Exploring the Goesan Veterans Theme Park
- Original source
- blog.naver.com
[ Goesan Travel ]
Must-Visit Places in Goesan County
Goesan Veterans Theme Park | A stroll through the patriotic walking path featuring the Chung-Hon Tower, Chung-Yeol Tower, and a display of military vehicles.
On the hill in Dongbu-ri, Goesan-eup, there is a park dedicated to honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Today, I would like to introduce the Goesan Veterans Theme Park.
At first glance, the name may evoke thoughts of a solemn memorial space, but upon visiting, you will find well-maintained walking paths through a pine forest, a display of military vehicles, and walls telling the stories of independence activists, making it a pleasant spot for a leisurely stroll.
According to the information at the park entrance, the Goesan Veterans Park was established on the site of the Chung-Hon Tower, which was built in 1961. Construction began in April 2012 with national and local funding and was completed in December of the same year.
Various memorials for those who received military honors, the Vietnam War memorial, and the Korean War memorial were relocated here, along with the establishment of the Chung-Hon and Chung-Yeol Towers.
The park was further developed through a theme space project in 2025, resulting in the current form of the Goesan Veterans Theme Park.
There is a designated parking area for veterans at the lower parking lot of the park.
A banner expressing gratitude to veterans is displayed on the hill behind the parking lot, making it clear what this space represents.
After parking, you can start your visit by following the stairs and pathways leading into the park.
On the way up, there is a photo zone featuring a soldier character saluting next to decorations of the national flower and the flag, with the phrase 'Goesan, the Sacred Land of National Defense'.
This friendly decoration makes the solemn space more approachable, making it a great spot for families with children to take a commemorative photo.
A sign among the pine trees provides information about the park's history and mentions that Goesan County holds ceremonies to pay respects to the spirits of the fallen on New Year's Day and the first of every month, as well as events on March 1st and Memorial Day.
As you walk along the path, you will encounter a long, curved theme wall.
This wall features a large image of the national flag and summarizes modern Korean history through photos and text, allowing you to learn as you stroll.
A wide paved path in front of the wall makes walking comfortable.
One section of the theme wall introduces the story of independence activist Kwon Dong-jin, who was one of the 33 representatives of the Korean independence movement.
According to the sign, he led a protest movement in 1919 and was arrested by the Japanese police, serving three years in prison.
Next to it, there is a board summarizing the significance of the five major national holidays and Memorial Day, which is great for reading with children.
Inside the park, there is an actual military vehicle on display.
It is placed on a circular platform, allowing visitors to view it from all angles, and its size is impressive, especially for children.
The combination of the theme wall and the military vehicle gives the veterans park a sense of being a learning space rather than just a memorial.
The walking path continues through the pine forest, with a wooden fence along the way and streetlights providing a neat atmosphere.
The path gently slopes uphill, making it a bit strenuous, but the shade from the trees makes it comfortable to walk.
At the end of the path, there is a spacious plaza with the Chung-Hon Tower standing at its center.
The tower rises high above the wide steps, and the symmetrical sculptures on either side evoke a sense of solemnity.
According to the memorial stone, the original Chung-Hon Tower was built in 1961, rebuilt in 1991, and then newly constructed during the park's development.
Next to the tower is a statue representing the veterans, depicting soldiers supporting each other as they advance.
The steps in front of the statue are well-maintained, making it easy for visitors to pay their respects.
Nearby, there is a memorial stone for those who received military honors, featuring a semi-circular sculpture with numerous names engraved on it.
Looking at the many names carved into the black wall evokes a sense of solemnity.
The park's facilities sign also indicates that this is a memorial facility dedicated to the names of the heroic soldiers from Goesan County who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Further inside, you will find the Chung-Yeol Tower.
This arch-shaped tower features a statue of a person raising both arms high, with the characters '忠烈塔' inscribed below.
According to the memorial stone, this tower honors the fallen heroes and was newly built after the original tower was demolished in 1967.
Finally, I took a moment to rest in a pavilion beside the plaza.
Sitting in the pavilion allows you to overlook the surrounding mountains, making it a great spot to reflect after your visit.
Please note that smoking, drinking, littering, and pets are prohibited in the park.
Goesan Veterans Theme Park, along with Goesan Hyanggyo and the pink muhly grass in Seoburi, is a great place to visit for a day trip in Goesan.
Location: 437-2 Dongbu-ri, Goesan-eup, Goesan County, Chungcheongbuk-do
Main Facilities: Chung-Hon Tower, Chung-Yeol Tower, Memorial for Military Honors, Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Statue of Veterans, Military Vehicle Display, Theme Wall, Pavilion
Parking: Available at the lower parking lot (with priority parking for veterans)
Events: Ceremonies on New Year's Day, the first of each month, March 1st, and Memorial Day
Accessibility: Some paved paths, but there are hills and stairs.
Nearby Attractions: Goesan Hyanggyo, Seoburi Pink Muhly (Pink Hill Glass Garden)
Source :https://blog.naver.com/goesan-gun/224471359047
More from Travel
No comments yet.
