Location: Buan-gun
Top Things to do in Buan-gun
Top Restaurants in Buan-gun
The 10 Best Things to Do in Buan-gun, South Korea
Buan County (Buan-gun) is a county in North Jeolla Province, South Korea. It is bounded by the city of Jeongeup on the east, the county of Gochang on the south, the city of Gimje on the north, and Yellow Sea on the west. Buan is divided into 1 eup, 12 myeon, and 503 ri. Buan had a 2001 estimated population of 74,716 people and a 2013 population of 59,164 people with an area of 493.05㎢. Famous people from Buan include Joseon Dynasty kisaeng and poet, Yi Mae-chang. Like many rural areas in southern Korea, it has seen shrinking population with many younger people moving north to larger cities such as Seoul. This county should not be confused with Muan, the NEW capital of South Jeolla Province.
Restaurants in Buan-gun
1. Eunpa Lake Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By D M - Tucson
There is a large, well lighted maintained dirt/asphalt path around the lake with music on portions of it. The scenery is incredible especially in the fall and spring. On Saturday nights in the warmer seasons there is usually a few live bands at the two small amphitheaters they have set up. The bridge in the evening is lit up in many colors and there are spectacular views of the surrounding city towers. It is a excellent place to walk or slowly ride a bike. There are city bikes for rent at several spots. There is also a paddle boat rental, you can cruise around in a duck shaped paddle boat. At sunset the bugs, especially mosquitoes can be overwhelming certain times of the year (I got over 80 bites on both legs once!), use anti mosquito spray or wear long pants. The locals will be covered head to toe at times. Once it is completely dark there are less bugs.
2. Naesosa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By CanisHan - Guri, South Korea
CY ( 2015.12.30 )
This temple located in Byunsan National park, and had old main temple. The road to temple was very good and not so far. I couldn't find special thing, but all was good. Except tout in entrance, the road, atmosphere and temple was good. If you visit Byunsan National park, go this temple.
3. Seonunsa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By Nholt769 - Florida Panhandle, Florida
This is my favorite temple destination in Korea and I've lived there for over 6 years over 15 years. The temple complex itself is not that much, but the complex and provincal park are grand. You can easily hike over 20 KMs in the area, there are a variety of scenic views, cliff side hermitages, places where Korean dramas were filmed, beautiful flora, and of course the great food. This area is famous for its fresh water eel, cooked either on the grill or BBQ'ed. I've been here 10 times and have not grown tired of the place. The region is full of other fascinating historical and cultural places to visit.
4. Naejangsan National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Alex W - Singapore, Singapore
Naejangsan is most popular in late October and early November. Looking at the reviews here, it appears that most people come all the way from Seoul. Given the distance, that will mean arriving late morning (or almost noon) and hitting the crowds.
That said, it's a big national park, and if you walk deep in, you will find quiet. But you'll still need time to walk deep in and it would be better if you got in before the tour buses arrived.
The nearest town is Jeongeup (sometimees spelt as Jongeup, Jongeub, Jeongeub, etc). I thought I might stay overnight there before going (early) to Naejangsan, but couldn't find any accommodation options online. The next best bet was to stay in Jeonju. So that's what I did, and below, I will detail how to go cheaply from there to Naejangsan.
I stayed in the Hanok Village of jeonju. I took a local bus (#163, 1,200 won) at about 8am from Paldal Road to the west of Hanok Village to the Intercity Bus Terminal on Garinae Road.
At the terminal, I bought a ticket (4,300 won) from a machine (English available) to Jeongeup. Buses depart every ten or twenty minutes. I boarded the 8:20am bus which arrived at Jeongeup intercity bus terminal at 9:25am.
From there, I walked out to the main road and turned left (without crossing the road). About 50 - 100 metres away was a local bus stop where I waited for bus #171. This bus is not frequent. It comes to this bus stop at 9:00am, 9:45am, 10:15am, 10:45am and so on. I got onto the 9:45am bus (1,400 won) which arrived at Naejangsan gate at 10:10am (the #171 bus route ends there).
You'll find yourself in a biggish souvenir-stalls camp with no clear directions to the main gate of Naejangsan park. Just follow your instincts and the flow of people. It's another 500m or so to the entrance to the park. Entry fee 3,000 won. At that hour, it was busy, but not yet crowded. Even so, keep walking for another 1 - 2 km to be free of people.
To return to Jeonju, follow the same route in reverse.
