Local’s Guide to Buyeo – Korea’s Only Hot Air Balloon Over a UNESCO Heritage Site
When most travelers plan their Korea itinerary, they naturally think of Seoul, Busan, or Jeju Island.
But as a local Korean hot air balloon pilot, I always tell them – if you want to experience Korea’s hidden soul, you must look beyond the cities and step into places where history, nature, and local life still live in perfect harmony.
Welcome to Buyeo, a place I proudly call home.
And what makes Buyeo truly unique?
It’s the only place in South Korea where you can fly a hot air balloon over a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the ancient capital of the Baekje Kingdom.
Why Buyeo Is Not Just Another Historical Town
Buyeo is often overlooked by tourists, which is exactly why it’s so special.
Located in the peaceful province of Chungcheongnam-do, Buyeo is a town where locals still greet you warmly on the streets, where farmers wave to you from rice fields, and where the stories of kings and queens live on in every stone wall and temple.
While cities like Seoul offer skyscrapers and nightlife, Buyeo offers a journey into Korea’s heart, where you can:
- Wander through the Baekje Historic Areas, a UNESCO-listed site preserving Korea’s ancient past.
- Walk alongside the Geumgang River, watching the sunset reflect over gentle currents.
- Explore the Busosanseong Fortress, where the kingdom once defended its people.
- And most importantly, soar above it all in a hot air balloon, experiencing Korea’s royal history from the sky.
A Day in the Life of a Local Pilot – Sharing Buyeo’s Skies
As a Buyeo local and balloon pilot, every flight I take is more than just a job – it’s sharing my Korea with people from around the world.
When I see visitors’ faces light up as we float gently over the old kingdom walls, I know they’re seeing a Korea most tourists never do.
✨ What I love sharing as a pilot:
- The peaceful sound of the burner cutting through morning mist.
- The view of Gungnamji Pond, Korea’s oldest artificial pond, glowing under the golden sunrise.
- The ever-changing colors of Buyeo’s countryside, from pink blossoms to amber fields.
- The feeling of floating above history itself.
Visitors often tell me this is not just sightseeing – it’s an emotional connection to Korea’s quiet side, a place of stories, legends, and forgotten beauty.
Escape Seoul’s crowds and discover Buyeo hot air balloon, the ultimate off the beaten path Korea experience over a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For slow travel Korea lovers, Buyeo’s skies offer unique places to visit in South Korea where Baekje Kingdom history meets unforgettable sunrise flights.
Korea travel blog secret: Skip hidden gems in Seoul and float above Buyeo’s royal rivers for one of the most soulful experiences in Korea.
Local places in Korea like Buyeo reveal Korea’s forgotten spirit – fly above Baekje Kingdom Korea and feel the magic of history in the sky.
Buyeo hot air balloon is where UNESCO World Heritage Site Korea becomes your personal canvas, painting stories of slow, timeless experiences in Korea.
Local Tips – How to Explore Buyeo Like a Local
Buyeo is more than the balloon.
To truly experience Buyeo’s local charm, I always suggest visitors slow down and explore:
- Buyeo Traditional Market: Taste local dishes like Baekje-style grilled fish, sesame rice cakes, and handmade noodles.
- Baekje Cultural Land: Walk through an incredible life-sized replica of Baekje’s royal city.
- Sunset Cafes along the river: Enjoy a cup of Korean tea while watching the sky turn gold behind the fortress.
- Jeongnimsa Temple Site: Discover a peaceful temple ruin rarely visited by tourists.
Buyeo is a town that rewards those who take their time and open their heart to its gentle rhythm.
How to Get to Buyeo – A Local’s Easy Guide
Buyeo is surprisingly easy to reach from Seoul or Incheon.
🚍 By Express Bus from Seoul
- From Seoul Express Bus Terminal, take the direct bus to Buyeo (Approx. 2 hours).
- Taxi or walk to Baekmagang Leisure Park, our balloon launch site.
🚗 By Car
- Take the Seohaean Expressway southbound, exit at Seocheon IC, and follow signs to Buyeo.
- Enjoy the scenic 2-hour drive through Korea’s countryside.
🚍 From Incheon International Airport
- Airport Limousine to Seoul Express Bus Terminal → Buyeo bus.
✨ Pilot’s Local Tip:
Book the sunrise flight for the most magical experience, then spend the day exploring Buyeo’s quiet corners.
📍 Find Us on Google Maps
Here’s the exact location of Baekmagang Leisure Park, where I fly daily:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/백마강레저파크/@36.264183,126.912607,17z
Use “백마강레저파크” on Naver or Kakao maps for easy local navigation.
Final Words – See Korea from the Sky, Through Local Eyes
For those looking to add something truly special to their Korea travel blog or Instagram feed,
Buyeo’s hot air balloon experience is a must.
It’s more than a ride.
It’s a moment of stillness, a journey into Korea’s heart, and an unforgettable story to bring home.
If you want to see Korea through local eyes, feel Korea’s forgotten spirit, and float above its royal past,
join me in Buyeo’s sky.
