Namdang Port is one of the representative ports of the West Coast along with Baeksajang Port in Taean. Known for catches of prawn, cockle, flat fish, rock fish and other types of seafood, the port draws visitors all year round. You’ll often see people out scouring the shoreline of the port for cockles, which are usually enjoyed as cockle shabu shabu or chargrilled cockle, top local delicacies.In September and October, many tourists flock to the port for the Daeha (prawn) Festival. The Namdangri Daeha Festival is a chance to eat and buy fresh prawn at reasonable prices and participate in programs that celebrate the fishing community. Favorite events include an ancestral ritual to pray for a plentiful catch, a fishing boat parade, singing contests, streets markets, and a ssireum (Korean wrestling) competition.Nearby attractions include the bamboo grove of Jukdo Island (10 minutes’ away by ferry) and Yongbongsan Mt., which is only a 40 minutes’ drive. Old houses of historical figures are also located in the area and include the residences of General Choi Young of the Goryeo Dynasty, Seong Sam Mun (a scholar official of the Joseon Dynasty), and General Kim Jwa Jin and Han Yong Un (independent activists).

Onyangoncheon Station opened on June 1, 1922 as a regular railway station. The station building was relocated on June 23, 1983. On January 1, 2005, it was converted into a metro station. On September 2, 2008, the double tracked railway extension from Cheonan Station to Sinchang Station started operation.The Seoul Metropolitan Subway extended Line 1 to service the Cheonan-Sinchang extension on December 15, 2008. Onyangoncheon Station started to serve the Nuriro Trains on June 1, 2009.

Sinjeongho Tourist Park was created in 1993 on land spanning 272,000 square meters in the Bangchuk-dong area of Asan City. The park has various attractions including a grass plaza, bird garden, wildflower park, sculpture park, youth facilities, and 8.45 meter-high statue of Admiral Lee Sun-shin. The ecological park at the tourist park entrance is home to a variety of plants such as pine trees and azalea flowers, while the sculpture park attracts visitors in the winter with a large ice sculpture 8 meters wide and 3 meters high. Sinjeongho Lake, located in front of the tourist park, is a popular fishing spot throughout the year and visitors can enjoy a leisurely ride on motor boats or pleasure boats.

Hongwon Port, located near Chunjangdae Beach, is a popular place for enjoying sea fishing and delectable meals of fresh raw fish. In addition to its culinary appeal, the port offers the picturesque scene of long stretches of shoreline guarded by two beacons in red and white.Located only 10 minutes away by car is Maryang Port, which is one of the rare places where visitors can see both the sunrise and sunset. Maryang Port is the third most popular spot along the west coast after Anmyeondo Island and Daecheon Beach and is particularly loved by couples. Though Hongwon Port is perhaps not as scenic as Maryang Port, Hongwon is bigger and has more fishing boats (thanks to its small tidal range), resulting in a livelier atmosphere and cheaper sashimi prices.There is also a beautiful camellia hill, called ‘Dongbaekjeong’ located nearby. When the camellias are in full bloom, short-tentacled octopuses are in season at Hongwon Port. However, gizzard shad is by far the most popular seafood caught in the waters off the port. There are even old Korean sayings that stem from the popularity of the gizzard shad, which is said to be most abundant and delicious in the fall. According to the sayings “In the head of Gizzard Shad caught in autumn are three bags of sesame” (referring to the worth of the fish) and, “The smell of grilled gizzard shad brings the runaway daughter-in-law back home” (in reference to its taste).Hongwon Port (along with Gwangyang Port in Jeollanamdo) is the prime spot for gizzard shad. Each autumn the port holds the Gizzard Shad Festival, a festival that has plenty of events & delectable fish dises. While at the festival, visitors are also encouraged to check out the Seocheon Museum of Marine & Natural History and Dongbaekjeong. The stuffed specimens at the museum are worth the visit and the view of the Maryang Port from atop the museum is unbelievable.Representative festival of Hongwon Port: Gizzard Shad FestivalHongwon Harbor hosts the Jeoneo (gizzard shad) Festival every October. During the festival fresh gizzard shad is served up in a variety of ways (including salads mixed with spicy marinated Jeoneo, cucumbers, sesame leaves, and parsley) and the village comes alive with fish-catching activities, performances, and fireworks.Jeoneo is known as a good hangover food and a good diet food because it is low in fat and high in protein. Also said to be good for the skin, this tasty fish appeals to a wide audience (as evidenced by the diverse crowds that visit the festival each year).

Jeongnimsaji Museum is located in Buyeo, the last capital of Baekje, where the Baekje culture flourished for the 123 year long “Sabi Era.” The museum was established on the building site of Jeongnimsa Temple, which was a symbolic meeting place for royalty and a center for politics based on Buddhist morals. The museum highlights the Buddhist culture of Baekje, said to be the origin of Buddhism in Korea and Japan, and Jeongnimsa Temple, known as the culmination of Baekje Buddhism. The museum also seeks to emphasize the advanced technology of Baekje and reenact the Sabi Era using an interactive approach that relies heavily on videos, panels, replicas, and hands-on programs. Main attractions at the museum include the Jeongnimsaji Temple Site (Historic Site No. 301), the five-story stone pagoda of Jeongnimsaji (National Treasure No. 9) and the seated stone Buddha (Treasure No. 108).