Altogether, it's a bit of time and effort getting there, but it's a beautiful place and well worth it. Others have posted photos here on Trip Advisor, and they are accurate representations.
Needless to say, avoid weekends.
5. Geumsansa Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By iiminimeii - Kingston, Canada
I did the weekend templestay program. But the temple is open everyday for regular visitors.
The program was really well organised and foreigner-friendly. By that I mean there was a special assistant who was by our side the entire weekend translating korean to English to make sure we didn't miss out on a single activity or talk with monks.
Food, vegetarian of course, is honestly one of the best korean foods I've had.
6. Naejangsa Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By CanisHan - Guri, South Korea
C1 ( 2015.08.05 )
This temple was located in Mt. Naejang national park, so had good mountain view. This temple was smaller than I guess, but had good atmosphere. Main building was restoring and made by new tree, so this main one was mismatched with another buildings. There was good temple, but I felt something wanting.
7. National Institute of Ecology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By lonealbatross - Auckland, New Zealand
I recently spent a wonderful afternoon exploring the entire Ecoplex and left feeling pretty inspired.
The biodomes are fantastic, both to look at from a distance and to explore inside. The emphasis is more on flora than fauna which will appeal to those who appreciate not seeing cage after cage of miserable zoo displays. There are a few animals around though - mainly fish and reptiles but a few mammals along the way too. And a few hyperactive penguins in the polar display.
Almost all the interp panels are in Korean, though with English taglines. Anyone with a basic grasp of ecology will be able to figure out what is being conveyed, and if not, the Gardens are worth a wander anyway. I thoroughly enjoyed the expansive grounds beyond the biodomes -- plenty of interesting plant and birdlife abounds in the wetlands. There's also a cool eco-themed playground for the little ones.
Well worth a visit if you are passing through this part of Korea, and incredible value at 5,000 won/adult, (approx US$5) - less for kids.
8. Byeonsanbando National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By CanisHan - Guri, South Korea
CY ( 2015.12.30 )
The Byeonsanbando National Park was wide park and devided some district. There had mountain, sea, temple and various attraction. I and my wife visited Naesosa Temple area, there had temple and path with beautiful view and fresh air. I wanted to look around all district, but I didn't had much time. There was good national park.
9. Dongguksa Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By kjmagnuson - Los Angeles, California
Gunsan is the location of some of the best-preserved Japanese colonial architecture in Korea. For much of Post-WWII Korea, Japanese buildings have been routinely demolished, often with fanfare. It is perhaps understandable considering the brutal Japanese rule Korea suffered under for 35 years. Suprisingly, Dongguksa has survived.
Yet, for visitors finding themselves in Gunsan there are several Japanese buildings worth visiting. Even during difficult times of hardship, life continues. Gunsan's colonial architecture is a perfect window into how Japan saw themselves (Liberator of Asia), and the reality (Colonial ruler). At Dongguksa we can explore a Japanese style temple that is still active. This is the only Japanese temple that remains in its original condition in Korea. The temple is only about 100 years old, the layout is elegant and fairly modest. The Korean Buddhists who run the temple today have chosen to preserve the Japanese style structure for its historical value.
Within Gunsan there is the Japanese Customs House, built in "western" fashion. A wealthy Japanese merchant built his sizable compound, which is a rare, perfectly preserved Japanese house. There is also a Japanese bank and lighthouse. From these structures we can see how Japan tried to assimilate Korea into Japan itself, moreover we also witness Japan attempting to modernize Gunsan as a port city. The juxtaposition of Japan, the perceived "beacon of modernity in Asia" and the "brutal colonizer" is nowhere so apparent as in Gunsan. For if we study the history, Gunsan port was built primarily to import Korean rice and other goods to Japan (virtually with no benefit to local Koreans). How did this modernize or help Korea at the time?
Dongguksa is worth a visit. It is something just not found in 21st century Korea. Japanese buildings that have actual historic value are few and far between in Korea, most have fallen to decay or the wrecking ball. Enjoy this authentic Japanese temple, and venture to see some of Gunsan's rich colonial history. The lesson is an important one.
10. Gochangeupseong Fortress
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By veggiejeonju - Jeonju, South Korea
A small fortress that was the one of the film locations for Dae Jang Geum. Visited here while transferring buses from Jeonju to go to Seonunsa. It is a pleasant walk from the bus station and it is also near a Pansori Musuem.
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