Buyeo celebrates Baekje treasures and Unesco heritage anniversary

세계유산도시 부여 - 백제가 남긴 문화유산
Fortresses, temples, ponds and stone towers from Baekje -- one of Korea's three ancient kingdoms with Goguryeo and Silla -- adorn the midwestern county of Buyeo, which is celebrating its first year on the Unesco World Cultural and Natural Heritage list.
At a ceremony on Friday marking the occasion, the governor of Buyeo vowed that the county would safeguard the sites from both natural disasters and human activity.
"Being part of UNESCO's heritage list is only the beginning. What's really important is to treasure the sites to the best of our ability."
The four sites on the Unesco list include the Gwanbuk-ri Relics and Busosanseong Fortress ,... a mud structure that the Kingdom of Baekje built on top of Busosan Mountain in 538 A.D.
The fortress played a critical role in protecting the Baekje capital of Sabi,... or present-day Buyeo.
"Leftover traces of Baekje's irrigation system and warehouse,... and coins and roof tiles found here, prove that Baekje's royal palace was located in this area."
A little farther south is Gungnamji Pond, the oldest manmade pond in Korea created in 634 A.D.
Baekje officials dug out the land just south of the royal palace, planted willow trees and placed an island in the center.

"Though not part of the Unesco list, it is well known among Koreans as a haven for over ten million lotus flowers. At this time of year,... pink and purple lotus flowers and giant lotus leaves float on the waters as curious visitors walk by."
The landscape provides a welcome respite for the many visitors, who come to appreciate the beauty of the area and fragrant blossoms.
Back in the city, there is another treasure to explore -- the Jeongnim-saji Temple Site, home to a five-story stone tower that is one of the only two left from seventh-century Baekje.
"Baekje's main temple was established here by the king to unite the people after he moved the capital to Buyeo. The stone tower records Baekje's collapse,... and was written by a general from the neighboring kingdom that invaded Baekje."
The treasures scattered around Buyeo are tied to each other through Baekje's legacy.
Visitors to Buyeo can get a bit of history, culture and nature -- all in one place.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News, Buyeo.

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