Buan becomes more accessible
Visitors to Buan County can enjoy the water and the mountains at the same time. Masil Trail in the county spans the coastline and heads into the hills where visitors can enjoy a view of the West Sea. Provided by Buan County
Eleven years after the country welcomed its first express train, the new Korea Railroad Corporation line means it will now take less than two hours for Seoulites to get to Gwangju, the largest city in the southwestern region.
The new service is seen as a boon for regional offices in North and South Jeolla, which are aiming to attract more travelers.
Buan in North Jeolla, which is well known for its picturesque scenery in the Byeonsanbando Peninsula, is likely to benefit.
Its popularity comes from its geographical location near the coast and the mountains, although regular visitors may be more familiar with what it offers near the water.
“Many are aware of Byeonsan, but a surprisingly high number of people don’t know that it is part of Buan County,” said the area’s mayor, Kim Jong-gyu.
“Now we are trying to spread the name of the county to show that the area can offer almost custom-made experiences to many visitors with a different traveling taste.”
Besides updating the Buan Masil Festival, which is held beside the area’s Masil trails along the coastline and major streets and markets in the area, the mayor also shared his ideas about creating special tours such as the “Moonlight Festival,” which is in its beginning development stage, where people can walk around a nearby island at night.
Going inland
Although many visitors opt to spend more time by the beach, especially during the summer, Buan has a lot more to offer inland than people realize.
The area usually referred to as Naebyeonsan, which literally means inner side of Byeonsan, includes mountain ranges that are designated as Byeonsanbando National Park. The trails here are not too challenging for novice hikers as the highest, Uisang Peak, has an altitude of 508.6 meters (1,669 feet).
If you would prefer to walk on flatter paths with minimal inclines, head to Jikso Waterfall from Naebyeonsan Hiking Support Center.
It takes about 50 minutes one way to walk 2.2 kilometers, and it is recommended to go the day after it rains as you can catch temporary waterfalls over the many rocks in the mountains, even before arriving at the well-known Jikso Waterfall.
From top: Families can gather to collect shellfish in mud flats for daytime fun. Provided by Buan County Jikso Waterfall in Byeonsanbando National Park attracts many hikers with its picturesque view. By Lee Sun-min At Suseongdang Shrine, several shamans gather to organize a ceremony to get rid of bad luck. Provided by Buan County
A walk up to Wolmyeong Temple is perfect for someone looking for a slightly more challenging trail. The 2.2-kilometer path from Namyeochi Control Center takes about an hour.
After venturing inside the trees along the trail, visitors will have an unhindered view on the last step up to the temple.
Two big Sapsali dogs, a shaggy Korean breed, will welcome you at the establishment. Many visitors bring snacks to feed the dogs.
Educational spots
The county is a good choice for parents with young students, especially those who want to make trips more educational.
Children can study the rock formations in Jeokbyeokgang and Chaeseokgang by the water, for example. Chaesoekgang, which sticks out the farthest in the ocean, has been eroded significantly due to high waves and strong winds, and as a result, has created a unique stone trail, which becomes more exposed when the water ebbs.
It is possible to walk on the stones and children can pick up a variety of shellfish in between the rocks.
In the many mud flats found along the coastline, families can learn about different types of shellfish.
Depending on the tides, Ha Island, which is about a kilometer away from the mainland, can sometimes be reached on foot.
At Suseongdang Shrine, which local shamans visit because it is renowned for its strong spiritual presence, according to a local tour guide, visitors can see ceremonies to wish away bad luck being performed.
The shrine has also been used in the past to wish for the safety of seamen.
Staying overnight
Although many counties farther away from major metropolitan areas such as Seoul, Busan, or Gwangju usually lack big-name hotels and resorts, Buan County has four hotels especially constructed to cater to families with children, including Daemyung Resort Byeonsan.
In addition, the Korea Forest Service opened a new Forest Recreation Facility by the water in February, which is an inexpensive place to stay.
Due to its convenient location, the lodging has been fully booked almost every day since it opened. It is possible to make a reservation three weeks in advance, but spots are gone within 30 seconds after the rooms are listed online every Wednesday for the next seven days.
The new facility is currently forming a two-kilometer trail in the mountainous area to encourage more people to spend time in nature.
It will be open early next month.
BY LEE SUN-MIN [lee.sunmin@joongang.co.kr]
To get to Buan County, head from the Yongsan KTX station to Iksan Station. It takes about an hour and 20 minutes to arrive at the station and the county is about a 40 minute drive.
Express buses are also available from Central City Terminal in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, to Buan Bus Terminal and it takes about three hours.
From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul, to Buan it takes about three hours and 30 minutes.
The county’s upcoming Buan Masil Festival starts May 1 and lasts until May 3. The event will be held across the area, but the major activities will be offered downtown.
For more information, go to www.buanmasil.com, or call (063) 580-3931. Book a room at the Forest Recreational Facility in Byeonsan through www.huyang.bo.kr or call 1588-3250.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)