Busosanseong Fortress, Nakhwaam Rock, and Hwangpo Sailboat in Buyeo

 Walking Through Baekje's Last Capital: Busosanseong Fortress, Nakhwaam Rock, and Hwangpo Sailboat in Buyeo

Baekma River, Buyeo (Source: Buyeo Government)

If you are looking for a travel destination where beautiful nature and deep history coexist, Buyeo is the perfect choice. When exploring the ancient Kingdom of Baekje, it helps to understand its timeline: while Gongsanseong Fortress in Gongju represents the Ungjin period, Buyeo marks the brilliant culture of the later Sabi period, serving as the kingdom's final capital.

Today, the entire city feels like an open-air museum. Let’s take a walk through the heart of this final chapter of Baekje's history: Busosanseong Fortress, Nakhwaam Rock, and the traditional Hwangpo Sailboat.

1. Busosanseong Fortress: A Walk Through an Ancient Royal Forest

Busosanseong Fortress served as the primary defense for the Baekje Kingdom during the Sabi period (538–660 AD). Unlike stiff, imposing stone fortresses, it blends naturally with the rolling earthen mounds and surrounding pine forests.

Walking along its paths feels less like a strenuous hike and more like a peaceful stroll through an ancient royal backyard. The soft dirt paths and shading trees make it an ideal trekking course for families and couples alike.

Busosan Forest Trail (Source: Chungnam Provincial Government)

2. Nakhwaam Rock: The Tragic Beauty of Falling Flowers

Following the forest trail toward the Baekma River, you will reach a sheer cliff known as Nakhwaam Rock (literally meaning "Rock of Falling Flowers"). Perched at the very top is Baekhwaam, a small pavilion built to commemorate the tragic end of the Baekje Kingdom.

Nakhwaam Rock, Buyeo (Source: Buyeo Government)

The Story of Nakhwaam:

According to legend, when the allied forces of Silla and China's Tang Dynasty invaded the capital in 660 AD, the fall of the kingdom became inevitable. Rather than being captured and humiliated by the enemy, around 3,000 court ladies of Baekje threw themselves off this cliff into the Baengma River below. The sight of their colorful silk dresses fluttering in the wind as they fell resembled falling flower petals, which is how this cliff earned its poetic yet heartbreaking name.

3. Hwangpo Sailboat: Sailing Down the Baekma River

After descending from Nakhwaam, the best way to wrap up your tour is by boarding a Hwangpo Sailboat (a traditional yellow-sailed boat) from the nearby wharf.

Looking up at Nakhwaam Rock from the river gives you a completely different perspective on its immense scale and historical weight. The cool breeze from the river combined with the steady, gentle movement of the wooden boat makes you feel as though you have traveled back 1,400 years into the past.

Hwangpo Sailboat (Source: Buyeo Government)

4. Nearby Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary

To make your day in Buyeo complete, make sure to visit these two iconic spots located just a short drive away:

• Gungnamji Pond: Korea's first artificial royal pond, built during the Baekje Kingdom. It is famous for its beautiful willow trees and the wooden pavilion sitting in the center of the water. If you visit in July, you can witness thousands of lotus flowers blooming simultaneously.

Gungnamji Pond (Source: Buyeo Government)

• Jeongrimsa Temple Site: Home to the famous Five-Story Stone Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This pagoda is a masterpiece of Baekje architecture, showcasing a refined and elegant proportion that heavily influenced ancient Japanese temple designs.

Jeongrimsa Temple Site (Source: Buyeo Government)

How to Get There from Seoul

• By Car: It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours from downtown Seoul via the Gyeongbu Expressway and Nonsan-Cheonan Expressway.
• By Public Transport: Take an intercity bus from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal directly to Buyeo Intercity Bus Terminal (approx. 2 hours 10 minutes).

 

When people think of ancient Korean history, Gyeongju—the capital of the Silla Kingdom—often comes to mind first. However, if you truly want to understand the sophisticated, gentle, and artistic soul of Korean heritage, Buyeo is an absolute must-visit. While Gyeongju offers a grand and golden history, Buyeo greets you with the subtle, poetic, and deeply moving culture of Baekje. It is a city where every corner tells a beautiful story.