjects of Baekje along with Seongchung and Heungsu, and it is near Hwangsanbeol, which was the site of the final battle between Baekje and Silla.

 

Gaetaesa Temple

Built by Taejo Wang Geon at the time of founding Goryeo Dynasty

Gaetaesa Temple was the largest guardian Buddhist temple of the Goryeo Dynasty, where senior government officials prayed for the protection of the state during the times of national hardships. The temple site contains the Maitreya Triad Statue (Treasure No. 219), a five-story stone pagoda, Gaetaesa iron pot, as well as Changungak and Ujugak halls.

 

 

Donam Seowon 

Seowon, or Neo-Confucian Academy of the Joseon dynasty, has been designated as a cultural heritage by UNESCO. Among the many Seowon in Korea, nine were chosen and added to the list of Korea’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Donam Seowon is one of the nine Seowon lists, and it is the place where Sagye Kim Jang-saeng received basics about etiquette, the shrine of the Giho culture. 

 

 

By Donny Yim

Photo by Kim Taihyun