Exploring Gongju: A Journey with Friends
Gongseong Fortress
Gongju Hanok Village
Art Center Goma
Royal Tomb of King Muryeong and the Tomb Park
On a recent trip, I gathered with three friends from my hometown. Two live in Seoul, one in Busan, and I reside in Sejong. We all met in Gongju, where I took on the role of tour guide.
After having lunch in Sejong, we headed straight to Gongseong Fortress. Entering through the main gate, Geumseoru, we took a leisurely walk along the fortress walls. It was the first time for all my friends to visit Gongseong Fortress. Although the weather had been a bit chilly lately, that day was perfect for outdoor activities.
The autumn scenery was beautiful, with the leaves mostly fallen but the occasional red and orange foliage brightening the view. The path along the fortress walls, lined with old trees, added to the late autumn charm. As we walked about two-thirds of the way around the fortress, we noticed a fascinating contrast in the scenery: one side was preparing for winter, while the other basked in sunlight with green grass and evergreens. The differing colors and landscapes created a unique feeling of two seasons coexisting.
Despite some steep sections, the path was relatively easy to walk. It took us about an hour to complete the circuit, making it an ideal stroll. I always enjoy visiting Gongseong Fortress, and my friends loved the walk as well.
After our walk, we craved refreshing drinks, so we headed to a nearby sweet potato pie shop. We ordered iced Americanos and a sweet potato pie each. Although we had to wait due to a long line, the bitter Americano paired perfectly with the sweet pie. Since Gongju is famous for its sweet potatoes, I highly recommended this place, and it turned out to be a success.
Next, we went to the Hanok Village, where we would be staying overnight. We checked in early, having made a reservation. We chose a room with two beds for four people, and thanks to a 20% discount for Sejong residents, it was a great deal.
When we arrived, the room was already warmed by a wood fire, making the floor pleasantly warm. However, the downside of a wood fire is that temperature control is difficult, so I found myself tossing and turning at night due to the heat. Despite that, waking up warm felt refreshing.
We visited the Art Center Goma, just across the street from the Hanok Village, where a new exhibition was being held. We stopped by before dinner to check out the exhibition featuring the works of emerging artist Lee Hu-min. His paintings evoke childhood memories and pop culture from the 1980s and 90s, blending cartoon characters with classical and modern art.
After an early dinner at a traditional Korean restaurant, we returned to the Hanok Village for a night stroll. The village was beautifully decorated with lights, and we enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere as we walked around.
The next morning, we indulged in a foot bath at the village's foot bath facility, which is free for visitors. The hot water was refreshing, and it felt great to relax after a long day of exploring.
As we checked out, we visited the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong and the Tomb Park nearby. The exhibition hall features life-sized replicas of the tombs, showcasing the grandeur of Baekje culture.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch at a nearby bulgogi stew restaurant, where the flavors were just right. Our trip concluded with a sense of satisfaction and a promise to return for more adventures in Gongju.
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