Study tour to Historic places - Gongju, Donghaksa, Gapsa--Mt. Gyeryong…

The Welcome to Korea International Club (WKIC) organized a historical and cultural excursion to Gongju and the Mt. Gyeryong area in Chungcheongnam-do on Monday, May 18, 2026. The excursion took place at Gongsanseong Fortress—a representative landmark of the ancient Baekje capital of Gongju—as well as the thousand-year-old temples Donghaksa and Gapsa.

Gongsanseong Fortress is a mountain fortress constructed after Baekje relocated its capital to Ungjin (present-day Gongju) following the loss of Hanseong to an attack by King Jangsu of Goguryeo; it was known as Ungjinseong during the Baekje period. Situated along the Geumgang River, Gongsanseong served as a crucial military facility defending the Baekje royal capital, and traces of Baekje life, such as palace sites, well sites, and building foundations, remain inside the fortress. Although the current fortress walls and gates were restored during the Joseon Dynasty, it garnered significant interest from the participants as a site that vividly conveys the history and culture of Baekje.

Donghaksa, a thousand-year-old temple located on the eastern foothills of Mt. Gyeryong, houses Korea's first Buddhist monastic academy for Bhikkhunis (ordained female monks). Founded during the Silla Dynasty, it has reached the present day through multiple reconstructions and restorations. Within the temple grounds, participants could sense the historical spirit of loyalty and integrity at Sameungak Shrine, which honors the scholar Jeong Mong-ju, and Sukmojeon Shrine, which carries the story of Kim Si-seup, who entered the priesthood upon hearing about the dethronement of King Danjong. Furthermore, reflecting on the background of the famous Korean literary essay “The Road to Gapsa,” participants enjoyed a meaningful time broadening their understanding of traditional culture and history.

The final stop, Gapsa, is a prominent traditional temple located within Gyeryongsan National Park, well-known as one of the ten major temples of the Unified Silla period. Founded during the Baekje period, it remained a vital temple under royal protection until the Joseon Dynasty. After being destroyed during the Imjin War, it was rebuilt to its current state. Gapsa is a historical and cultural space where diverse cultural heritages harmoniously blend with beautiful natural surroundings, allowing participants to directly experience the depth and beauty of Korean Buddhist culture.