Garimseong Fortress (Formerly, Seongheungsanseong Fortress (성흥산성)) is a stone fortress built on the lower reaches of the Geumgang River to protect Ungjinseong Fortress / Sabiseong Fortress (the capital of the Baekje Dynasty). It is the only fortress whose historical date is clearly known out of the Baekje era fortresses and therefore its cultural heritage is very important for the study of ancient geographical names.As Mt. Seongheungsan is just 260m-tall, it is not difficult to hike up the mountain. Despite its low altitude, Mt. Seongheungsan has a wide view of the plain by the Geumgang River and the neighboring mountains. On January 1, a New Year’s celebration and Chunghonje Ritual (at General Yu Geum-phil’s Shrine) are held annually. The Zelkova tree in Garimseong Fortress has gained popularity after being filmed in several TV dramas.

Samgilpo Port in Hwagok-ri, Daesan-eup, Chungcheongnam-do is located at the end of Daeho Seawall, which connects Hwagok-ri, Daesan-eup and Gyoro-ri, Seongmun-myeon, Dangjin-gun. The floodgate of the Daeho Seawall is also located at the site. The 7.8-km-long Daeho Seawall was completed on November 16, 1984. It is a scenic ocean drive with an expansive view of the large and small islands floating on the sea. It is also a popular sea fishing venue. In the middle of Daeho Seawall, is Dobido Island. It was developed as a recreational site equipped with accommodations, sports and recreation facilities, and a farmer’s market. It has since become a highly favored tourist destination. Around Samgilpo Port are a number of sashimi (Korean raw fish) restaurants where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood with a great view in a tranquil atmosphere. Daeho Seawall is also known as paradise for winter migratory birds, so each winter it attracts a number of birds, photographers, and birdwatchers.

Gayasan Mountain has easy and enjoyable hiking trails connecting Gayabong Peak, the main peak with other 5 picks and mountains including Wonhyobong Peak (677m), Ongnyangbong Peak (621.4m), Illaksan Mountain (521.4m), Sujeongbong Peak (453m), and Sangwangsan Mountain. The trails are as easy, and suitable for all hikers including the elderly, and young hikers. A distant view of the west sea is even visible from the top f the mountain. Gayasan Mountain offers amazing scenery all year round, and most notably in the spring, when azaleas, royal azaleas, and an array of wildflowers are in full bloom. The mountain also contains the Seosan Rock-carved Buddha Triad (National Treasure No.84), which is considered the best rock-carved Buddha from the Baekje Period. The mountain is also home to three Buddhist temples including Bowonsaji Temple site, Gaesimsa Temple, and Illaksa Temple. With 1 national treasure, 6 treasures, and 4 cultural assets preserved on the mountain, it is safe to say that the mountain is the heart of the Naepo Culture Zone (northwestern region of the province of Chungcheongnam-do), making the entire mountain a cultural asset.

Palbongsan Mountain stretches out like a folding screen and stands high with great spirit, embracing nine villages. It is named Palbong (“eight peaks” in Korean) because of its eight peaks in a row. The third peak is the highest, standing at 362m with a beautiful view and crisp air, making it ideal for hiking (about a 3 hour course) and resting at the top. There is also another popular Palbongsan Mountain in Hongcheon, so this mountain is usually referred to as “Seosan Palbongsan.” Seosan is the name of the city where the mountain belongs. In fact, there are nine peaks here, but the smallest one was not included in the name, so there smallest one weeps over its exclusion at the end of each December.

Lotte Buyeo Resort is now open in Buyeo (Chungcheongnam-do), the center of the Baekje Dynasty (18 BC – 660 AD). It is a giant resort that combines history, culture, and recreation. The curvilinear façade of the resort is reminiscent of the spirit of the dynasty, boasting both classical as well as modern architectural beauty by using traditional architectural techniques. Opened first, the Condominium is a luxury hotel with 322 rooms over 11 floors (B1F-10F). Rooms are divided into the Luxury Room for special guests, the Deluxe Room for international and individual tourists, the Family Room for family visitors, and the Suite Room. Amenities include pools (offering artificial waves), the Aqua Garden (spa facilities), four ballrooms, seminar rooms (with state-of-the-art equipment), restaurants, and a Kids’ Club. The façade of the condominium is decorated with louver designs with twelve traditional Korean colors. The Condominium is a main lodging facility for visitors to the Great Baekje World Festival. In addition to the Condominium, the resort plans to build Premium Outlets, environment-friendly Golf Village, Baekje Theme Garden, Seonhwa Lake, Children’s World, Palm Park, Baekje Art Street, and Baekje Historic Restoration Village as part of establishing the Baekje Cultural Complex. Indeed, it offers everything from historical and cultural experiences to shopping and recreation for visitors.