KR · South Chungcheong Province · 36.45°N 127.12°E

gongju

Baekje royal treasures, fortress walls above a river and chestnut-filled snacks.

Best time
April–May and September–October are comfortable on the fortress walls. July–August is hot and rainy; winter is quiet, but the paths can be icy.
How long
1 day, or 1 night
Getting there
Fly from KL to Seoul Incheon (about 6.5 hours). Express buses from Seoul reach Gongju in about 1.5 hours. Korea is an hour ahead of KL.
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KR · South Chungcheong Provincegongju36.45°N 127.12°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Baekje royal treasures, fortress walls above a river and chestnut-filled snacks.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingGongjuKR, South Chungcheong Province
KLgongju
≈ 4,528 km from KL, as the crow flies
City of Gongju seen from Gongsanseong Fortress, South Korea

Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Gongju was capital of the Baekje kingdom in the 5th and 6th centuries, and its royal tombs and riverside fortress are now a UNESCO site. It's small and easy, good for a day or a quiet night.

Makan

  1. Gongju bam-ppangLittle buns filled with sweet chestnut paste.Map ↗
  2. Roasted chestnutsGongju grows a big share of Korea's chestnuts, and autumn is harvest time.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. GongsanseongFortress walls along a wooded ridge above the Geum River, with gates and pavilions.Map ↗
  2. Royal Tombs of Songsan-riGrassy Baekje burial mounds, and a hall showing what King Muryeong's brick tomb looks like inside.Map ↗
  3. Gongju National MuseumThe gold crown ornaments and other treasures found in King Muryeong's tomb.Map ↗
  4. MagoksaA mountain temple in the hills nearby, one of Korea's UNESCO-listed Buddhist monasteries.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Gongju's KTX station is about 20 km out of town, so the express bus from Seoul is usually easier.
  • Buyeo, the later Baekje capital, is about 40 minutes away by bus, so the two make a good pair.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.