Hidden Korea: A Local’s Guide to Buyeo – Korea’s Forgotten Ancient Capital
When people think of Korea, they often imagine the vibrant streets of Seoul, the beaches of Busan, or the volcanic beauty of Jeju Island.
But as a Korean local, I want to introduce you to a different side of Korea – one that even many Koreans overlook.
Welcome to Buyeo, a small, tranquil town in Chungcheongnam-do province, once the glorious capital of the Baekje Kingdom.
In this article, I’ll show you why Buyeo is not just a historical site, but a destination where you can experience authentic Korean heritage, peaceful nature, and slow travel at its finest.
Discover Buyeo – Where Korea’s Ancient Royalty Once Lived
Buyeo was the heart of the Baekje Kingdom (18 BCE – 660 CE), one of Korea’s three ancient kingdoms.
Today, it quietly preserves its royal legacy through well-preserved ruins, serene riversides, and local traditions that date back centuries.
Unlike the crowded palaces of Seoul, Buyeo offers a calm, immersive way to explore Korea’s rich history without the tourist crowds.
Why Visit Buyeo?
- Walk among the Baekje Historic Areas, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Visit the stunning Busosanseong Fortress, perched on a cliff above the Geumgang River
- Explore Gungnamji Pond, Korea’s first artificial pond built for Baekje royalty
- Stroll through peaceful Baekje Cultural Land, a life-sized replica of the ancient capital city
Buyeo is a place where time seems to slow down.
As you wander its quiet streets, you can almost hear the whispers of ancient kings and queens.
My Local Tip: Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Buyeo
As a Korean, I’ve traveled to Buyeo many times, but my favorite experience is taking the hot air balloon ride at sunset.
This hidden gem activity lets you float above the Geumgang River and Baekje Historic Areas as the sky turns gold and pink.
It’s a magical, almost surreal experience that most foreign tourists have never heard of.
✨ Pro Tip:
The hot air balloon ride is available at Baekmagang Leisure Park, and it’s best during spring or autumn when the weather is clear and the colors of the landscape are at their most vibrant.
Escape the noise, follow the whispers of Baekje, and discover Buyeo’s hidden corners where old stones tell the stories of a kingdom lost to time.
In Buyeo, golden sunsets kiss centuries-old temples, painting the sky with the colors of forgotten kingdoms and quiet dreams.
Wander through Buyeo’s tranquil streets and feel the soft heartbeat of Korea’s royal past beneath your feet and within your soul.
Buyeo is where ancient Baekje’s spirit lingers in the breeze, inviting you to lose yourself in its serene embrace of history and nature.
Buyeo whispers tales of ancient kings along the gentle curves of the Geumgang River, where time moves slower and memories last longer.
How to Get to Buyeo from Seoul
Buyeo is surprisingly easy to reach from Seoul.
🚗 By Bus:
Take an express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Buyeo Terminal (Approx. 2 hours)
🚗 By Car:
A scenic 2-hour drive via the Seohaean Expressway
Once you arrive, you can rent a bicycle or take local shuttle buses to explore the main attractions.
Experience Korea’s Quiet Charm – Through Local Eyes
Buyeo is more than a history lesson.
It’s a place where you can experience Korea’s slower, softer, and more soulful side.
Strolling along the Geumgang River at dusk, sampling local Baekje-style dishes, and interacting with the friendly residents will show you a Korea that feels worlds away from the hustle of Seoul.
For travelers seeking authentic Korean experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and cultural immersion, Buyeo is a must-visit.
And the best part?
You’ll likely have it all to yourself.
Final Thoughts from a Korean Local
As a Korean, I find joy in sharing these hidden treasures of my country with the world.
If you want to see the Korea we locals know and love, keep following my blog for more insider guides to Korea’s best-kept secrets.
In the next article, I’ll take you to Namhae – Korea’s Coastal Tuscany, another overlooked destination that will steal your heart.
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Forget the usual places to visit in Seoul—Buyeo is Korea’s hidden gem where ancient stories meet serene landscapes and slow travel.
Looking for unique places to visit in South Korea?
Step into Buyeo, a local favorite where Baekje’s forgotten history lives on in quiet streets and riversides.
Beyond the top 10 places in Korea, Buyeo offers an experience where Korea’s ancient soul still whispers through hidden temples and golden sunsets.
Seoul is vibrant, but Buyeo is soulful.
Discover this local place in Korea where the past breathes gently and every path feels like poetry.
Hidden gems in Seoul are rare, but in Buyeo, the entire town is a hidden gem—experience Korea’s royal past away from the crowds.